McNair Scholars Program Director

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of McNair Scholars Program Director.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Graduate School

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Pay Grade

E11

Posting Close Date February 15, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

The Graduate School at the University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for a Director of the McNair Scholars Program. Interested candidates should provide a cover letter, current CV/resume, and the contact information of three professional references to be considered for this position. All materials should be be submitted through jobs.usm.edu.

The committee will begin reviewing applications in the system on February 7, 2025. All questions concerning the position should be directed to Dr. Katie Anthony (kathryn.anthony@usm.edu), Dean of the Graduate School.

Job Summary

The McNair Scholars Director provides leadership and hands-on management of the McNair Scholars Program, a U.S. Department of Education-funded TRIO program which aims to prepare underrepresented or first-generation/low-income undergraduate students for entry into graduate school with the goal of earning a doctorate and ultimately entering an academic career. The director ensures the goals and objectives articulated in the funded grant application (which include coursework, mentored research and research presentations, graduate program site visits, and cultural activities) are completed and that data are efficiently collected, assessed, and reported. The director works closely with students, encouraging progress on research, assignments, and final presentations. The director oversees recruiting and selection of each new cohort of Scholars.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizes and implements McNair Program activities ensuring that goals and objectives of the program are fulfilled; tracks and assesses program activities and student outcomes according to approved criteria; maintains accurate data and submits annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE); prepares grant application for program renewal when needed (5-year cycle)

• Oversees McNair publicity, marketing, and recruitment via print, social media, and in person events; coordinates the selection of participants, including reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and verifying eligibility based on demographic and financial characteristics

• Manages hiring, training, and supervision of McNair staff; authorizes McNair expenditures

• Serves as primary instructor for the GRD 450 McNairResearch Designcourse and oversees the design and instruction of the GRD 451 McNair Graduate School Preparation course in conjunction with the McNair Scholars Assistant Director.

• Coordinates faculty mentorship of Scholars’ research projects; leads or assists with planning of annual research conference; coordinates activities with internal and external support services

• Serves as instructor of record for summer internship classes; prepares project reports for distribution to administrators, faculty, and staff

• Maintains confidentiality with student records

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education administration, school counseling, other relevant fields, or a STEM discipline.Five years of experience in higher education and/or college-level teaching, with a proven track record of effectively serving the needs of underrepresented students.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of graduate school admission processes and expectations of graduate school.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Canvas and the ability to learn new software applications.

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally whether in person or via email or telephone.

• Ability to give presentations to groups via face-to-face or virtual modalities.

• Organized and able to multi-task to manage a variety of activities simultaneously with an excellent outcome.

• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills.

• A collaborative team player who effectively engages and interacts with others.

• Ability to engage undergraduate students.

• Demonstrated commitment to the project goals through previous professional achievements.

• Ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented students.

• Knowledge of the academic, economic, social, and cultural needs of underrepresented students.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. and administrative experience in programs designed for disadvantaged students . Experience conducting research and writing grants.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.