Summer Field Program Coordinator, Marine Education Center

University of Southern Mississippi • Ocean Springs, MS

53d

About The Position

This position assists with the development, implementation, and expansion of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Summer Field Program at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL). This position is responsible for preparing promotional materials, managing social media and communication with prospective students, and assisting with recruitment through mailings, school visits, and partner engagement. The Coordinator also ensures program spaces, laboratories, and field equipment are maintained and ready for use, while arranging meals, lodging, transportation, and supplies for students and instructors. By handling both promotional and operational functions, this role plays a vital part in ensuring the Field Program runs smoothly and reaches its target audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the sciences and one to two years related experience and/or training working on administrative tasks and/or record keeping.
• A valid Driver's License is required.
• Have CPR and First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment.
• Adept in office systems and technology
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with all groups of individuals
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Resourceful and determined to provide a positive experience for others
• Detail oriented
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to give presentations to all audiences
• Ability to travel and complete overnight stays

Nice To Haves

• Ability to travel locally and regionally for program promotion.
• Experience and/or training in an academic setting or working with student records.
• Familiarity with procurement policies for the State of Mississippi.
• Familiarity with state and federal scientific collection permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements program promotion strategies. Creates course calendars and brochure content, designs and maintains digital archives of program media, and plans, creates, and schedules social media posts to promote programs, highlight activities, and engage with target audiences.
• Supports student recruitment activities. Prepares and distributes promotional packets, coordinates mailouts, and manages logistics such as labels and postage. Provides recruitment support by hosting virtual and local outreach visits, delivering presentations, distributing materials, and engaging directly with prospective participants and partner organizations.
• Coordinates operational logistics for programs, including accepting and depositing program-related fees, issuing affiliate invoices, coordinating individual and group travel accommodations and related financial tasks, arranging campus-based program needs, procuring supplies, and documenting activities through photography to support reporting and promotional efforts.
• Manages laboratory spaces and field equipment. Ensures program spaces and gear are labeled, cleaned, stored, and maintained for readiness. Tracks borrowed equipment and resets labs and gear following program use to support safe and effective operations.
• Collaborates with staff to ensure smooth program delivery and ensure efficient and effective participant experiences. Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees