Assistant Director McNair Scholars Program

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

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

E08

Posting Close Date Open until filled

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director (AD) works with the director to develop, coordinate, and implement all aspects of the McNair program and is in direct contact with McNair Scholars. The Assistant Director’s primary responsibility is coordinating recruitment efforts and assisting in developing strategic communication to support the program’s goal. The AD is also responsible for teaching scholars about the research process (GRD 450). In this capacity, the AD works directly with scholars to assess and monitor their academic needs and performance and direct the completion of their McNair research projects. This AD is also responsible for educating scholars about the requirements for successful admission into graduate school (GRD 451). Along with teaching GRD 451, the AD coordinates graduate school visits, group travel, and student conference travel. The AD establishes continuous contact with McNair alumni and maintains long-term records to assist the Director with the Program’s Annual Performance Report (APR) and the grant renewal process. The AD has the leadership skills, knowledge, and capacity to support the director as needed.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruitment efforts: Coordinates classroom visits, participates in campus-wide events, creates recruitment activities, assists with interviewing and selecting scholars, coordinates interdepartmental collaboration

• Strategic communication: Maintains website, updates and revises communication materials develops social media content calendar, curates content, distributes communication to various channels, utilizes content management tools like Canva and Sprout Social

• Records management: Builds the program’s file plan system and maintains records documenting students’ eligibility status,academic progress, and essential administrative files. Administers alumni surveys to collect and file data to aid APR. Enter data in a software management system (Blumen). Develops and maintains scholar and faculty mentor handbooks.

• Programs and activities: Organizes cultural activities, event planning, team building exercises, induction ceremony, workshops, graduate school visits, guest lectures, Black History Month Programming, McNair Annual Symposium, McNair conferences, and interdepartmental collaboration.

• Teaching: The AD teaches GRD 451, a summer course that guides students in completing the McNair research projects while administering GRE preparation. The AD also teaches students about the graduate admission process (securing funding, personal statements, financial literacy etc.)

• Performs other duties as assigned.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of a master’s degree in communication, education, or other field relevant to program objectives; at least three years of experience working with underrepresented students in an education setting or experience in counseling, coordinating programs, teaching, tutoring, or remedial teaching. Experience in either student recruitment, public relations, marketing, or strategic communication. Proficiency in public speaking, social media marketing, and content design.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA):

• Technology: Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office, taking photos and creating videos, website management, graphic design, social media platforms, Canvas, content creation tools like Canva, and learning new software applications.

• Communication: Excellent English skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Knowledge and ability to communicate the expectations of graduate school admission and progression.

• Cultural Awareness: Knowledge of the academic, economic, social, and cultural needs of underrepresented students (first-generation, income-eligible, and racial minorities). Familiar with teaching methods proven effective in serving the needs of underrepresented students.

• Organization: Organized and able to multi-task to manage various activities simultaneously with excellent outcomes.

• Relationship Management: Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills. A collaborative team player who effectively engages and interacts with others. Ability to engage undergraduate students.

• Travel Coordination:

Works closely with USM Procurement and Contract Services to coordinate and arrange group, student, and conference travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior experience as a McNair Program staff member or a McNair Program alumnus. Experience in marketing, communication, and or recruitment is highly desirable.

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.