Job Description
Posting Summary
Working Title
Talent Search Advisor
Role Title
Education Support Spec III
Role Code
29144-SW
FLSA
Nonexempt
Pay Band
04
Position Number
287W0147
Agency
Mountain Gateway Community College
Division
Mountain Gateway Community College (Div)
Work Location
Alleghany - 005
Hiring Range
$21.25 an hour
Emergency/Essential Personnel
No
EEO Category
5-Paraprofessionals
Full Time or Part Time
Part Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
Work Schedule
TBD
Sensitive Position
No
Job Description
Mountain Gateway Community College ( MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The college is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia; the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington; and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual. The college strives to keep programs and services financially and geographically accessible for all students. Credit and non-credit courses are offered to meet life-long learning needs. On-site and distance learning options incorporate up-to-date technologies.
We are seeking a dedicated Talent Search Advisor to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for building strong relationships with students, school staff, and community partners to support students’ academic and career development. This role involves traveling to target schools, conducting workshops, facilitating college and financial aid processes, and maintaining detailed records.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Travel to target schools and establish effective working relationships with students, school counselors, administrators, teachers, and staff in target schools; recruit and regularly communicate effectively in person, in writing, and using technology with all clients; plan and conduct regular group meetings for all participants in grades 6-12; conduct workshops in study skills improvement, career exploration, financial literacy, college exploration and standardized testing; assist students with the entire college application process; etc.
- Schedule group information sessions and individual appointments to assist students and their parents in preparing all necessary financial aid applications and interpreting financial aid offers. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and procedures.
- Contact colleges to arrange group and individual college visitations, arrange and provide transportation, sign up students, conduct college tours as necessary.
- Obtain speakers, assist in hospitality arrangements, arrange for fair sites, arrange for transportation of students as necessary, and assist with tours and/or presentations.
- Enter new student demographic information in database. Maintain educational history, financial status and basis for selection/assessment forms for each participant, counseling logs, group counseling reports, tutoring logs, and field trip records. Keep all records up to date. Run reports as requested.
- Demonstrate a professional and cordial attitude in all actions and communications with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- Participate in professional development opportunities.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
- Knowledge of academic advising and college, career, financial aid, economic literacy activities, and related services. ·
- Ability to effectively maintain a caseload of Participants and provide services on their Individual Academic and Service Plans and document services provided to assigned Participants.
- Ability to use technology and online platforms/services.
- Bachelor’s degree required
Additional Considerations
Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, higher education administration, or an appropriate field related to Project objectives. · Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working for a TRIO federal program or similar related program/project serving low-income and potential first-generation college students (grades 6-12). · Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting Project Participants.
Operation of a State Vehicle
No
Supervises Employees
No
Required Travel
TBD
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
WGE_3264P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
07/01/2026
Job Close Date
07/22/2026
Open Until Filled
Agency Website
www.mgcc.edu/jobs
Contact Name
Email
Phone Number
Special Instructions to Applicants
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their
AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (
DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (
DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the
AHP if they also provide an
AHP Letter. To request an
AHP Letter, use this link:
https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call
DARS at 800-552-5019, or
DBVI at 800-622-2155
Additional Information
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System ( VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System ( VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts ( ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/97793
