Outreach and Communications Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach and Communications Specialist supports Mississippi INBRE outreach, communications, events, and student recruitment efforts under the direction of the Director of Operations. The incumbent coordinates outreach and event activities, prepares communications and promotional materials, maintains digital communications platforms, supports student and faculty application processes, assists with recruitment initiatives, facilitates engagement with institutional partners, and promotes Mississippi INBRE opportunities throughout the state.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, Digital Media, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field; and two (2) to four (4) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, recruitment, outreach, event coordination, student engagement, or related areas.
Experience coordinating multiple projects, events, or outreach initiatives simultaneously.
Valid Driver's License and ability to travel throughout Mississippi.
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
Knowledge of marketing, communications, public relations, and outreach principles.
Ability to create and distribute communications materials for print, digital, web, email, and social media platforms.
Proficiency with website content management systems (e.g., WordPress), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual meeting platforms.
Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar graphic design software.
Ability to coordinate outreach activities, meetings, conferences, workshops, and special events.
Ability to support recruitment, stakeholder engagement, and promotional initiatives.
Ability to organize multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and provide excellent customer service.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, institutional partners, and the public while traveling as needed to support program activities.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field; and four (4) to six (6) years of related professional experience.
Experience developing and executing marketing, recruitment, and outreach campaigns.
Experience managing websites and social media platforms, including content creation and analytics.
Experience using WordPress, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools.
Experience planning and coordinating conferences, meetings, workshops, recruitment events, or large-scale programs.
Experience supporting higher education, research, grant-funded, workforce development, or student engagement programs.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and assists with logistical arrangements for Mississippi INBRE-sponsored meetings, workshops, conferences, outreach activities, and special events, including travel, facilities, catering, event materials, registration, and on-site event support.
Assists with coordinating public relations, outreach, and promotional activities throughout the state to increase awareness of Mississippi INBRE programs, events, opportunities, and initiatives.
Prepares and distributes communications materials, including newsletters, promotional materials, press releases, email campaigns, social media content, digital advertising, and other communications supporting Mississippi INBRE outreach and recruitment efforts.
Maintains and updates, under the direction of program leadership, the Mississippi INBRE website and social media platforms, including content development, copywriting, graphic design, photography, media production, and coordination of website and social media communications.
Works collaboratively with the Mississippi INBRE administrative team to support partner institutions.
Supports Mississippi INBRE student and faculty application processes by maintaining applicant portals, tracking submissions, maintaining application records, and coordinating related program activities.
Assists with implementing recruitment strategies for Mississippi INBRE student scholar programs.
Travels to institutional partners throughout Mississippi to support student recruitment and outreach efforts.
Provides support to Mississippi INBRE-funded scholars and interns.
Assists with compiling, organizing, and preparing program data and reports.
Assists with purchasing, maintaining, and tracking inventory of promotional items.
Attends conferences, meetings, and outreach events as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.