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Research Program and Grants Coordinator

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Program and Grants Coordinator.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Dean's Office - Nursing

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date December 31, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

This position integrates two critical roles: coordination of the Southern Miss Graduate Training Education and support for research and grants initiatives across the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) and Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation (CeHRI). The coordinator is responsible for day-to-day management of the graduate training program, supports CNHP faculty in pre-award and research development efforts, and assists the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation with research communications, stakeholder engagement, and programmatic reporting. The position requires strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills to support faculty, trainees, and research infrastructure growth.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Graduate Program Management – Oversee daily operations of the graduate training program, including trainee onboarding, progress tracking, event planning, and financial processes in compliance with funding guidelines.

+ Trainee Support – Serve as liaison for graduate trainees, providing guidance on program requirements, funding, and professional development opportunities.

+ Research Development and Grants – Assist faculty with pre-award proposal preparation and compliance, monitor funding opportunities, and support professional development in grantsmanship and research methods.

+ Research Reporting and Metrics – Collect, organize, and maintain data on publications, grant submissions, presentations, and student involvement for internal and sponsor reporting.

+ Communications Support – Provide assistance with research communications, including drafting content for newsletters, websites, and social media, and coordinating outreach materials under the direction of the ADR office.

+ Stakeholder and Event Support – Assist with advisory board meetings, community engagement activities, and coordination of research-related meetings, workshops, and symposia.

+ Administrative Support – Support scheduling, travel, correspondence, and documentation for the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, and represent CNHP and CeHRI at relevant meetings or events.

+ Performs other duties as assigned to advance the research and scholarly mission of the CNHP.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, education, biomedical/health sciences, social sciences, or a related field and two (2) years of experience in grant-funded or academic program administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Demonstrated knowledge of research program operations, including onboarding, progress monitoring, compliance oversight, and event coordination.

+ Working knowledge of research administration processes, including pre-award grant development, budget management, sponsor/university compliance, and program reporting requirements.

+ Familiarity with research communications, including development of news content, website updates, social media engagement, and stakeholder outreach.

+ Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing clear reports, correspondence, and event materials for all audiences.

+ Proficiency in planning and executing academic and professional events, such as workshops, symposia, and advisory board meetings.

+ Competence in collecting, analyzing, and presenting research metrics to support program evaluation, reporting, and strategic decision-making.

+ Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, and external partners while interpreting and applying funding guidelines and institutional policies.

+ Commitment to maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with program and funding requirements, and safeguarding confidential information.

+ Experience managing communications channels to effectively promote research achievements and program activities.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, health sciences, or related fields along with previous experience with NIH, NSF, or other federal grants and knowledge of research compliance, reporting systems, and academic funding mechanisms.

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.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.