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Accounts and Office Manager

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Accounts and Office Manager.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

46 Shelby Thames Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39402

United States

Division Mississipi Polymer Science Institute

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date July 15, 2025

Job Summary

The Accounts and Office Manager is a central role for the Innovation Park and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI). This position integrates customer relationship management with internal operational oversight, acting as the primary liaison for visitors, tenants, and stakeholders while ensuring the smooth functioning of both entities. Beyond customer service and a collaborative environment, the role encompasses financial administration, including bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable management, budget support and monitoring, and grant-related financial activities. Furthermore, the Manager directs administrative operations, coordinates facility maintenance and events, supports special projects (including grant administration and physical plant improvements), and leads marketing and communications initiatives, all while providing support to colleagues and driving operational improvements under the MPI Director.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

+ Serve as the primary point of contact for the Innovation Park and MPI, delivering customer service to visitors, tenants, and stakeholders; implement visitor management and tenant relations programs; address tenant inquiries and liaise with university services; direct administrative operations, coordinate office staff, implement office procedures, manage vendor relationships for supplies and equipment, maintain inventory, and coordinate office space maintenance.

+ Oversee financial administration for the Accelerator and MPI, including bookkeeping, maintaining the chart of accounts, ensuring financial record accuracy, utilizing financial software, preparing financial statements and reports, analyzing variances, managing accounts payable and receivable, supporting the annual budgeting process, assisting with financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, processing grant-related financial documentation, and assisting with grant reporting.

+ Monitor budgets and accounts, analyze budget status, and report findings to the Director and stakeholders; manage tenant leases, including renewals and related financial activities like rent collection.

+ Coordinate facility maintenance activities (scheduling, repairs) and the scheduling/upkeep of conference rooms; plan and execute special events (conferences, workshops, tenant events), coordinating logistics.

+ Manage and support special projects (grant administration, physical plant improvements, contracted services), assist in developing project plans, track budgets and timelines, coordinate with stakeholders, assist with grant proposal preparation, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

+ Develop and coordinate marketing and communications initiatives (digital marketing, social media, newsletters), create marketing materials, update website content, coordinate media relations, and organize events to enhance visibility.

+ Provide support and guidance to colleagues, serve as a resource for information and problem-solving, manage special office projects (process improvements, system implementations), participate in the development and oversee the execution of strategic improvement plans for operations, communications, and office systems.

+ Demonstrate advanced-level work and maintain responsibility for compliance and reconciliation of detailed financial activities and procedures; manage numerous accounts and contracts, including MPI and Innovation Park grants.

+ Hire and supervise student workers and oversee the onboarding of new hires.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting, management, or related field, and 3 to 5 years of experience in financial management and office administration, including bookkeeping, customer service, and project assistance, preferably in a university or research environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

+ Knowledge of accounting principles and financial software.

+ Knowledge of office management procedures and customer service best practices.

+ Financial management and office administration skills.

+ Strong communication and organizational skills.

+ Skill in developing and implementing effective marketing communication and social media strategies

+ Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently.

+ Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks.

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.