Program Coordinator - McNair Scholars Program

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Program Coordinator to join our McNair Scholars Program team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is an 11-month cyclic campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The Program Coordinator provides a comprehensive approach to the McNair Scholars Program. Reporting to the Director, the Program Coordinator coordinates day-to-day operations and events of the McNair Scholars Program by ensuring the smooth functioning of program activities and initiatives in line with federal grant funding requirements. This includes assistance in tracking budgets, communicating with students, assisting with program-related events, recruitment and data collection. This position informs students, faculty/staff, and the public regarding the programs mission and assists the Director and Faculty Coordinator with preparation of reports and provides fiscal, office and administrative support.

The Program Coordinator for the McNair Scholars Program plays a critical role in advancing educational equity and student success by demonstrating initiative and ownership in planning and executing program activities that support underrepresented students in their pursuit of graduate education. This position requires a high level of personal effectiveness and performance, including strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving. The coordinator must also recognize and respect cultural differences, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for a diverse group of scholars. By contributing to a shared understanding of leadership principles through mentorship and collaboration with faculty and staff, the Program Coordinator supports both student development and the broader goals of the McNair Program.

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

McNair Program and Administrative Support:

• Independently coordinate and implement day-to-day logistics of the McNair Scholars Program, programs, events and initiatives.
• Inform students, faculty/staff and the public regarding the McNair Scholars Program mission, scholarly research, policies, procedures and activities.
• Serve as a McNair Program Assistant and, along with the Director, a representative and contact for recruitment, provide training, and help arrange graduate school visits and other events and activities. May be asked to provide McNair presentations.
• Assist and manage applications and admissions under the direction of the Director and McNair Advisory Board. This includes interviewing prospective candidates, making recommendations, collecting required application materials, and maintaining comprehensive applicant records to ensure precise reporting of admissions data to stakeholders.
• Partner with the Director in developing and enforcing operational policies and procedures for the McNair Scholars Program that fall in line with federal grant funding.
• Visit classrooms and present information about the program to faculty and students.
• Collaborate with the Director to serve as event coordinator for the program including working with the director to determine what events/activities need to take place. Assist with all arrangements, which include, but are not limited to, determining location, catering needs (if applicable), and lodging (if applicable). Assist Director to determine costs and effective use of funds for events, which may require researching the best fit for budgetary needs.
• Prepare quarterly arrangements with CWU academic scheduling and communicate with faculty teaching required McNair courses.
• Track McNair Scholars including scholars research activities, required conferences, activities they are required to participate in, etc.
• Produce program publications to include, but not limited to, annual newsletters, email notices, posters, event promotions, etc.
• Provide recommendations/suggestions to the director for grant renewal.
• May be asked to attend meetings for the director in her absence. Attend meetings and/or conferences as program representative.
• Advise on activities involved with the McNair Program operation.
• With approval of the Director, follow CWU purchase requisition procedures to purchase necessary goods and services for the McNair Program.

Clerical Support:

• Provide comprehensive general office support, including managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, maintaining supplies, and assisting with administrative tasks to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Assist the director with financial spreadsheets related to the annual stipend, which requires preparing and monitoring yearly scholar stipends, so the funds are only released once appropriate documentation has been received and requirements are met by the students.
• Assist Director and other McNair staff with data collection and related tasks to prepare reports, grant proposals, and office correspondence. Oversee inventory control according to federal rules and regulations, and other general clerical duties.
• Manage and maintain budget records, reconciliation, procard management, monitor expenditures and run reports, and offer recommendations to the director.
• Work closely with the director to manage budget. Provide recommendations and help with preparation of the Annual Performance Report according to federal rules and regulations. Give recommendations for allocation and expenditures of funds, which requires paying close attention to inventory control and meeting the needs of the scholars as required by the grant. Gather information/stats to make recommendations, review income/expenses, advise on projected use of funds, and identify status of balances.|
• Monitor expenditures of grant money, being certain the funds are used correctly and in accordance with the grant as it is written.
• Maintain student records in specialized student database that will be used to produce the Annual Performance Review for the Department of Education
• Assist with preparation of the annual performance review.
• Process travel paperwork.

Office Staff and Supervisor duties

• Delegate work for 2-3 work-study students, and summer temp when such staff are employed by the program office.
• Assist with directing work-study students and summer temporary staff including assisting with hiring, maintaining established job performance standards, providing feedback on students, providing training, assigning and scheduling work, and acting upon leave requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Significant experience in a professional office environment.

• Fiscal experience such as monitoring and reconciling budgets.

• Experience using Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email and/or similar software applications to prepare correspondence, create/update reports, data processing etc.

• Ability to work independently, work effectively with others, and communicate effectively in writing and speech.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Experience establishing and coordinating office procedures.

• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.

• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree.

• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar system to update student records, payroll, travel, purchasing, etc.

• Experience working with underrepresented, low-income and first-generation customers.

• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values.

• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: This position is based on the range 41 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $32,985 and maximum annual salary of $43,938 (Adjusted for 0.75 FTE). In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm (1/2 hour lunch) / PSE Bargaining Unit 4 / 11-month cyclic / This grant funded position is currently funded through September 30, 2027.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begin: May 22, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Christina Denison

Title: Director Douglas Honors College

Email: christina.denison@cwu.edu

Phone: 509-963-1445

Website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/mcnair-scholars/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

This position is part of a Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) bargaining unit.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.