TRIO Mentor

The TRIO Mentor position at the University of Kansas involves providing academic and college guidance to middle and high school students, primarily in-person in Kansas City, KS. The role includes facilitating workshops, advising on college admissions, and maintaining relationships with students and families. While there are opportunities for virtual activities, most work will be conducted in-person, focusing on supporting low-income and first-generation college-going students.
Position Overview

Talent Search is a TRIO college access program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Through early intervention, this program is designed to encourage participants to remain in school, graduate from high school, and to pursue post-secondary education. Talent Search works with 932 middle and high school students in Kansas City, KS (more specifically Kansas City Kansas Public School District). Program participants are generally from low-income families and are first-generation college going students.

Only apply if you are committed to the ideals of TRIO, have high integrity, considered to be responsible and timely, can follow directions, have a willingness to learn, and can effectively connect with young students to increase their motivation, knowledge and excitement to remain in school, enroll in an institution of higher education, and obtain a post-secondary degree. The ideal candidate will present a professional demeanor and handle situations with tact and diplomacy; have excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills, accept feedback and implement change as needed. The ability to work independently, prioritize, execute multiple and continuing assignments and attention to detail are important. Overall, we are seeking high-energy, creative, team worker with great organizational skills and the ability to follow through with assignments and who can work in an office setting as well as with students.

This is a hybrid position with opportunities for virtual student activities, however, the majority of work will be in-person in Kansas City, KS.

Job Description

Student Services (65%)
• Provide effective academic, career, and college guidance to middle and high school students on relevant college access and success topics.
• Facilitate workshops, advising, and activities (out of school programming and/or during the school day, as needed) both in-person and virtually.
• Assist with college visits, STEM activities, and special events for middle and high school participants and families.
• Provide 1:1 and group advising to assist high school seniors with college admissions and scholarship applications, FAFSA and career planning.
• Maintain a working and trusting relationship with participants and their families while ensuring that they are receiving quality programming.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial aid and admissions processes including admission requirements and degree options for local colleges and universities.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by Director such as special projects, programming and activities to ensure the attainment of the program goals and objectives.
Student Record Management and Program Guidance (35%)
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information learned while completing job responsibilities.
• Monitor student participation and ensure program goals and objectives are being met using formative and summative evaluations and processes.
• Manage and maintain comprehensive and accurate records and documentation regarding participant contacts and progress and meet designated deadlines.
• Provide effective and open lines of communications with Director, program staff, secondary school personnel, and university and community partners to ensure a positive and professional work environment and effective service delivery.
• Promote and publicize the program services and assist with program.

Position Requirements

This is a hybrid temp position (e.g., for virtual student activities) however, the majority of work will be in-person in Kansas City, KS at the KU TRIO Talent Search Office, target schools and at local community partners' sites.

A valid driver's license is required as this position requires daily travel by car to the target schools/area.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree
• 1 year of related experience
• Excellent communications skills, as evidenced by application materials
• Experience with college and financial aid processes and other relevant college access resources as evidenced by application materials
• Previous experience that required establishing excellent working relationships with a variety of audiences, including youth and families, as evidenced by application materials

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:
• The University of Kansas online application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Professional References
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, June 16th, 2025. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, June 15th, 2025.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.