Project/Program Director

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock seeks applications for the position of TRIO McNair Program Director (PD), a 12-month appointment that will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Student Success at UA Little Rock. The PD will provide vision and leadership to the comprehensive administration of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program (McNair). The program director is responsible for planning, implementing, and executing all aspects of the program, including required and permissible services, staff hiring, training and evaluation, budget management, record keeping, and annual and semester reports. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Master's degree in higher education, counseling, adult education, public administration, student affairs, or a related field
Three years of experience working with low-income, first-generation, and/or underrepresented students
Two years of administration and management experience in an educational and/or administrative setting
Experience in program assessment including assessment design, assessment administration and evaluation of assessment results
Strong oral, listening, and written communication skills
Strong knowledge and skills in utilizing technology
Experience administering, budgeting, staffing, and evaluating an academic support unit
Experience working in a diverse team environment with a collective focus
Ability to maintain current knowledge of and be able to interpret Higher Education Acts; EDGAR, and Federal Regulations, to ensure compliance in all program areas
Ability to develop and foster relationships and collaborative efforts with federal, state, and UA Little Rock communities to promote program goals and enhance program services
Ability to develop a welcome and inclusive work environment for TRIO staff and students by maintaining an appropriate and effective work schedule to accommodate staff and participants, and a clean, organized, and inviting office environment where staff and program participants feel welcomed and valued
Demonstrated professional experience in designing, managing, and implementing a McNair or other TRIO programs, as well as budgetary and supervisory experience
Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations and compliance, and demonstrated ability to meet the objectives and goals of TRIO
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment

Nice To Haves

Doctorate Degree

Responsibilities

Oversee all program operations to ensure excellent student services and program objective attainment
Write and submit grant proposals for McNair competitions
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate employees
Implement and maintain an accurate and thorough record keeping system for all program activities and student information
Assess the best tools needed to maintain McNair records
Develop and implement effective recruitment plans and strategies to select eligible participants with the potential and motivation for baccalaureate and doctoral completion, including participant monitoring and assessment for successful performance, retention, and graduation
Submit annual performance reports to the United States Department of Education and to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Student Success. In these reports, the PD will evaluate all outcome objectives, activities, services, and adjustments of the program in terms of feasibility and achievement at the end of each semester and at the end of the year
Work with the Program Coordinator and Project Coordinator to plan, monitor and manage program budget and ensure all expenditures are justified and in compliance with federal, state, and campus guidelines. This includes monitoring a shadow budget on a regular basis, conducting budget analyses, determining spending priorities and available funds, and fiscal planning
Oversee faculty mentor selection and training and assist mentors for their mentoring needs and success
Collaborate closely with colleges, community agencies, and campus departments, and programs offering services that are utilized by McNair participants to establish a seamless connection of TRIO services to students
Provide training on counseling strategies to McNair staff. This includes professional staff training, staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings as needed
Serve on campus committees
Perform other duties as assigned