Position Function:
This position provides administrative and academic support to the Department Head, Business Manager, and undergraduate and graduate coordinators. Responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for student matters, coordinating undergraduate and graduate academic processes, maintaining student records, assisting with course scheduling and advising, serving as liaison with university offices, and supporting departmental meetings, events, and daily operations. Additional duties are performed as assigned in support of the department’s mission.
Salary Grade: 13
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 is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide direct support to the Department Head and Business Manager as well as
assist graduate and undergraduate coordinators. Primary contact for all students'
matters and issues
- Assist Business Manager with annual rehiring of graduate research/teaching
assistants
- Assist graduate coordinator with graduate matters including ensuring the student
completion and submission of all forms and maintaining official department files for
all graduate students
- Review and distribute graduate student applications to the department
- Assist undergraduate coordinator with academic matters including completion and
submission of forms, scheduling, registration, class management, academic
records, and departmental files
- Work with department and Registrars Office to develop the master schedule for
Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Coordinate orientation for all incoming transfer students including prescheduling all
new students' classes and assigning advisors to assist for each session
- Act as departmental liaison to the Registrar’s Office, Graduate School, and the
Dean’s Office for undergraduate and graduate issues.
- Perform all degree audits for undergraduate students and all checklists for graduate
students
- Assign advisors and compiles advising packets for Spring and Fall undergraduate
advising
- Assist undergraduate students with major changes, add/drops and general
questions
- Assist with all departmental events (including but not limited to: bi-annual advisory
board meetings, annual field days, faculty meetings, all other departmental
meetings)
- All other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
Experience: Two (2) years directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Slate, CLSS, Banner, Xtender
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent planning, organizational and interpersonal skills
- Ability to initiate, manage and complete special projects and/or assignments taking ideas
from conception through implementation
- Demonstrates ability to work independently and as a team
- Must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
- No or very limited physical effort required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, resume and submit official transcripts (as applicable). Please remove any social security numbers included on requested transcripts prior to online submission.
For additional questions, please contact Katie Sisk at krc187@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
June 24, 2026, until filled.
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.
