Director Educational Talent Search

The Director oversees all aspects of the federally-funded Talent Search (TS) program (as outlined in the grant), including staff supervision and management, and the development of programs focused on middle school/high school student success, graduation, and postsecondary enrollment. The Director works with key internal and external stakeholders to implement programs that support the success of TS-eligible populations, including student populations from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This is a grant-funded position. Continuation is dependent upon funding/need.

Administration & Personnel

• Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate program staff
• Manage daily operations across all target schools
• Develop and administer the annual program budget
• Maintain student records and data systems

Program & Direct Services

• Provide academic, career, and financial aid advising
• Coordinate college visits and application assistance
• Lead FAFSA workshops and financial literacy activities
• Organize tutoring, test prep, and student programming

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with TRIO and federal grant regulations
• Prepare and submit the Annual Performance Report (APR)
• Verify participant eligibility and required documentation
• Maintain audit-ready files for program reviews

Partnerships & Community Relations

• Build relationships with partner school staff and counselors
• Represent the program with colleges and community organizations
• Serve as liaison to WKU leadership and TRIO stakeholders

Job Requirements:

• Master''s degree from an accredited institution (field such as education, counseling, higher education administration, social work, or related field)
• Valid driver''s license and ability to travel to target schools; ability to work some evenings/weekends
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $58,000 - $60,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU''s Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options, is available on WKU''s Title IX website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: https://www.wku.edu/academics/

For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email employment@wku.edu.