McNair Program Coordinator

About the role

The McNair Program Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the development, implementation, and coordination of a graduate school preparation and undergraduate research program that adheres to the goals and objectives of the McNair Program and the federal grant. The Program Coordinator will work with program staff, faculty, graduate students, and others throughout the campus community to assist in offering assistance to McNair Scholars with undergraduate research projects, the graduate school application process, and academic preparation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as point of contact for students, campus faculty and staff, and other parties who either seek support or information about the McNair Scholars Program.
• Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the program’s goals, activities, services, and priorities with McNair staff. Daily planning of academic programs regarding preparation for graduate school applications and undergraduate research. Work with leadership to increase exposure of the program across campus and among faculty and staff in multiple departments.
• Maintain resources for students through McNair Scholars Program that include, but are not limited to, research presentations, research posters, research colloquia, graduate school preparation, small group research meetings, mentor meetings, academic advising, disciplinary resources, funding, and summer program opportunities. Review and edit students’ work regarding graduate program applications and undergraduate research projects as needed.
• Cook up and coordinate the implementation of activities, seminars, meetings, and events, which include student group recruitment, and occasional evening/weekend programs for Marquette students. Facilitate and conduct seminars and presentations.
• Work with Data Systems/IT Coordinator to help maintain McNair Scholars website to ensure accessibility, current facts, and information about the program, its application, and academic resources that support resources and graduate school.
• Advise and consult with a variety of student groups for recruitment and outreach purposes. Build networks with campus and student organizations to enhance understanding of research and graduate school preparation. Work with campus partners to plan and implement undergraduate research and graduate school preparation programs.
• Coordinate development of a recruitment plan and process to identify undergraduate students with potential interest in graduate school and undergraduate research in collaboration with McNair staff, faculty, student and academic affairs departments, and graduate students. Participate in recruitment, application review, and selection of incoming scholar cohort. Prepare application logs, demographic statistics, income verification, and academic background check of applicants.
• Coordinate research presentations and graduate school trips (i.e., contacts and logistics).
• Maintain detailed program records and prepare programmatic and financial records to meet U.S. Department of Education and Marquette Educational Opportunity Program guidelines in coordination with the leadership. Assume responsibility for accuracy and timeliness of student data and reports. Organize academic progress records for all scholars. Coordinate report preparation materials for the leadership for end-of-year reports for federal, state, institutional, and/or other private agencies.
• Gather information relevant to the program by monitoring campus, local, and other media, professional journals and newsletters. Magazines and other publications from various organizations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field.
• A minimum of two years of related experience in programming and/or other administrative work.
• Must have spent at least a year working with target population (first-generation students, low-income students, and or students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in graduate education).
• Must have spent at least a year working in a higher education environment.
• Ability to work in a high volume, fast paced, customer service-oriented environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to deal with diverse constituencies and colleagues from various programs.
• Strong computer competency, to include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Access), and web-based and social media applications.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, professional attitude, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Occasional nights and weekends required.
• Occasional travel required.