Assistant Director for Educational Access Talent Search Program

The Assistant Director for Educational Access provides leadership for Talent Search services designed to support out of school youth and young adults ages 18 to 27 in achieving their educational and career goals. Develops and coordinates comprehensive educational access services that promote GED completion, postsecondary enrollment, workforce training, career readiness, and long-term economic mobility. 

Collaborates with community organizations, employers, adult education providers, workforce agencies, and colleges to expand educational and career opportunities for eligible low income and first-generation participants while ensuring compliance with federal TRIO Talent Search regulations.

Essential Functions

• Recruit eligible low income and first-generation young adults into the Talent Search program and provide individualized educational planning, career coaching, and career readiness services. Help participants identify career pathways aligned with their interests, skills, and labor market opportunities while supporting their goals for postsecondary education and employment.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with adult education providers, workforce development agencies, community colleges, universities, employers, nonprofit organizations, and social service agencies. Connect participants with internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, workforce certification programs, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Assist participants with GED enrollment and completion, adult basic education, English language learning referrals, workforce certifications, apprenticeships, and vocational training opportunities.
• Develop and implement program goals, objectives, and activities that address the educational needs of adult learners. Guide participants through college admissions, financial aid, FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and postsecondary enrollment processes.
• Provide case management and ongoing follow up to support participant persistence and achievement. Maintain confidential participant records and document services in accordance with federal regulations and institutional requirements.
• Assist the Director with the daily administration and operation of the Talent Search program, including activities related to grant objectives, data collection, federal compliance, institutional policies, grant requirements, workshops, college visits, summer programming, and special projects.
• Contribute to Student Success divisional initiatives that support the persistence, retention, and overall success of Creighton students as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, social work, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with college access, TRIO, GEAR UP, Upward Bound, educational outreach, or similar programs.
• Experience working with low income, first generation, and underrepresented student populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and career planning.
• Experience with program coordination, data management, and federal grant compliance preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and student information systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly to target schools and program events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of educational equity, college access, and student development principles.
• Strong leadership, problem solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to analyze program data and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, families, educators, employers, and community partners.
• Commitment to serving diverse populations and expanding educational and career opportunities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.