We're Hiring!
External Relations Coordinator
- 511016
- Main Campus - Starkville, MS
- Mississippi - Main Campus
- 440100 - President
- Professional
- Full-Time 12-Month
- Opening on: Jul 27 2026
Position Function:
Under the direction of the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President (the office), the External Relations Coordinator is responsible for participating in the coordination of all events for the office of the President, with primary focus being pre-game and gameday operations and facilitation, as well as other events at the President’s home, on-campus venues, and off-campus facilities.
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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Coordinates MSU President’s Office Gameday Operations & Hospitality, including pre-game and gameday planning and management, which includes but not limited to coordinating with the office and external guests, coordinating with the Athletics Department, and any external vendors.
2. Coordinate within the office and outside stakeholders for community and campus events for the office of the President designed to enhance the reputation, scope, and influence of the University with internal and external constituents.
3. Coordinate the office and outside stakeholders for events specifically designed to foster interaction among the administrators, alumni, faculty, staff, and students - including special recognition programs for outstanding achievements, inaugurations, commencement activities, ceremonies, honorary degree events, luncheons and dinners.
4. Coordinates within the office and external vendors in the planning and execution of special engagements at the President's home and other venues.
5. Coordinates the organization and management with other internal staff and external vendors of logistics of events, including designing invitations and programs; developing and managing guest lists, mailings, and responses; securing various vendors (entertainment, tenting, rentals, catering, security, parking); preparing event summaries.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Experience: One-year related experience in public relations work and general office operations in a university setting
Substitution allowed: Any equivalent combination of education and experience approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of space allocation practices and principles.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Knowledge of procurement rules and regulations.
• Ability to coordinate and organize meetings and/or special events.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Limited exposure to physical risk.
• Limited physical effort required.
Work hours are unpredictable and may require working on nights and weekends; frequent interruptions based on changing priorities; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
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.