Northern State University seeks applications for the position of Director, TRIO McNair.
The Director will manage and oversee services provided to students enrolled in NSU’s TRIO Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which empowers students to pursue graduate studies by providing outstanding support and resources that encourage students’ personal, academic, and professional achievement.
In this rewarding position, the Director will work as a team with a small cohort of undergraduate students. Project services aim to help program participants explore, prepare, and enroll in graduate studies.
Position Description
The Director will oversee Northern State University’s McNair Program, including curriculum design, participant recruitment, program evaluation, and project management. The Director is responsible for daily tasks associated with the McNair program and will:
- Develop and implement processes and programs to engage McNair participants in graduate school research, preparation, exploration, financial literacy, and admission.
- Assess required and permissible project services to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Monitor student participation and academic progress.
- Manage the faculty mentor program, and student research and internship opportunities. Assist scholars in applying and presenting at scholarly conferences.
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate project staff.
- Maintain a close working relationship with on-campus offices such as Enrollment Management, Residence Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, the Student Success Center, Honors, and others.
- Maintain participant and other program files in adherence to the record-keeping policy and program regulations.
- Facilitate educational and other relevant programming. Develop and host an annual McNair summer institute and orientation program for student participants, and other educational opportunities to help prepare students for doctoral studies. Coordinate scholarly trips and graduate school visits for participants.
- Manage the McNair grant budget, adhere to all fiscal and programming regulations, and follow institutional protocols regarding purchases and budget management.
- Review and adhere to grant project regulations and notices for funding opportunities and program compliance.
- Complete associated tasks requested by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure continued project funding including an annual performance report (APR) and other reports as needed.
- Prepare annual budgets plans and competitive program continuation grant proposals.
- Complete other duties as assigned to ensure effective oversight of the TRIO McNair program.
Required Formal Education and Training
- Master’s degree required from an accredited institution. Research-based master’s degree in academic disciplines or professional degrees in counseling, education, or related field will be considered.
- Experience in planning, implementing, and assessing services such as teaching, academic advising, high-impact educational practices for graduate school planning and doctoral level preparation, and mentoring in a university setting. Demonstrated ability to work with students from a variety of backgrounds. Ability to plan, organize, and implement responsibilities effectively. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, other professionals, staff, and the public. Previous TRIO program management experience preferred. Experience writing multi-year grants preferred.
Preferred Requirements
- 3-5 years of experience in leadership, teaching, researching, and mentoring
- Experience designing and/or implementing high impact educational programs.
- Previous grant writing or grant administration experience.
- Ability to work with and understand the needs of McNair-eligible students.
- Ability to design and manage effective academic support services.
- Ability to manage budgets and large projects.
Individuals who have been recipients of TRIO services or who are McNair Scholars, or who are from a similar background as students served are encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
The TRIO McNair program is a service within the Student Success Center, which is part of the Academic Affairs division of Northern State University. The Student Success Center at NSU includes professionals in tutoring, academic advising, academic support, career services, testing services, the American Indian Circle Program, TRIO Student Support Services, TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO McNair, and supplemental instruction.
This is a full-time, 12-month, benefited position. The project is grant funded with intents to apply for continued funding.
Posting Date
10/15/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date
11/03/2025
Advertised Salary
Depends on Experience
Duration of the Term
12 months
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional night and weekend work.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
40
Appointment Type
Regular
Faculty Status
No
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
This position requires
Valid Drivers License, Other
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