Position Function:
The Program Coordinator, ASSURE will lead strategic communication, outreach activities, and stakeholder engagement for the FAA’s Center of Excellence (COE) for UAS research. This role supports the visibility and promotion of ASSURE’s research portfolio through coordinated messaging, digital content development, media engagement, and public-facing communication strategies. The Program Coordinator, ASSURE will work closely with internal university partners, FAA representatives, external communications teams, and ASSURE member institutions to ensure effective dissemination of research outcomes and program initiatives. This position plays a key role in strengthening ASSURE’s public presence, fostering collaboration across the consortium, and supporting ongoing engagement with government, industry, and academic stakeholders.
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:
Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence is comprised of 29 of the world’s leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners. ASSURE members are core to four FAA UAS test sites, lead four FAA research centers, and have a multitude of UAS ranging from small drones below 55 pounds to the largest UAS at any US academic institution at 1800 pounds. This alliance features expertise across a broad spectrum of research areas, including: Air traffic control interoperability, UAS airport ground operations, control and communications, detect and avoid, human factors, UAS noise reduction, UAS wake signatures, unmanned aircraft pilot training and certification, low altitude operations safety, spectrum management and UAS traffic management. ASSURE possesses the expertise, experience, and influence that the FAA Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems demands.
Area of Specialization:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center of Excellence (CoE)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications & Outreach Planning
• Develop and execute the social media and outreach strategy for the ASSURE COE research program, including measurable engagement and visibility goals
• Coordinate messaging consistency across internal and external communication channels
• Ensure communications activities align with ASSURE strategic goals, FAA research priorities, and external communication requirements
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
• Serve as a primary communications liaison among internal stakeholders, including MSU Public Affairs, communications teams, and ASSURE
• Coordinate with external partners such as industry partners, FAA Public Affairs, and public affairs contacts across ASSURE core and affiliate member universities
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships to support publication reviews, media engagement, and promotional activities
Content Development, Dissemination & Web Management
• Coordinate the release of communication materials that promote ASSURE and university research and accomplishments, including articles, newsletters, social media content, and promotional media
• Work directly with researchers and FAA representatives to ensure all public-facing content complies with communication and publication guidelines
• Manage the upkeep and content updates for the ASSURE website, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to improve functionality, messaging clarity, and user experience
• Plan and host webinars focused on research promotion, industry engagement, and technology awareness
Event Support & Representation
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and when needed, attending research tests, industry meetings, FAA events, and ASSURE-hosted activities
• Provide communications support before, during, and after events to ensure alignment with messaging and outreach goals
• Represent ASSURE in professional and public engagement settings
Operational Coordination & Process Ownership
• Track communication workflows, content pipelines, and outreach activity timelines across COE research projects
• Maintain documentation, schedules, and reporting related to communication deliverables and stakeholder approvals
• Ensure timely coordination between project teams, public affairs stakeholders, and leadership
Other Duties
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Director of Research
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field
• Minimum 1 year of experience in communications, outreach, marketing, or public affairs, preferably in higher education, government, research, or technical program environments
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience supporting communications in aviation, aerospace, government, or research organizations
• Proficiency in photography and basic photo/video editing for use in social media, promotional materials, and event documentation
• Familiarity with FAA public affairs processes or federal research communication protocols
• Experience planning or supporting webinars, public events, industry outreach activities, or multi-institution collaborations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing digital content, social media strategy, and public-facing communications
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across organizations and to coordinate messaging
• Strong writing, editing, visual communication, and organizational skills with attention to accuracy and detail
• Ability to travel occasionally to support events, demonstrations, and external engagement activities
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Standard office environment with occasional travel to FAA meetings, industry conferences, partner sites, and flight test locations
• Some evening or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or attend events
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
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?
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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.
