Position Function:

Under general supervision, coordinates, oversees, and/or performs a wide variety of administrative and program support activities for the Vice President for Student Affairs. Serves as primary point of operational and administrative contact for internal and external constituencies, often on complex and confidential issues. Provides office and staff support services to the office, and oversees and/or participates in the coordination, supervision, and completion of special projects and events.

Salary Grade: 12

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 Division of Student Affairs at Mississippi State University is comprised of 21 departments focusing on student life and engagement; student health, safety, and wellness; student support programs; and student success. The programs and services offered by our departments assist students in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals. Our focus on excellence and innovation illustrate the Division's commitment to creativity and forward-thinking approaches. We value the sense of tradition and belonging that comes from being a part of the Mississippi State community. Our partnership with the university's graduate program in Student Affairs means we have great opportunities to support and train new professionals for their future careers in student affairs through graduate assistantships in our many departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides administrative support for the Vice President and associated activities, to include managing the schedule/calendar, making travel arrangements, screening and handling telephone communications, greeting and directing visitors, and dealing with administrative problems and inquiries as appropriate.
2. Serves as a primary point of direct administrative contact and liaison with other offices, individuals, and external institutions and agencies on a range of specified issues; organizes and facilitates meetings, conferences, and other special events, as required.
3. Utilizes knowledge and understanding of underlying operational issues to assist in administrative problem solving, and plan, develop, and implement projects and programs.
4. Researches information, and gathers and computes various data; prepares special and/or one-time reports, summaries, or replies to inquiries, selecting relevant data from a variety of sources.
5. Organizes and facilitates meetings and special events; schedules and coordinates dates and times, venues, attendance, agendas, and facilities; takes minutes, and provides administrative support and follow-up on matters arising from meetings.
6. Gathers, enters, and/or updates data to maintain departmental records and databases, as appropriate; establishes and maintains files and records for the office.
7. Creates, composes, and edits technical and/or administrative correspondence and documentation; screens and evaluates incoming and outgoing correspondence and prepares responses as appropriate.
8. Supervises, leads, and guides the work of lower level staff, and supervises student employees as appropriate; may participate in hiring decisions and performance appraisal.
9. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education High school diploma or equivalent
Experience (yrs.) 5 years Experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities above

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications.
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
Knowledge of human resources concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.
Database management skills.
Knowledge of general accounting principles.
Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
Records maintenance skills.
Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze and solve problems.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
2. Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.
3. Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
4. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
5. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Please submit resume and cover letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.