| Job Description Summary | Michigan Technological University’s McNair Scholars Program is seeking an Assistant Director to support the Director of the program, who is also the Director for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion with staff management and coordination to optimize the undergraduate research experiences of historically underserved and underrepresented students along with their transition to a graduate degree program. This highly visible position reports directly to the McNair Scholars Program Director and provides front line office support, management, and supervision in the absence of the McNair Director. |
| Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned) | 1. Support the McNair Scholars Program Director in leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the office such as developing optimal student-centered services and activities; departmental policies and procedures; student tracking processes; and internal and external communication management.
2. Support the Director in providing front line office support and management, including supervision of coordinator(s) in the absence of the Director.
3. Support the Director in executing the grant objectives, office vision and mission, utilizing best practices that will optimize the undergraduate research experiences of historically underserved and underrepresented students along with their transition to a graduate degree program.
4. Manage and execute the McNair Scholars Program’s responsibilities that include recruitment of students who meet the requirements; supervising the graduate student tutor(s); collaborating with faculty and community college partners; and maintaining documentation and databases for the purpose of monitoring McNair students’ academic performance, retention, graduation, and transition to graduate school.
5. Provide direct, individual, holistic mentoring support for students as well as assist in developing focused workshops within the office that enhance students’ academic skill-building, transition to graduate school, and personal and professional development.
6. Plan all program functions including undergraduate research conference and poster sessions, organizational semesterly meetings of Scholars, visits to graduate school
7. Build positive relationships with students, staff, student organizations, academic and administrative units, external agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance visibility, reputation, and interdepartmental collaboration for the McNair Scholars Program
8. Develop, implement, and coordinate initiatives that complement and enrich the academic experience, promote identity explorations, and enhance a sense of belonging for students.
9. Maintain communications with MTU McNair Alumni.
10. Participate in collection of quantitative and qualitative data for program evaluation and assist with preparation of annual performance reports and grant renewals.
11. Maintain a historical database of all program participants.
12. Support the Director in promoting culturally- and equity-responsive initiatives among a wide range of members of the University community to optimize the climate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and sense of belonging (DEIS).
13. Work a nontraditional schedule that at times may include some weekends and evenings due to the student-centered focus of the department.
14. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
15. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
16. Other duties as assigned. |
| Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements) | • Master’s degree in any field |
| Required Experience (minimum requirements) | • Three years of job-related experience with increasing responsibility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated successful experiences in:
• Identifying, establishing, and evaluating program goals
• Fostering positive interdepartmental collaboration
• Compiling reports on program activities and services
• Managing multiple ongoing projects
• Working with a culturally diverse student body and staff with a commitment to fostering DEIS |
| Desirable Education and/or Experience | • Experience with grant program evaluation and outcome reporting
• Experience working with postsecondary students and coordinating student affairs related programs
• Experience creating print and digital promotional materials
• Experience developing and managing recruitment and/or retention-based programs for historically underserved and underrepresented students |
| Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements) | • Demonstrate significant experience advising or teaching students from groups underrepresented in postsecondary education
• Demonstrate a history of research experience
• Demonstrated exemplary written, verbal, and presentation skills, including proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software, preferably Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse constituent groups (e.g., faculty, staff, and students)
• Demonstrated ability to use judgment when dealing with confidential information
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment |
| Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities | • Excellent written and oral communication skills and technology skills to develop and maintain online student tracking systems and maintain the website.
• Knowledge of federal grant policies and university financial policies and practices preferred.
• Management of databases, websites, student tracking systems, and social media
• Demonstrated ability to creatively plan, organize, and execute events |
| Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment | Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department. Required University Training: -
Employee Safety Overview -
Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training -
Annual Data Security Training - Annual Title IX Training
Required Departmental Training: • May require TRIO training
Background Check: Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed. Other Conditions of Employment: The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. Visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. This is not an E-Verified Position. Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities |
| Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%) | 1.00 |
| FLSA Status | Exempt |
| Pay Rate/Salary | Negotiable. No less than $50,000. |
| Title of Position Supervisor | Director |
| Posting Type | Internal & External Posting |
| Dependent on Funding | Yes |
| Additional Information | The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded TRIO program aimed to help first-generation low-income and underrepresented minority students gain valuable undergraduate research experience so that they can pursue and ultimately obtain a terminal degree in the field of their choice.
For general information on the program click here: https://mcnairscholars.com/ |
