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Coordinator for First & Second Year Programs

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Coordinator for First & Second Year Programs.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division The Center for Student Success

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 41,000.00 - 41,000.00

Pay Grade

E07

Posting Close Date October 17, 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

The Coordinator for First- & Second-Year Programs assists in the development and execution of student-success based initiatives in The Center for Student Success (CSS). As a member of the CSS team, the coordinator plays an integral role in promoting student engagement, retention, and graduation. Through a range of programs and collaboration with stakeholders across the university, they strive to empower students to become more engaged on their collegiate journey and to make informed decisions as they progress through their academic career. The coordinator engages with varied student populations that include but are not limited to Pell-eligible students, freshmen, transfer students, non-traditional students, and neurodiverse students. The coordinator approaches students holistically to provide a results-driven student-centered experience, working with and being sensitive to the educational needs of all learners and supporting the University’s commitment to thrive as a model for student success.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Collaborates with the director of the Center for Student Success and other campus stakeholders to develop and support program goals, implementation, and assessment of results.

+ Manages a set group of student success programs, such as first- and second-year student initiatives, success coaching, the Jump Scholars bridge program, Eagle CORE, and/or programming associated with scholarships/grants.

+ Organizes key logistical components for their assigned programs, including developing and executing programming, communications, promotional strategies, and recruiting, training, and supporting campus partners.

+ Collaborates with campus partners, including faculty and staff leaders to support multi-department sponsored events.

+ Serves as a student outreach liaison for scholarship recipients and program administrators and engages and communicates effectively with internal and external partners, such as grant agencies.

+ Supports undergraduate outreach initiatives through multimodal communication methods (e.g., targeted emails, texts, phone calls, presentations, tabling, etc.), including regular meetings with students to discuss holistic problem-solving approaches, and referrals to campus resources as appropriate.

+ Develops and executes effective assessment practices for programs, including data maintenance.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, counseling, communications, psychology, sociology, or a related field; and one (1) year of customer service or project coordination in a professional or educational setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Excellent skills in writing and oral communication, including effectively presenting information to various audiences, and knowledgeably responding to inquiries.

+ Ability to work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of all student populations.

+ Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups.

+ Ability to be proactive, think critically, and problem-solve.

+ Ability to effectively multi-task, plan and manage one’s own time, and demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

+ Ability to conduct all work with professionalism and ethics, including the ability to process and handle sensitive information with discretion.

+ Aptitude for learning and staying current with policies, procedures, and research-based best practices in higher education.

+ Ability to collect and analyze data to assess programs and make data-informed recommendations about program adjustments.

+ Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, and an ability to review, understand, and respond to data in a variety of formats.

+ Ability to work occasional evening or weekend event as required to execute programming.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, counseling, communications, psychology, sociology, or a related field. Experience in work that required critical-thinking, problem-solving, and initiative-taking. Experience working with students, particularly within higher education.

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.