McNair Scholars Program Assistant Director

McNair Scholars Program Assistant Director

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

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Review of applications will begin on April 6, 2026, and will continue until the position closes on April 17, 2026.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
The Assistant Director (AD) works in partnership 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 responsibilities are to coordinate recruitment efforts, maintain active scholar and alumni records, plan events, programs, and workshops, and develop strategic communications that support the program's goals. The AD is also responsible for assisting with teaching scholars about the research process (GRD 450 and GRD 452). In this capacity, the AD works directly with scholars to assess and monitor their academic needs, performance, and completion of their McNair research projects by conducting structured scholar check-ins each semester. This AD is also responsible for educating scholars about the requirements for successful admission into graduate school (GRD 451). The AD facilitates graduate school visits and programs that expose scholars to the full scope of the graduate student experience. The AD also manages the program’s graduate assistant(s), administering tasks and directing their professional development. 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 serve as the director's stand-in as needed.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates classroom visits, participates in campus wide events, develops recruitment activities, assists with interviews and scholar selection, and initiates interdepartmental collaboration.
• Maintains the program website, updates and revises communication materials, develops and manages a social media content calendar, curates content, distributes communication across multiple channels, and utilizes content management tools such as Canva.
• Builds and maintains the program’s records management system, including organizing files and collecting documentation related to student eligibility, academic progress, and key administrative records. Administers alumni surveys to support Annual Performance Report data collection, develops and maintains the scholar handbook, assists with maintaining the faculty mentor handbook, and ensures confidentiality of student records.
• Builds and maintains the program’s records management system, including organizing files and collecting documentation related to student eligibility, academic progress, and key administrative records. Administers alumni surveys to support Annual Performance Report data collection, develops and maintains the scholar handbook, assists with maintaining the faculty mentor handbook, and ensures confidentiality of student records.
• Assists with teaching GRD 450 and GRD 452 courses, which introduce scholars to the research process including topic selection, proposal design, literature review development, Institutional Review Board navigation, data collection and analysis, and academic writing. May assume teaching responsibilities for these courses upon completion of appropriate training and teaches GRD 451, a summer course focused on graduate school preparation, including funding, personal statements, financial literacy, and Graduate Record Examination preparation.
• Supervises McNair graduate assistants and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in communication, education, or other field relevant to program objectives; Three (3) years of experience working with underrepresented students in an education setting, or experience in counseling, coordinating programs, teaching, tutoring, or remedial teaching.Three (3) years of experience in either student recruitment, public relations, marketing, or strategic communication.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office, taking photos and creating videos, website management, graphic design, social media platforms, Canvas LMS, content creation tools (e.g., Canva), and the ability to learn new software applications.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Knowledge of and the ability to communicate the expectations of graduate school admission and progression.
• Proficiency in public speaking, social media marketing, and content design.
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends to facilitate service delivery
• Ability to travel for conferences, graduate school visits, and professional development opportunities
• Knowledge of the academic, economic, social, and cultural needs of underrepresented students (first-generation, income-eligible, and racially minoritized groups). Familiar with teaching methods proven effective in serving the needs of underrepresented students.
• Organized and able to manage multiple concurrent projects with optimal outcomes.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills: collaborative team player who effectively engages and interacts with undergraduate students, service delivery facilitators, and other campus constituents.

Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience as a McNair Program staff member or a McNair Program alumnus. Five (5) years of experience in marketing, communication, conducting research, 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.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.