Manager of Nationally Competitive Awards, UMKC Career Services, 83009

Career Services

The Manager of Nationally Competitive Awards will provide customized support to UMKC students pursuing nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships, and other research-based external experiences of prestige, including, but not limited to, Fulbright, Truman, Boren, the Critical Language Scholarship, and the National Science Foundation Graduation Research Fellowship Program.

The manager will develop marketing and recruitment strategies to cultivate a diverse candidate pool of primarily students pursuing these unique experiential learning opportunities, organizing workshops and information sessions, advising candidates and awardees, and providing wraparound support services throughout the application process and experience. This position will work collaboratively with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Office of Study Abroad and Global Engagement, the Honors Program, and the International Student Affairs Office.

Key Responsibilities

• Fellowships Recruitment - Promote knowledge of awards opportunities, including application requirements, processes, and deadlines, through workshops, classroom presentations, and other activities. Develop innovative candidate recruitment strategies, including programs and presentations to faculty, departments, student groups, etc.
• Fellowships Advising - Provide direct coaching services to students seeking opportunities, including discussing relevant fellowships opportunities and reviewing application materials such as resumes, personal statements, and essay question answers.
• Fellowships Application Process Management - Manage the institutional elements of fellowships application processes, including submitting university-sponsored applications according to foundation guidelines, establishing advising committees, and writing and/or procuring institutional endorsement letters. As needed, provide feedback to the letter of recommendation writers. Oversee the communication plan for services, including drafting articles for publication about award recipients.
• Relationship Development - Cultivate relationships with faculty, departments, and academic programs to ensure cross-campus participation in identifying and mentoring candidates, serving on selection committees, and providing letters of support. Develop and maintain relationships with external funding agencies and foundations, ensuring appropriate campus preparation and selection procedures.

Key Skills

• Collaboration, program development, ability to work individually and in a team environment, detailed oriented, time management, grant writing
• A distant drive to take the initiative, with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Evidence of providing mentorship and/or advising to students with the ability to build a rapport with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong ability to compose and present engaging presentations
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of departmental and personal data
• Understanding of various experiential learning, employment, and other essential needs
• Demonstrate success in creative program development for at least one year.
• Knowledge of prestigious fellowships and/or participation in an external fellowship program.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage a database of scholarship information a track applicants through various experiences
• Other duties as assigned

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Master's in counseling, higher ed, international studies, or related field preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and/or advising college-age individuals.
• 1 or more years of experience processing applications for fellowships and nationally competitive scholarships is highly preferred.

$51,875-$59,000 annually commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application review begins January 8, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until filled.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.