Project Director, Talent Search

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assists the director or other appropriate administrator in long-term planning, strategic alignment, and management oversight of academic engagement program/department.
• Participates in the strategic planning for assigned areas and assists the Director in developing and implementing the overall departmental strategic plan.
• Supervises the day-to-day activities and operations of the Talent Search Project and ensures the operations and activities are in compliance with Federal guidelines for TRIO/Talent Search Project, State guidelines and regulations, FGCU policies and procedures, and Lee County School District policies and procedures.
• Prepares and manages the annual Talent Search budget according to the U.S. Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and University policy under the supervision of the Outreach Programs Director.
• Compiles and analyzes data; prepares reports for applicable agencies including the Federal Annual Performance Review (APR); publishes and disseminates information under the supervision of the Director of Outreach Programs.
• Promotes the services and activities of the Talent Search Program.
• Oversees the dissemination of Talent Search information and maintains contact with school and community organization personnel to obtain referrals of eligible students
• Serves as a liaison with U.S. Department of Education Program Officer, Council for Opportunities in Education, Southern Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel, and Florida Association of Educational Opportunity personnel, local superintendents, principals, school counselors and teachers.
• Supervises the development and implementation of programs and workshops that meet the regulations and guidelines of the TRIO Program focusing on topics that provide opportunities for academic enrichment, interaction, financial literacy, leadership, college and career exploration, and motivation for Talent Search participants.
• Maintains confidential information such as student records, grievance issues, and personnel matters.
• Assists in the development of qualitative and quantitative goals for the Talent Search Program, oversees the collection of evaluation materials, and implements needed changes and revisions based on the evaluations.
• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff to ensure adequate staffing within budget.
• Oversees summer programs held annually on campus.
• Maintains regular contact with school districts, superintendents, principals, school counselors, and teachers in the recruiting field. Establishes relationships and collaborates with other organizations hosting TRIO programs or programs with first generation college students.
• Manages the security and accuracy of the department electronic records to meet federal education reporting requirements and compliance.
• Assists in Development, administration and analyzing of annual assessment of program. Prepares and evaluates statistical, analytical, and narrative reports to be used for decision making and program improvement.
• Participates in formulating and implementing policies and procedures.
• Ensures an inclusive, engaging, and respectful work environment.

Other Duties:

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either eight years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Master's degree from an accredited institution in Education, School Personnel, Guidance and Counseling, Human Services, or closely related field and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional, full-time experience with federal student programs, TRIO programs, or first-generation college students.
• Experience creating and managing a budget for a program.
• Experience in administration of a program serving students.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Valid driver license and the ability to travel throughout the community to schools to attend meetings or programs.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years professional, full-time experience working with programs for TRIO programs, or first-generation college students.
• Familiarity with career and college exploration and preparation for precollege students.
• Demonstrated experience working with TRIO programs; assessing program performance; hiring, supervising and conducting performance appraisal for staff.
• Experience with Banner, Workday, or similar software systems.
• Experience with Student Access for TRIO Programs.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to ensure compliance with FERPA regulations regarding student information in both electronic and paper format.
• Knowledge of best practices for student populations.
• Knowledge of budget control principles, practices, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments..
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to supervise staff, provide training, and conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Ability to initiate and coordinate programs and services, and work in a team-based environment.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to utilize data and information to make decisions and projections.
• Demonstrated ability to put the needs of the participants foremost to retain and graduate student populations.

Pay Grade 18

This is a grant funded position with anticipated refunding. Although renewal of grant is expected, position is contingent upon renewal of grant.

Applications received prior to June 6, 2025, will receive priority review.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship