What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Project Director position at Rhode Island College?
The Center for Scholar Development is the home to the four campus TRIO programs: Upward Bound, Student Support Services-Regular, Student Support Services-STEM, the McNair Scholars; and the college’s Preparatory Enrollment Program. The mission of the CSD department is to support educational pathways in an affirming environment for first-generation scholars in their pursuit of post-secondary success.
Primary Purpose
The Assistant Project Director, McNair Scholars Program will assist with the development and implementation of all project services, focusing on supporting underrepresented Rhode Island College students interested in pursuing graduate degrees. This position will guide scholars through their research process with faculty mentors and provide advising through the graduate school application process. The Assistant Project Director will assist the Director with the implementation and evaluation of all program services, including Summer Research Internships, Advising and Graduate School Support, Research & Scholarly Activities Opportunities, and all educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral studies.
The Assistant Project Director will assess, monitor, and document student academic and research progress, as well as utilize assessment tools to determine participant strengths and needs. They will provide individual advising and support services to McNair scholars throughout their undergraduate experience, maintain active communication with project alumni, and facilitate student progress meetings related to research and degree completion status. Additionally, they will develop and lead group meetings that are reflective and responsive to the development of college students interested in pursuing research and graduate degrees.
Essential Duties
- Assist in the implementation and management of all aspects of the McNair Scholars Program, including facilitating research opportunities, coordinating summer internships, and organizing doctoral preparation seminars.
- Support supplementary services such as financial literacy education, mentoring, and cultural enrichment activities for program participants.
- Collaborate with faculty mentors, research librarians, and campus offices to coordinate high-impact summer research internships.
- Provide comprehensive support throughout the research process, including proposal development, research execution, and presentation preparation.
- Develop and implement systems to monitor research progress and maintain regular communication with faculty mentors to ensure student success.
- Provide individualized and group advising on graduate school admissions, application strategies, GRE preparation, and identifying suitable graduate programs.
- Assist scholars in identifying graduate schools, research presentation opportunities, and summer research programs.
- Identify students’ academic and personal needs, set collaborative goals, and provide targeted services or referrals.
- Track academic progress, including GPA, credits, and degree requirements.
- Serve as a consultant to faculty, staff, and paraprofessionals regarding McNair scholars’ needs to ensure holistic student support.
- Maintain required student and program data for the Annual Performance Report (APR).
- Assist with administering stipends to scholars who successfully complete the research process.
- Lead monthly McNair meetings and collaborate with campus and community partners to share relevant information on research, graduate school, and career preparation.
- Support recruitment efforts by delivering presentations, fostering faculty connections, and partnering with the Admissions Office, student organizations, and campus advisors.
- Collaborate with campus offices and community partners to ensure McNair scholars have access to comprehensive resources and opportunities.
- Maintain a commitment to personal and professional development while advocating for first-generation and low-income students.
- Promote the McNair Scholars Program’s mission by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages academic and professional growth.
The College requires that all applicants and employees be able to perform the above essential duties of the job and will explore reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with ADA requirements. Occasional Duties
- Work non-standard hours as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director, McNair Scholars Program.
- Knowledge, understanding, and sensitivity to issues concerning low-income, first-generation students.
- Familiarity with graduate school admissions, the research process, and first-generation college student success.
- Knowledge of the graduate school application process and strategies to obtain funding and/or scholarships .
- Demonstrated competency in contemporary computer software use.
- Ability to work non-standard hours as needed.
- Master’s degree in education, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field.
- A minimum of two years of experience in similar work settings and with similar populations, as well as professional experience providing support and individual advising to undergraduate student populations.
- Bilingual
The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.
