The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) invites applications for the position of Specialist, International Scholarships, which reports to the Assistant Director of the Office of Scholar Development. Established in 2008, OSD mentors students applying for international 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. Read more about OSD here: http://www.wku.edu/osd.
Primary Duties
SCHOLARSHIP & FELLOWSHIP ADVISING PORTFOLIO
- Conduct one-on-one advising sessions to help students and recent alumni develop and pursue a portfolio of international scholarship opportunities, from first drafts to final submissions
- The portfolio of international scholarship opportunities will vary dependent on hired candidate's strengths and experiences, the team's needs, and university priorities. Possibilities may include:
- Fulbright US Student Program, the Critical Language Scholarship Program, the Boren Awards Program, and the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
- Communicate with and encourage students throughout the recruitment, application, and selection processes for a portfolio of international scholarship opportunities
- Collect, track, and revise students' application materials, regularly offering feedback for development
- Serve as university liaison to a portfolio of international competitive opportunities, maintaining familiarity with the purpose, features, eligibility criteria, and timelines of assigned competitions
CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT
- Cultivate applicants for assigned international scholarship 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.
Other Duties
- Assist with special projects as assigned by supervisory personnel
Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success
- Excellent communication skills including writing, revising, editing, and presenting
- Outstanding interpersonal skills to cultivate student trust and rapport, as well as to manage cooperative relationships with campus partners and other stakeholders
- Experience mentoring, teaching, or supporting student development among all student populations
- Curiosity with a growth mindset to build new skills and learn new fields and sectors related to office priorities
- International experience and/or research experience, inclusive of creative projects
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:Annual Salary: $38,000 -$45,000 (prorated if hired as 11-month appointment)
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.