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- Tasks: Lead the TRIO McNair Program, empowering students for graduate studies through support and resources.
- Company: Northern State University, dedicated to student success and academic achievement.
- Benefits: Full-time position with competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by guiding them towards their academic dreams.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree required; experience in mentoring and program management preferred.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on student success and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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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TRIO McNair Project Director employer: South Dakota Board of Regents
Contact Detail:
South Dakota Board of Regents Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land TRIO McNair Project Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and beyond. Let them know you're on the hunt for the TRIO McNair Project Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Northern State University and its TRIO McNair program. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past. Highlight your experience with grant writing and program evaluation, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace TRIO McNair Project Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the TRIO McNair Project Director role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your relevant experiences! Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects, mentored students, or worked in similar roles. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Dakota Board of Regents
✨Know the TRIO McNair Program Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the specifics of the TRIO McNair program. Understand its goals, services, and the impact it has on students. This knowledge will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with the programme's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or implemented educational programmes. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios related to student engagement, budget management, or programme evaluation. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Connect with the Interview Panel
Building rapport with the interviewers is key. Be personable and engage them with thoughtful questions about their experiences with the TRIO McNair programme. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge the team dynamics and culture at Northern State University.
