Director, Educational Talent Search

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906 WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16293 students and nearly 2612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students faculty and staff to become effective scholars contributors and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville TN and just over 100 miles south of Louisville KY WKUs main campus is in Bowling Green KY - a city with approximately 70000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKUs strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays vacation and sick leave and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at Description:

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 thesuccess of TS-eligible populations including student populations from lower socio-economic 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

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

Salary Range: $58000 - $60000

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 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 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKUs Discrimination and Harassment Policy No. 0.2040 and/or WKUs 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 WKUs Title IX website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: information related to job postings application status or the hiring process please email.

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.