Employment Opportunities at ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

1. Supervise Talent Search staff

2. Manage the budget

3. Facilitate public relations

4. Compile and analyze data

5. Advise enrolled students

6. Manage the grant writing renewal process

7. Interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations from the Department of Education

8. Plan and implement program components

1. Supervise the Talent Search staff

   1. Direct periodic staff meetings and administer in-service training sessions. 

   2. Manage all time-off and scheduling requests.

   3. Model professional behavior for all Talent Search staff.

   4. Supervise, monitor and evaluate all program services.

2. Manage the budget

   1. Develop and maintain a budget aligned with the federal grant guidelines.

   2. Assure that grant funds are only spent on allowable costs.

   3. Keep records of all expenditures and drawdowns for the grant.

3. Facilitate public relations

   1. Attend local and state educational and professional conferences, as well as Department of Education-sponsored meetings; report pertinent information changes, such as eligibility requirements, that pertains to the program to superiors and Talent Search staff.

   2. Serve as program liaison between Abilene Christian University, Abilene Independent School District, students and their parents, the community of Abilene, and Department of Education program managers.

   3. Market and promote the program.

4. Compile and Analyze data

   1. Develop and maintain records of all students in accordance with federal guidelines.

   2. Ensure accurate information for all students in the program.

   3. Document student eligibility program files as required by Federal Guidelines.

   4. Assure the accuracy of the Annual Performance Report and upload it to the Federal government.

   5. Ensure compliance regarding the physical and educational requirements of all students.

  E. Advise enrolled students

1. Advise students regarding career paths and area of post-secondary study.
2. Advise students regarding college applications and entrance requirements.
3. Advise eligible students regarding financial aid assistance, including FAFSA, grants, loans, and scholarships.

F. Manage grant writing renewal process

1. Manage all facets of the Department of Education grant process, including timelines and guidelines.
2. Interpret and answer the required questions in the request for proposal.
3. Write the grant in a timely manner and ensure that all information is correct.

G. Interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations from the Department of Education.

1. Read, interpret, and communicate Code of Federal Regulations portions that pertain to the Talent Search program.

2. Read, interpret, and communicate the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars that pertain to the Talent Search program.

3. Understand the difference between allowable costs and unallowable costs per the Department of Education regulations.

H. Plan and implement program components

1. Recruit qualified students into the program.

2. Write and direct the curriculum that guides the training the students receive.

3. Plan and implement outside-school activities, including college tours, service workdays, parent meetings, and cultural experiences.

1. Ability to understand, implement, and supervise positive management techniques.
2. A basic understanding of the technical components available to develop and maintain proper records of students and staff activities.
3. A willingness to learn best practices and incorporate them into the Talent Search program.
4. Ability to use database applications and the Microsoft Office and G Suite Software.

A. Professional

1. Master's Degree preferred, especially in one or more of the following areas: Counseling and Guidance, Human Resources Management, Education, and/or Psychology.

2. Knowledge and skills appropriate for serving disadvantaged students.

3. Knowledge of counseling processes and techniques, student financial aid, and basic academic needs of disadvantaged students.

4. 3+ years’ experience with low income disadvantaged persons, handicapped, and/or minority students.

5. Demonstrates ability to manage and direct a program, especially one that emphasizes assistance to disadvantaged students.

6. Teaching experience is preferred.

7. Supervisory skills are necessary.

B. Personal: The director of Talent Search needs to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

2. Maintain a positive work and learning environment.

3. Communicate clearly and respectfully in both small- and large-group settings.

4. Maintain and support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University.

1. Sitting for extended periods of time.
2. Looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time.
3. Ability to lift 25+ pounds.
4. Ability to travel at least 30% per year.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.