Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Mon Jun 10 2024 Job Description:

The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) invites applications for the position of Specialist, Nationally Competitive Opportunities, which reports to the Assistant Director of the Office of Scholar Development. Established in 2008, OSD mentors students applying for national scholarships to fund "academic extras" beyond what tuition covers, helping Hilltoppers make more possible through study abroad, research, professional experience, and more.

OSD identifies opportunities for students to engage in their academic field beyond the classroom and makes those accessible by helping students make important contacts, develop strong proposals, secure recommendation letters and references, revise numerous drafts of application materials, and prepare for interviews. OSD encourages reflective dialogue with and among students to deepen students' understanding of their purpose, goals, and pathways to professional growth. Beyond the dollars and cents, national scholarships help students study abroad, conduct research, complete undergraduate and graduate degrees, solve problems, and change lives.

Customary duties for this position include the following:

SCHOLARSHIP & FELLOWSHIP ADVISING PORTFOLIO

• Conduct one-on-one advising sessions to help students and recent alumni develop and pursue a portfolio of nationally competitive opportunities, from first drafts to final submissions

• The portfolio of nationally competitive opportunities may vary dependent on hired candidate's strengths and experiences, the team's needs, and university priorities.

• This role currently supports international education and critical language study (Gilman Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, etc.) and public service pathways (Virtual Student Federal Service internships, Rangel Summer Enrichment Program, Rangel & Pickering Fellowships, Clarke Fellowship, etc.)

• Communicate with and encourage students throughout the recruitment, application, and selection processes for a portfolio of nationally competitive opportunities

• Collect, track, and revise students' application materials, regularly offering feedback for development

• Serve as university liaison to a portfolio of nationally competitive opportunities, maintaining familiarity with the purpose, features, eligibility criteria, and timelines of assigned competitions

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Plan, design, and implement recurring workshops and events to promote scholar development, recruit applicants for nationally competitive opportunities, and celebrate student successes

• Implement evaluation and assessment processes to collect, analyze, and act on program data

• Develop informational literature for students, faculty, and staff to promote the mission of the office

• Supervise student assistants and/or organizations who support the mission of the office

• Maintain information systems for various reporting audiences

CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT

• Cultivate applicants for assigned nationally competitive opportunities through outreach programming in partnership with academic colleges, departments, and offices (Global Learning and International Affairs, Intercultural Student Engagement Center, Mahurin Honors College, etc.)

• Serve as a liaison to other university units, such as Student Financial Assistance, Office of Admissions, Media Relations, Alumni Association, etc.

  Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends and willingness to travel occasionally

• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, and Outlook) and willingness to learn WKU applications and systems

  Additional Information:

Hourly Range: $19.49 - $21.54

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.