McNair Program Assistant (Temporary)

Position Overview:

The McNair Program Assistant will support summer research and graduate school preparation experience for undergraduate scholars participating in the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. This role includes direct student support during the summer research experience, serving as a thought partner to scholars when called upon, and completion of a defined project deliverable designed to support future cohorts.

Key Responsibilities:

Summer Program Support (Weeks 1-7 | ~21 hours)

• Provide approximately 3 hours/week of student consultation support based on program needs
• Hold designated availability for student check-ins (schedule to be determined)
• Serve as a thought partner to students as they navigate research expectations, timelines, and
  deliverables
• Support scholars in developing clarity in communication, planning, and execution of their work
• Assist with special projects as needed when consultation demand is low
  

Poster and Presentation Support (Week 8 | 16 hours)
Dates: July 13, 14, 15, and 18
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST

• Serve as a core McNair Team member supporting scholars as they prepare for the UCLA National
  McNair Conference (July 22-24) and the 2026 UMN TRIO McNair Poster Symposium (October
  13)
• Review and provide feedback on research posters and oral presentations
• Support iterative revision processes across written and visual materials
• Cultivate a positive, supportive, and growth-oriented learning environment
• Support students in a fast-paced setting where they are developing real-time communication,
  writing, and project management skills
• Reinforce expectations aligned with graduate-level work, including meeting deadlines and
  managing multiple deliverables
  Special Project Deliverable (~60-65 hours): Graduate School Decision-Making Module
  Develop an asynchronous Canvas module to support current and future McNair scholars in navigating
  multiple PhD admission offers
• Create and record a 45-60-minute presentation sharing the process of navigating multiple PhD
  offers
• Highlight key strategies including professional communication with programs, consulting
  mentors and building a decision-making network, navigating the emotional and logistical aspects
  of the process, and maintaining relationships with programs not selected
• Develop a structured Canvas module that includes the recorded presentation, supplemental
  resources, tools, and guidance, and clear, accessible organization for future cohorts

Required Qualifications:

• Must be proficient on the computer, and able to use Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, applications
• Proficient with technology (Microsoft Office Suite/setting up technology for presentation) and experience maintaining social media presence for a professional organization or student association
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload effectively and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate patience and the ability to adapt to changing situations and details
• Must be approachable, positive, friendly via phone, email, and in person
• Have strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• TRIO McNair Alum
• Knowledge of TRIO Programs and McNair Scholars program mission
• Ability to work multimodally
• Experience working with undergraduate students in academic or research settings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide constructive, actionable feedback
• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-phase project
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Interest in graduate education and student development
• Demonstrated experience successfully navigating a complex graduate admissions decision-making process, including communication and negotiation with peer R1 doctoral programs

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Overview of the McNair Scholars Program:

McNair Scholars is a federally funded, U.S. Department of Education (USED) TRIO equal educational opportunity program. Specifically, McNair Scholars is a graduate school preparation program for low-income, first generation and students underrepresented in graduate school. TRIO McNair works with students, faculty, program partners and communities, on a long-term and intensive basis to help generate both individual and systemic changes. The McNair Scholars program provides selected college students intensive advising and instructional programming to help generate the personal and academic skills and motivation necessary to successfully pursue doctoral education.

Pay Range: $19.00 / hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).