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Educational Talent Search Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Middle School Adviser

Hampton, VA · On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

Educational Talent Search Opening Date: 08/01/2025 Description Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federal TRIO Program funded through the U. S. Department of Education to provide academic, career ...

TRIO Talent Search Advisor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17.79 - $20.67/hr

Position Summary The TRIO Talent Search Advisor is responsible in delivering program and services ... A Bachelor's degree in Education, or related field that provides the required knowledge, skills ...

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Educational Talent Search information

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$24K

$37.5K

$59K

How much do educational talent search jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for educational talent search in the United States is $37,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $36,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Educational Talent Search Advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Educational Talent Search Advisor, you need a background in education or counseling, experience working with diverse student populations, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, database management, and federal TRIO program regulations is important. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to motivate and mentor students are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to effectively guide students toward postsecondary success and meet program objectives.

What is Educational Talent Search?

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally funded program that helps middle and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education. ETS provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Services often include tutoring, college application assistance, SAT/ACT preparation, and guidance on financial aid and scholarships. The program aims to increase the number of youth from low-income families who complete high school and enroll in college.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Educational Talent Search programs?

Professionals in Educational Talent Search programs often face the challenge of engaging and motivating students from diverse backgrounds who may have limited access to academic resources or support at home. Balancing administrative responsibilities, such as tracking student progress and meeting federal reporting requirements, with providing personalized guidance can also be demanding. Additionally, building trust with students and their families, and coordinating with schools and community organizations, requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. Despite these challenges, the role is highly rewarding as it contributes to improving educational outcomes for underrepresented students.

What is the difference between Educational Talent Search vs College Advisor?

AspectEducational Talent SearchCollege Advisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree often required; some positions prefer a master's in education or counseling
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, outreach programsHigh schools, colleges, university settings
Employer & IndustryFederal programs, educational nonprofits, schoolsEducational institutions, college counseling centers
Primary FocusIdentifying and assisting students from underserved backgrounds to pursue post-secondary educationGuiding students through college selection, application, and financial aid processes

While both roles focus on supporting students' educational goals, Educational Talent Search primarily targets outreach and recruitment for underserved students, whereas College Advisors provide direct guidance on college planning and admissions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service for student support.

More about Educational Talent Search jobs
What cities are hiring for Educational Talent Search jobs? Cities with the most Educational Talent Search job openings:
What states have the most Educational Talent Search jobs? States with the most job openings for Educational Talent Search jobs include:
Infographic showing various Educational Talent Search job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,490 per year, or $18 per hour.
Educational Talent Search Program Director (SSM I) #2692

Educational Talent Search Program Director (SSM I) #2692

State of South Carolina

Charleston, SC • On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities The Division of Student Engagement and Success is seeking an Educational Talent Search (ETS) Director to provide leadership and oversight for a federally funded TRIO program that identifies, motivates, and prepares eligible middle and high school students for success in postsecondary education. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, this position is responsible for the administration, planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of all aspects of the Educational Talent Search Program while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, grant requirements, and institutional policies. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Providing strategic leadership and management of the Educational Talent Search Program, including program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Ensuring compliance with federal TRIO regulations, grant assurances, reporting requirements, and institutional policies. Supervising, mentoring, training, and evaluating program staff while fostering a collaborative and student-centered work environment. Managing program budgets, monitoring expenditures, and overseeing grant-funded resources to ensure achievement of program goals and objectives.

Developing and implementing participant recruitment, retention, and college readiness initiatives designed to support student success and postsecondary enrollment. Delivering college and career readiness services through workshops, group sessions, individual advising, college visits, and other educational enrichment activities. Assisting participants with academic planning, college admissions processes, financial aid and scholarship applications, career exploration, and postsecondary transition planning.

Building and maintaining collaborative partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, community agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to support program initiatives and participant success. Monitoring progress toward annual performance objectives and utilizing data to assess program effectiveness, improve outcomes, and ensure compliance with grant requirements. Maintaining accurate records; collecting, analyzing, and reporting program data; and preparing required federal, institutional, and grant reports.

Serving as a liaison between the Educational Talent Search Program, partner schools, community agencies, institutions of higher education, and the college. Collaborating with other TRIO program directors and Student Engagement and Success leadership to advance student success initiatives. Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements Minimum State Qualification: This position requires a bachelor's degree and experience in student services programs. Preferred Program Requirements: In addition to meeting the state's minimum qualifications, applicants must also meet the requirements. Master's degree in counseling, education, educational administration, or a closely related field and related work experience Experience working with first-generation, low-income, or underserved youth.

Experience working with federally funded TRIO or other grant-funded college access and student support programs. Experience working with K-12 students, particularly first-generation college-bound or underserved populations. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities: Knowledge of TRIO programs, college access initiatives, student development practices, and postsecondary success strategies.

Experience with program administration, strategic planning, budget development, fiscal management, and grant compliance. Ability to supervise, mentor, coach, and develop professional staff. Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.

Excellent customer service, written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, school personnel, community partners, college stakeholders, and funding agencies. Experience collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data to support program effectiveness, continuous improvement, and compliance objectives.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, database management systems, and technology used to support student services programs. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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