Talent Search Success Coach
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Western Piedmont Community College Main Campus, NC
Job Type
Full-Time Staff
Job Number
202600024
Department
Student Services
Division
Educational Talent Search
Opening Date
09/24/2026
Supplemental Information
All advertised positions are contingent upon enrollment needs and funding. All employees are paid by direct deposit. Copies of all unofficial degree transcripts, including coursework completed and degree conferred, must be provided during the on-line application process. Official transcripts are required to be forwarded to the WPCC Human Resources Office upon hire.
Posting Contact Information
For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact: Brittany Atwell, Director, Educational Talent Search Piedmont Community College (828) 448-3181 batwell@wpcc.edu
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
Job Summary
Talent Search Success Coach
Department: Student Services
Reports To: Director of Educational Talent Search
Position Type: Full-Time Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
About the Position
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is seeking a motivated, student-centered professional to serve as a Talent Search Success Coach for the federally funded TRIO Talent Search program.
TRIO Talent Search is a college access and success program that has served students through WPCC for more than 30 years. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to more than 800 eligible and potential first-generation students in grades 6-12 each year. The programs goals are to help students persist in school, graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education, and successfully complete a college degree.
Under the direction of the Director of Educational Talent Search and the Dean of Student Services, the Talent Search Success Coach provides program services and activities for approximately 400 participants in assigned schools.
The Success Coach works directly with students, families, school personnel, WPCC employees, and community partners to help students recognize their potential, prepare for postsecondary education, and access the academic, career, financial, and personal resources necessary to achieve their educational goals.
This position is 100% funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant in conjunction with Western Piedmont Community College and is contingent upon continued federal funding. The current Talent Search grant cycle began September 1, 2026.
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What Youll Do
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Identify and assist students who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
- Assess referred students and determine eligibility for participation in the TRIO Talent Search program.
- Collect and maintain appropriate academic and personal information for program participants.
- Provide required Talent Search services to participants regularly within assigned schools.
- Build supportive relationships with students and help them remain engaged in their educational and postsecondary goals.
- Maintain accurate participant records and documentation of services provided.
- Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting activities designed to achieve Talent Search program objectives.
- Support program evaluation and required recordkeeping and reporting activities.
- Encourage Talent Search participants who withdraw from public schools to reenter an appropriate secondary education program.
- Communicate with parents, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel on behalf of participants as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships between WPCC, Burke County Public Schools, and community agencies.
- Conduct annual Burke Collegiate Scholar presentations at elementary feeder schools.
- Assist with cultural, career, college, and educational exploration activities for Talent Search participants.
- Supervise and support groups of students participating in program-sponsored activities, educational opportunities, and trips.
- Operate College computer systems and maintain electronic program records and files.
- Travel regularly to assigned schools, community locations, and program activities.
- Operate a College-owned 12- or 15-passenger van when transporting Talent Search participants to approved program activities, events, and educational opportunities.
- Participate in activities that may occur outside the normal workday, including occasional evenings, weekends, extended-day programming, and overnight travel.
- Participate in professional development and other activities supporting the Talent Search program and College.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Educational Talent Search.
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Our Commitment to Student Success
At WPCC, every employee contributes to student success. The Talent Search Success Coach plays a particularly important role in helping students recognize that higher education is an achievable goal.
Employees in this position are expected to:
- Inspire students to recognize their academic potential and consider postsecondary education as an attainable next step.
- Build meaningful relationships with students and families that promote persistence, high school completion, college enrollment, and long-term educational success.
- Collaborate with school personnel, College employees, families, and community partners to connect students with appropriate resources and opportunities.
- Provide consistent, supportive, and professional service to students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
- Exercise discretion and sound judgment when working with confidential student and program information.
- Represent Western Piedmont Community College and the TRIO Talent Search program professionally in schools, on campus, and throughout the community.
Why Join WPCC?
Western Piedmont Community College is committed to transforming lives through education. We believe our employees are our greatest asset and strive to cultivate a workplace where collaboration, innovation, service, and continuous learning thrive.
As a Talent Search Success Coach, youll have the opportunity to work directly with middle and high school students as they prepare for their educational futures. Youll help students explore college and career opportunities, overcome barriers, develop confidence in their abilities, and take meaningful steps toward postsecondary education.
Youll also join a TRIO Talent Search program that has served students in the WPCC community for more than 30 years while contributing to a federally supported mission focused on expanding access to higher education.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
- Education, background, and/or training equivalent to a bachelors degree.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, school personnel, families, and external partners to promote student success.
- Ability to relate effectively to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and use computer systems and programs required for program operations.
- Ability to work flexible hours during designated programming activities, including occasional evenings, weekends, extended-day activities, and overnight travel.
- Ability to travel extensively within the Colleges service area and to program-sponsored activities.
- Valid North Carolina drivers license.
- Ability to meet College requirements for operating College vehicles, including 12- and 15-passenger vans, as applicable.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to applicants who possess one or more of the following:
- Experience working in a higher education setting, particularly in student services, advising, college access, or a related student-support role.
- Experience working with middle school or high school students.
- Experience supporting college access, career exploration, academic advising, student success, or postsecondary transition initiatives.
- Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, and community partners.
- Familiarity with TRIO, college-access programs, first-generation student initiatives, or similar federally funded student-support programs.
Special Instructions
Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or employment.
Applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Unofficial college transcripts
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the Colleges required pre-employment processes, including a criminal background check.
Benefits Overview for Full-Time Employees
As a full-time employee, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Below is a summary of the benefits offered:
Health Insurance
- Medical coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date.
- Plans are offered through the NC State Health Plan.
- Additional details and plan options are available on the NC State Health Plan website.
Retirement
- Participation in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS), a defined benefit plan.
- Employee Contribution: 6% of your salary.
- Employer Contribution: 24.04% on your behalf.
- Optional 401(k) and 457 supplemental retirement plans are available.
- For more information, review the TSERS Handbook.
Disability & Life Insurance
- Basic coverage provided through TSERS.
- Options for additional coverage available through Colonial Life and MetLife.
Supplemental Benefits
Employees may elect optional plans such as:
Dental
Vision
Cancer and Critical Illness
Teladoc and other wellness programs
Full details are available in the Benefits Guide.
Leave
- Sick leave accrues at 8 hours per month.
- Paid holidays and personal leave are provided as outlined in the Benefits Guide.
Additional Information
- Employment is at-will, consistent with North Carolina law.
- A full review of benefits and enrollment instructions will be provided during your orientation.
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Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position as listed in the posting?
Required Question
Employer Western Piedmont Community College
Address 1001 Burkemont Ave
Morganton, North Carolina, 28655
Phone 8284483126
8284483127
Website www.wpcc.edu