What are the responsibilities and job description for the McNair Scholars Program Director position at usm?
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 McNair Research Design course 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
