Director, Office of National Fellowships

PAY GRADE: 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB: 

Under limited direction of the Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Director of the Office of National Fellowships (ONF) leads the University's involvement in national fellowship and scholarship competitions.

The Director oversees the ONF and its staff.  The Director is responsible for strategic planning, budget oversight, research, working with faculty in a variety of disciplines, and advising university leadership on the progress of academically talented students in national fellowship competitions and other related endeavors.  The Director performs a variety of duties in support of the recruitment and advisement of students, faculty, and alumni considering and applying for nationally and internationally competitive fellowship, scholarship, and award opportunities. The Director collaborates with units and individuals across the institution to identify and recruit prospective candidates, plans workshops for faculty mentors and students, supports and advises students in their application processes, and builds a culture of external recognition at the Institution. The Director also develops, monitors, and assesses the effectiveness of national fellowship programs, services, and processes annually to improve in future years. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management (40%)

• Manages and directs the Office of National Fellowships

• Manages the participation in scholarship competitions and related competition cycles for students, faculty, and alumni.

• Develops a strong reputation among all individuals (students, faculty, and alumni) looking to use and support the office.

• Builds and maintains liaison and collaborative relationships with academic units (e.g., colleges, schools, departments, institutes, and centers) on campus.

• Cultivates relationships with faculty and staff to ensure cross-campus participation in identifying and mentoring candidates, serving on selection committees, vetting drafts of statements, participating in mock interviews, and providing letters of support.

• Serves as UD's contact with national fellowship foundations, developing working relationships to understand and communicate the nuances and complexities of various competitions. Keeps current with standards, trends, data, and technologies in fellowship support.

• Determines best practices regarding nationally competitive scholarships and programs by participating actively and fostering relationships with officials at national and regional offices/associations, particularly the National Association of Fellowships Advisors (NAFA), through which nationally competitive programs are administered. This involvement will enhance the national visibility of the Institution and its students.

• Develops and maintains relationships with external funding agencies and foundations, ensuring appropriate campus preparation and selection procedures.

• Creates and implements an annual plan with strategic goals and initiatives. 

• Generates increasing awareness among prospective applicants about the range of national fellowships that can be pursued along with the nature and scope of the offices’ services.

• Promotes the services of the office to the UD community.

• Assembles comprehensive information about the fellowships opportunities that can be pursued.

• Keeps records on national fellowship finalists and recipients and ensures that national fellowship recipients are recognized.

• Responsible for annual budget creation and oversight. 

• Plans staff meetings and office retreats (as needed).

• Coordinates advisory council(s) related to specific programs and awards.

• Participates in staff meetings and other relevant meetings of departments, colleges, and university entities.

• Oversees office data processes and procedures.

Advising and events (25%)

• Leads the advising and application process for nationally competitive fellowships (Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Truman, Fulbright, NSF GRFP, NIH, and others) for undergraduate and graduate students and qualified alumni.

• Overseas the design, promotion, and offering of a comprehensive ar