Associate Director- McNair Program

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

This position is administered through the Graduate School, which is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures every student can thrive intellectually, socially, and culturally.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Administration 

Sub-Family - Program Coordination

Career Track / Level - P3

Grade - 10

Role Summary

This position manages the day-to-day management of the McNair program, a federally funded, educational program designed to encourage and adequately prepare college students for doctoral study. The incumbent is responsible for processing program applications with students and faculty in the participating institutions; identifying, recruiting and selecting eligible students for participation in the program. This position ensures compliance with federal, state and institutional program guidelines and goals; coordinates workshops and a summer program for the professional development of McNair scholars; participates in grant administration of budget and expenditures; and monitors student and program progress in order to determine program effectiveness. The associate director will also assist in proposal preparations.

Examples of Work Performed

• Manages and develops programs for the participating institutions; provides on-site direction and support to campus liaisons; coordinates the activities of students and faculty in the implementation of program goals; and coordinates the assignment and distribution of equipment, supplies and other resources needed for program implementation.
• Recruits and selects students to participate in the program (criteria for eligibility: low income, first generation college students, and students from under represented groups with appropriate portion of students in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering); develops screening strategies and selection criteria; designs and disseminates brochures and flyers, advertising recruitment activities,
  and selection procedures; participates in the decision making process for selection.
• Participates in the implementation of year-round workshops and other activities designed to encourage doctoral study; liaisons with participating institutions to determine feasibility; provides necessary resources which may include contracting out appropriate presenters; and monitors and evaluates workshop's effectiveness.
• Develops and implements a 6-8 week summer program for participants encompassing individually-tailored career and needs assessment, skills development, counseling, and research experiences; coordinates the provision of computer and writing workshops; develops strategies and reviews guidelines for appropriate classes and workshops; assigns faculty mentors to guide students in their discipline; monitors and reviews effectiveness of faculty mentors and program.
• Provides on-site direction and support to participants and other key personnel. Serves as a communication-link with student and faculty program participants via e-mail, telephone, conferences, workshops, newsletters, and computer bulletin board in order to establish and maintain contact and support.
• Manages the planning and implementation of support services to aid to McNair scholars in obtaining advanced degrees. 
• Makes provision for tutorial, counseling, and assessment services to aid students in obtaining advanced degrees; develops strategies and guidelines for assessing academic and personal needs.
  Assists the Director in fiscal management and administration of grant and contract funds, and in the general allocation of resources, in conjunction with project directing; provides technical writing and budget reporting as required. 
• Performs budget analyses, expense tracking, and reporting to federal agencies.
• Develops and maintains a database system that tracks and monitors participants' progress toward post baccalaureate enrollment; supervises the maintenance of a centralized filing system that houses records of McNair's participants; tracks participants throughout their career and submits reports regarding the effectiveness of the program.
• Keeps abreast of changing federal regulations regarding program requirements and expectations. 
• Interprets and implements federal regulations to ensure compliance with program mandates.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required. 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Develops and oversees program plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring that programs are developed and implemented on time and within budget.
2. Collaborates with faculty and other stakeholders to develop and refine academic program content.
3. Manages program-related data and records, including student records, accreditation reports, and program evaluations, leveraging data to drive continuous improvement in program quality and effectiveness.
4. Leads program marketing and recruitment efforts, working with marketing and communications staff to develop and implement marketing campaigns and recruitment strategies.
5. Serves as a liaison between the program and other departments and stakeholders within the University to ensure effective coordination and alignment of program goals and objectives with broader institutional priorities and strategic plans.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (6) Six Years Experience

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.