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Administrative Lead, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Administrative Lead, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division School of Media and Communication

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date May 30, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

We will begin review of applications April 14th. Priority will be given to applicants that apply before April 21, 2025.

Job Summary

The Administrative Lead is the primary professional and administrative support position for the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center (RHCJC). This role is responsible for ensuring efficient financial and operational management of the Center, maintaining strong organizational systems, and providing administrative support to facilitate the Center’s mission and relationship with the School of Media and Communication, the Scripps Howard Foundation, the wider university, and external stakeholders.

The Administrative Lead must be a highly organized professional with strong budgetary, accounting, and financial management skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks under deadline while working both independently and collaboratively.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Manages the Center’s budget and financial processes, including but not limited to monthly reconciliations, purchasing, salary and benefits tracking, expense reimbursements, invoice processing, and travel coordination for staff and students.

+ Ensures compliance with all Center, Scripps Howard Foundation, School, and University policies related to finance, personnel, and administrative operations.

+ Develops and maintains efficient organizational systems to streamline administrative workflows, record-keeping, and communication between campuses and bureaus.

+ Prepares and manages financial reports, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in tracking expenditures and forecasting budget needs.

+ Oversees and ensures timely completion of all administrative paperwork related to hiring, contracts, payroll, reimbursements, and purchasing for the Center and affiliated employees or graduate assistants.

+ Communicates effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders, acting as the Center’s point of contact for administrative inquiries and ensuring a professional and welcoming office environment.

+ Attends and assists RHCJC staff in the coordination, set-up, and promotion of all public Center activities, including events, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.

+ Supervises, recruits, and provides guidance to student workers assigned to administrative tasks within the Center, ensuring professional development and efficiency in daily operations.

+ Manages multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, ensuring that all administrative and financial responsibilities are completed with accuracy and efficiency.

+ Learns and implements new policies, software, and processes quickly, adapting to evolving administrative and financial requirements.

+ Performs other duties as assigned by the Center Director to support the Center’s overall operations and mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, communication, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Strong budgetary and financial management skills, including proficiency in budget reconciliation and expense tracking.

+ Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks under deadlines.

+ Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including email and telephone etiquette, formal correspondence, and professional presentation.

+ Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, managing projects efficiently while coordinating with RHCJC staff and external partners.

+ High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in financial and administrative record-keeping.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and the ability to learn new administrative and financial software quickly.

+ Ability to establish long-standing relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty, students, media professionals, and community partners.

+ Ability to problem-solve, adapt to new challenges, and maintain confidentiality in handling financial and personnel matters.

+ Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and mentor student workers in administrative tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, communication, or a related field.

+ At least three years’ experience in a professional office setting, preferably in an administrative, financial, or higher education environment.

+ Experience in budget management, accounting, or financial reconciliation.

+ Familiarity with university administrative systems, grant-funded programs, or nonprofit financial management.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.