College Mentor

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).

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, attention to detail, and complete tasks in a timely manner are important.

The schedule and number of hours per week will be determined at time of hire based on individual preference and needs of the program.

KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

Job Description

Student Services (70%)

• Provide 1:1 college and career advising to middle and high school students, including graduating high school seniors (phone, virtual, in-person)
• Assist staff with family workshops and summer programming (i.e., campus visits, STEM-related activities, career-focused field trips)

Student Records Management and Office Tasks (30%)

• Maintain accurate student advising logs and timely record keeping
• Perform general office tasks in preparation of programming and activities
• Provide effective lines of communications with Director

Position Requirements

The position will work in Kansas City, KS at the Talent Search Office (in-person) and at various locations for events, as needed.

Required Qualifications

1. Current college student status, including graduate student status, or earned Bachelor's degree
2. Demonstrated excellent written and interpersonal communications skills, as evidenced by application materials
3. Experience working with youth, as evidenced by application materials

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prior experience working with TRIO or similar programs or TRIO alum status
2. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail as evidenced in application materials
3. Experience working both independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment

Contact Information to Applicants

Emails only to TRIO-TalentSearch@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

1. The University of Kansas online application
2. A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
3. A Resume or CV
4. Contact information for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Thursday, March 5th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Advertised Salary Range
$18.00-$19.00/hour

Application Review Begins
05-Mar-2026

Anticipated Start Date
18-May-2026

Primary Campus
Kansas City, Kansas

FTE
0.50

Reg/Temp
Temporary

FLSA Status
Nonexempt

Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Location Assignment
On-Site