Position Function:
Develops, plans, promotes, and implements programs and events at The Crosby Arboretum and is administratively associated with the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center.
Coordinates organizing and overseeing events hosted by The Crosby Arboretum.
Identifies, promotes, and coordinates development of nature-based activities and tourism.
Salary Grade: 11
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University's Coastal Research and Extension Center in support of the Crosby Arboretum is seeking an Events Coordinator in Picayune, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Nature Based Tourism Events Coordinator
Anticipated Appointment Date:
February 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Organizes and manages logistics of programs and events, including designing promotional materials,
mailing, and responses, securing, scheduling, and coordinating instructors and vendors, preparing event
summaries, and coordinating committees and volunteer support services.
2. Assists in planning and executing functions including, but not limited to, workshops, field days,
programs, public events, assisting with outreach activities, and plant sales.
3. Determines needs for an event based on activities and estimated attendance to include making hotel
arrangements, scheduling venues, transportation, books caterers, etc.
4. Maintains programs and events calendar and manages and adheres to the special events budget of
the department.
5. Serves as a nature-based tourism outpost coordinator and ensures initiatives and priorities for the
Nature-Based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi are being carried out with consistency and
established goals are achieved.
6. May supervise support staff, intermittent workers, and/or student employees.
7. Performs other administrative and technical support duties as assigned, which may include greeting
and orienting visitors, operating cash register, answering phones, and directing calls.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma.
Experience: One year of work experience that is directly related to the essential duties and
responsibilities.
Licensures: Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Associates Degree
Experience: Three years of work experience that is directly related to the essential duties and
responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of
constituencies in a diverse community.
2. Knowledge and understanding of meeting and event planning principles, requirements, procedures,
and available resources.
3. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
4. Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
5. Knowledge of conference facilities, technology, and equipment.
6. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
7. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
8. Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
9. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment and accommodate changes in scheduling that occur
due to unforeseen events.
10. Knowledge and skills in Microsoft office such as Power Point, Excel, Word, and Publisher, and other
computer software programs.
11. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.
12. Knowledge of local flora and fauna is helpful, but not required.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust,
dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards
where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc. Ability to walk on uneven surfaces and would often
require the need to be outdoors, occasionally for the duration of an outdoor program or event.
Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to
25 pounds.
Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling.
Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Work schedule may fluctuate between Mon-Fri or Tue – Sat, depending on whether an event or program
occurs on a Saturday, and occasionally for a Sunday or an evening event.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted through the Human Resources Management Website at
https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu by completing the online application and submitting a cover letter, resume and three references.
Screening Date:
February 10, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
