We're Hiring!

Position Function:

The Stennis Institute is seeking a Program Coordinator with an interest in community and economic development and excellent communication, organization, and facilitation skills to assist a team of professionals working to deliver a local capacity development and technical assistance program in Mississippi. The incumbent will engage with both MSU staff and diverse teams from local Mississippi communities as they develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at fostering local economic development opportunities. Through these collaborations the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a large and well-connected professional network to leverage in their future career. The position will require strong interpersonal communication and coordination skills, the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of professionals, and the ability to work and think independently.

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:

The John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development (Stennis Institute) is a public service, training, and applied research unit at Mississippi State University, with its main office located on the Starkville, MS campus. The Stennis Institute performs a threefold mission: (1) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Mississippi state and local governments through basic and applied research, training, technical assistance, service, and community/economic development activities; (2) to provide technical assistance and research for both rural development in Mississippi and regional activities in the Southeast; and (3) to promote civic education and citizen involvement in the political process. The Stennis Institute has a presence in several locations across the state and is a leader in public service executive training and local government research and outreach.

Area of Specialization:

Community and Economic Development

Anticipated Appointment Date:

December 14, 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following examples are intended as illustrations of only some of the various types of duties assigned to positions allocated in this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

• Manage logistics of program related events, meetings, and trainings (including, but not limited to preparing agendas, participant materials, securing meeting space, confirming speakers, ordering refreshments and meals, audiovisual equipment, room set up, etc.)
• Develop program marketing and promotion activities and materials
• Evaluate program outcomes by creating and/or adapting evaluation tools
• Develop project and program summary reports and presentations
• Coordinate and plan activities that match potential client need to the services available across the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development.
• Coordinate and plan activities with other governments, departments, citizen groups, and agencies to promote, plan, and implement program efforts.
• Work closely with communities, organizations, and institutions to develop, document, present, and implement strategic initiatives.
• Effectively utilize the talents of other staff and available local resources for successful program delivery.
• Provide direct outreach to a wide range of citizens, groups, professional organizations, and multiple governmental entities to inform them about activities and resources of the Stennis Institute.
• Occasional travel to coordinate meetings with Stennis staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of two year of professional experience related to program/project coordination and management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years of professional experience related to program/project coordination and management
• Experience with professional writing and editing
• Experience with developing promotional/marketing material

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient Computer Skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Excellent community skills and exhibit strengths in interpersonal communications and relationships
• Must be highly motivated, politically neutral, and must inspire trust throughout the university, as well as in dealing with community leadership, citizens, agency officials, and other external interests.
• Skill in writing technical information, program reports, correspondence, newsletters, and other publications for various audiences.
• Skill in planning and controlling complex assignments.
• Skill in public speaking and making effective oral and written presentations.
• Skill in the use of personal computers in accomplishing daily tasks.
• Ability to help resolve citizens' community problems by presenting information clearly and concisely in written, oral or graphic form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships addressing complex challenges requiring collaborative efforts.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Occasional travel may be required.
• Limited physical effort (basic office operations) required.
• No direct exposure to physical risk.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

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.