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Position Function:

This position is under the administrative supervision of the Executive Director of the MSU Career Center. The Assistant Director for D.C. & Federal Careers provides leadership for Mississippi State University's Washington, D.C. and federal career initiatives, helping students explore, prepare for, and secure internships and career opportunities within congressional offices, federal agencies, public service organizations, and policy-focused employers.

The Assistant Director is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with academic units, employers, alumni, federal agencies, congressional offices, and external organizations that expand opportunities for MSU students. The position oversees established D.C. programs, including the Demmer Scholars Program and The Washington Center partnership, while identifying and implementing strategies to increase student participation in federal internships, the Pathways Program, and other public service opportunities.

This position develops and executes initiatives designed to strengthen Mississippi State University's presence in Washington, D.C., including student programs, alumni engagement efforts, employer partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Duties include program management, student advising, employer and alumni relations, event planning, project management, and assessment. This position serves as an active member of the MSU Career Center team and supports career events and initiatives that advance student career readiness and professional success. As the role continues to grow, duties and responsibilities may evolve based on program expansion and institutional priorities.

There will be some travel to the DC area to meet with members of public service and MSU alumni.

Salary Grade: 15

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

D.C. & Federal Career Programs

• Work closely with academic units across campus to manage and enhance student participation in Washington, D.C. and federal career opportunities.
• Oversee administration of the Demmer Scholars Program and The Washington Center partnership.
• Develop resources and educational programming related to federal employment, congressional internships, and Pathways Program opportunities.
• Advise students on application processes, internship searches, and career pathways within federal agencies and public service organizations.
• Assist students in identifying housing, scholarships, and other funding resources that support participation in Washington, D.C.-based experiences.
• Track and assess program participation, outcomes, and effectiveness to support continuous improvement

Employer, Alumni, and External Relations

• Collaborate with internal campus departments and external stakeholders to expand internship, experiential learning, and employment opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with federal agencies, congressional offices, employers, policy organizations, and other external partners.
• Develop and sustain a network of Mississippi State University alumni working in Washington, D.C. and federal service roles.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Washington, D.C.-based employers and external partners seeking to engage with MSU students.
• Represent the Career Center at meetings, conferences, employer visits, and networking events to support partnership development and student opportunities.
• Travel regularly to Washington, D.C. in support of programmatic and partnership objectives.

Strategic Initiatives

• Develop and manage D.C. student and alumni ambassador initiatives.
• Facilitate employer and stakeholder advisory efforts that strengthen federal and public service career pathways.
• Collaborate with campus and external partners to identify and expand funding opportunities that support student participation in Washington, D.C. experiences.
• Recommend and implement initiatives that advance the university's federal and public service engagement strategy.

Decision Making/Guidelines 

This role has limited fiscal responsibility.

Supervisory Authority 

This position may supervise student employees or Graduate Assistant(s).

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field.

Experience: Three years of relevant experience.

Substitutions Allowed:

Indicated education is required; no substitutions allowed.

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional education toward the experience requirement at rate of one (1) year of relevant education per year of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree and experience in higher education, career services, employer relations, public service, government relations, workforce development, or a related field. Experience working in Washington, D.C. or within the federal government is preferred. Demonstrated experience in program management, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation. Experience working with students, alumni, employers, and external partners in a customer-focused environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal employment processes, internship programs, and public service career pathways.
• Ability to strategically think, initiate, and follow through to completion of special projects and/or assignments taking an idea from conception to implementation
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, alumni, employers, and campus partners.
• Flexible and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change.
• Have a strong interest and commitment to the educational development and career preparation of college students
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound decisions.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) skills and ability to develop and cultivate relationships across campus and beyond
• Strong program and project management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and database management systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

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.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

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.