McNair Scholars Program Coordinator

Job Description

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Position Title:
McNair Scholars Program Coordinator
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Academic Program Manager
Job Duties:
The McNair Program Coordinator reports to and works in close collaboration with the Program Director to support students and ensure that the program is implemented according to the goals and outcomes described in the Department of Education TRIO McNair grant. The primary responsibilities of the Program Coordinator focus on the student-facing elements that are aligned with grant outcomes. The Program Coordinator supports students in preparing graduate school applications, reviewing graduate school offers, and coordinating all student travel to research conferences and/or prospective graduate programs. The Program Coordinator supports prospective participants throughout the application process, and assists the Program Director with all phases of recruitment including scheduling and attending interviews and making admissions decisions. The Program Coordinator tracks academic progress of all program participants, and is responsible for obtaining and reporting all data relevant to the program and grant goals to the Program Director, including preparing reports for institutional and federal assessment purposes. The Program Coordinator co-designs the annual and summer curriculum, and instructs as needed. The Program Coordinator plans events and is responsible for managing the program office, including supervising the program's Administrative Assistant and student office workers. Travel, including driving, to accompany students on grant-related activities is expected and University driver authorization is required
.
The
McNair Scholars Program
is housed in the division of Access, Belonging & Student Engagement. This position is fully funded by federal TRIO program grant funding from the Department of Education, and is subject to annual review and reappointment based on performance criteria and availability of grant funding.
The review of applications starts on
August 7, 2026
.
Applications received on or before
August 7th
are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.
UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.
The UWL McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded "Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement" TRIO Program , serving UWL students since 2009. The program prepares eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants must meet federal eligibility guidelines and have demonstrated strong academic potential and desire to participate in undergraduate and graduate research. Participants must be citizens or nationals of the United States or meet the residency requirements for federal student financial assistance, and meet at least one of the federal McNair Program eligibility criteria (low income, first generation college student and/or be a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education). The program considers applications from eligible students in all majors that could lead to a Ph.D. as the terminal degree. Supports provided through the program include paid undergraduate research opportunities under the guidance of a faculty mentor, graduate school application and GRE fee assistance, travel for conferences and graduate school visits, and individual mentoring and advising. The program also provides opportunities to engage in a broad range of cultural events, mindfulness training, and other educational programming designed to improve financial literacy and preparedness for graduate study.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Student Success:
Provide personal, career, and graduate school advising to program participants
Co-design the summer and academic year seminar curriculum and together with the seminar leader(s) and Program Director, provide participants with research guidance and direction, including information on presentation and publication of results
Assist Program Director with identifying faculty mentors, and ensuring mentors are trained and familiar with program expectations
Support participants with graduate school search and application processes
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Gather and provide information to participants about campus resources
Track academic progress of all program participants
Report regularly to Program Director about student progress and recommend programmatic and/or individual interventions as necessary
Conduct and document exit interviews for graduating participants
Office Management:
Hire and supervise student workers and tutors
Supervise Administrative Assistant
Approve timesheets
Purchase office supplies
Create expense and reimbursement reports for department purchases
Work with participants to pay for research supplies, graduate school application fees, and other financial needs as aligned with the program budget
Work with Program Director and Office Support Staff to input and verify participant data in the participant data tracking system (Blumen)
Maintain files and database of McNair participants during program and for 10 years after graduation
Create and maintain a program policies and practices manual
Recruitment Activities:
Assist Program Director with identifying and communicating with potentially eligible participants
Meet with potential applicants to discuss program requirements and benefits, and assist them with the application process
Verify and document eligibility of applicants prior to interviews
Work with Program Director to arrange and conduct applicant interviews
Promote the program at recruiting events, appropriate classes and student group meetings, and through campus publications, social media, and other outward facing avenues
Collaborate with other campus programs that support first-generation and underrepresented students
Plan and implement fall and spring open houses and information sessions
Meet regularly with Program Director to ensure program is meeting designed outcomes
Other duties:
Ongoing professional development through required trainings, self-study, participation in TRIO regional and national trainings, and other opportunities in alignment with grant goals
As assigned by the Program Director, reflective of unit and divisional mission and values
Travel & Event Planning:
Plan activities, workshops, and cultural engagement events in alignment with grant goals
Arrange graduate school campus visits, conference attendance, and academic enrichment activities for participants in alignment with grant goals
Arrange for transportation and accompany participants on all group events. Travel for grant-related student activities and university driver authorization is required.
Assist participants with all travel documentation and arrangements
Submit requests for cash advances for participants per diems
Create expense reports for reimbursement for additional expenses
Book travel and arrange for credit card authorizations
Plan group campus visits to universities and research presentations
Department:
McNair Scholars Program
Compensation:
$ 59,200 / year
Required Qualifications:
Research-based master's degree
2+ years of experience working in college or university student services setting
Demonstrated understanding of the challenges experienced by the target student population, and experience supporting their success
Demonstrated oral & written communication skills and strong attention to detail
The ability to have and maintain a valid driver's license, and drive a vehicle on University/State business
Preferred Qualifications:
Doctoral degree
TRIO experience
Expertise implementing and/or developing academic or system policies
Event & travel planning experience
Experience teaching at the college/post-secondary level
Experience as a member of one or more of the populations served by this grant
How to Apply:
Required application documents
Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)
CV / Resume
3-5 References with contact information
Contact Information:
Adrienne Loh aloh@uwlax.edu
Special Notes:
Application deadlines

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed 'First Review Date'.
Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Annual Secu