Position Function:
Responsible for managing digital media projects and supporting comprehensive communication initiatives that promote the visibility, engagement, and impact of all Early Childhood programs. This position develops and coordinates digital content, social media outreach, and multimedia materials to highlight program achievements, community partnerships, and family engagement efforts. The role also ensures consistent messaging across platforms to strengthen public awareness and showcase the programs’ commitment to early childhood education and family support.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension Service (MSU-Extension) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-Extension has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 2, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement multimedia communication strategies to support the division’s programs, events, and initiatives across all Early Childhood programs.
• Create, write, and produce engaging content for social media, websites, newsletters, and digital platforms to enhance visibility, strengthen community engagement, and support program goals.
• Develop story ideas, gather information, and produce written and visual content, including news and feature stories, photos, and videos, for distribution across print, digital, and media outlets locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure consistent branding, accessibility, and alignment with MSU Extension and Early Childhood Programs’ communication standards.
• Prepare and disseminate press releases, media advisories, and special announcements; provide event coverage and contribute to multimedia news packages.
• Capture and curate photos, videos, and digital stories that highlight program impact, success stories, and community partnerships.
• Analyze and report on digital engagement metrics to guide content strategy and measure communication effectiveness.
• Maintain organized archives of communication materials, media assets, and project documentation.
• Demonstrate initiative, teamwork, and flexibility in completing assignments, including occasional after-hours coverage for events or time-sensitive projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Supervisory Responsibility: None
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in print, broadcast, digital journalism; communication; public relations or related field
Experience:
• Two years of related experience
Substitutions:
• An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in a higher education setting
• Demonstrated work in writing for both print and digital platforms
• Basic photography, videography and editing skills
• Ability to work in team setting and independently
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Expertise in researching, understanding and simplifying complex information for a variety of audiences
• Ability to work on multiple assignments and projects at one time while meeting deadlines
• Self-motivated and detail oriented
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Ability to interact well with diverse populations—students, employees, other university stakeholders
• Excellent writing, proofreading and communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and either Microsoft or Adobe video editing software
• Demonstrated knowledge of Associated Press style
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion
• Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion
• Frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands
• Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, and ability to distinguish colors
• Ability to travel out of local area. Frequent travel will be required. Must have reliable transportation, use of personal car required.
• Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.
The following documents and information are required for application:
• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references
• Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission)
An official transcript will be required if selected for employment.
Screening Date:
November 25, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
