Program Director for Ole Miss Opportunity and First Generation Programs

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Division of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement (DAOCE) supports the University of Mississippi's mission by fostering partnerships, access, and engagement that cultivate a sense of community, enrich learning and development, enhance research, and ensure opportunities for all. DAOCE is dedicated to creating pathways and providing support so that everyone can contribute to and thrive in the UM community. DAOCE offers a variety of programs and services that strengthen the University of Mississippi as a welcoming environment. These initiatives ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and community members have the opportunity to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors, improve their future prospects, and realize their full potential to contribute to the betterment of organizations, communities, and institutions.

 

The Program Director provides strategic leadership, program management, and student support for the Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO) Scholarship Program and First-Generation College Students. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and assessing initiatives to enhance academic success, persistence to graduation, and overall experience of OMO Scholarship recipients and first-generation students at the University of Mississippi. The Program Director will collaborate with campus partners, academic departments, and external stakeholders to create a supportive, welcoming environment that promotes educational access and opportunity. 

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Administration 

Sub-Family - Program Coordination

Career Track / Level - M2

Grade - 10

Min Mid Max $68,682 $85,842 $103,002

Role Summary

This position plans, develops, and implements programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic success and personal development of first-generation college students and students receiving the Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO) Scholarship. The Program Director will collaborate with various campus departments to identify emerging needs, create tailored support systems, and foster initiatives that promote student access, engagement, and retention. The incumbent will set and track goals aligned with the university's strategic objectives, manage program budgets, develop assessment strategies to measure effectiveness, and provide leadership and guidance to program staff in support of student success.

 

Manages the development and implementation of an academic program or set of funded activities. Programs are usually focused to a single purpose, may be scientific, research, educational, or service oriented, and may exist as a subset of an integrated funded program activity. Oversees fiscal and grant planning, program implementation and administration, marketing, and communication.

Examples of Work Performed

• Advocates for the unique needs of first-generation students and collaborates with faculty and staff to foster a welcoming campus community. 

• Plans and executes workshops, events, and initiatives for Ole Miss Opportunity Scholars and first-generation students, focusing on student success, leadership, and community engagement. 

• Serves as a liaison between students and campus resources, including but not limited to the Office of Financial Aid, Center for Student Success, First Year Experience, and other student services offices or units. 

• Supervise and train staff, including program coordinator, graduate assistants, and student workers.

• Builds partnerships with campus departments, community organizations, and alumni to enhance support services and development opportunities for Ole Miss Opportunity Scholars and first-generation students. 

• Develops outreach initiatives to engage prospective first-generation students and families in the University of Mississippi’s pre-college programs to support access to higher education. 

• Refers students to campus resources such as Counseling Center and Career Ser