Career Center

About Educational Talent Search (ETS):

Educational Talent Search at WKU is a grant-funded TRIO program funded by the Department of Education. ETS provides support, opportunities, and services to help participants succeed in their high school performance and in their higher education pursuits. ETS serves middle and high school students from low-income and first-generation households. The goal of ETS is to increase the rate participants complete high school and complete a postsecondary degree.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Focus on low-income and first-generation student populations
• Provide pre-college awareness and services to participants and their families at target schools and in their communities
• Keep detailed records of services provided and participants' eligibility, including maintaining file hardware, software and paper files of participants
• Assist with curriculum development and activity planning
• Attend professional meetings and trainings, and participate in professional organizations
• Frequent travel to target schools and professional development conferences and/or trainings
• This individual will also assist the director with other duties and grant related responsibilities as necessary

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Knowledge of educational, career and financial aid counseling.
• Knowledge of high school academic preparation, testing, and other issues affecting admittance to and retention in postsecondary institutions.
• The ability to work independently and effectively with staff, participants, parents, community partners and school personnel of diverse backgrounds and varying educational levels. 
• Strategic planning skills and the ability to collaborate with and motivate others is critical for this position.
• Demonstrate effective presentation and communication skills.
• The ability to initiate, implement and coordinate projects.
• Demonstrate computer skills to effectively conduct electronically based business, communication, record keeping, presentations, and utilization of campus resources.
• Strong desire to promote educational achievement and opportunity.
• Willing to become familiar with TRIO regulations that govern program policies and procedures.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum one year of experience in an education or community agency setting.
• Minimum one year experience working with disadvantaged students.
• Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• The ability to physically lift 30 pounds.
• The availability to work nights and weekends.

Salary Grade:  108     Salary Range:  $35,568 - $36,000

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is dependent upon funding/need.

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, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

he University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Ena Demir, who can be contacted via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

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

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About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

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