Position Function:
The John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State University is seeking a Research Associate 1 with an interest in community and economic development and excellent communication, organization, and facilitation skills. The incumbent will engage with a wide range of citizens, groups, governmental entities, and professional organizations as they work to develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at fostering collaborative action, addressing complex challenges, and/or enhancing local community and economic conditions. The position will require strong interpersonal communication and coordination skills, the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of professionals, and the ability to work and think independently.
Salary Grade: 13
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:
The John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development (Stennis Institute) is a public service, training, and applied research unit at Mississippi State University, with its main office located on the Starkville, MS campus. The Stennis Institute performs a threefold mission: (1) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Mississippi state and local governments through basic and applied research, training, technical assistance, service, and community/economic development activities; (2) to provide technical assistance and research for both rural development in Mississippi and regional activities in the Southeast; and (3) to promote civic education and citizen involvement in the political process. The Stennis Institute has a presence in several locations across the state and is a leader in public service executive training and local government research and outreach.
Area of Specialization:
Community and Economic Development
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate should have experience in the community/economic development area at the local level, with experience in facilitating group workshops/meetings. Additionally, the successful candidate will have a working knowledge of community, leadership, and economic development with a history of successful project implementation.
The following examples are intended as illustrations of only some of the various types of duties assigned to positions allocated in this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
• Work closely with communities, organizations, institutions, and groups throughout the state (and on campus) to develop, document, present, and implement strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate community and group workshops and meetings aimed at developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with communities, organizations, and groups around the state (and on campus) that foster collaborative action and problem solving.
• Provide training and technical assistance to a wide range of groups regarding community/economic development and leadership topics.
• Provide direct outreach to a wide range of citizens, groups, professional organizations, and multiple governmental entities to inform them about activities and resources of the Stennis Institute.
• Develop project and program summary reports and presentations.
• Coordinate and plan activities that match potential client need to the services available across the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development and Mississippi State University.
• Effectively utilize the talents of other staff and available local resources for successful program delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated competence in actively engaging in working with local communities.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Two or more years professional experience actively engaged in working with local communities.
• Experience with professional writing and editing
• Experience with developing promotional/marketing material
• Proficient Computer Skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Excellent community skills and exhibit strengths in interpersonal communications and relationships
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Must be highly motivated, politically neutral, and must inspire trust throughout the university, as well as in dealing with community leadership, citizens, agency officials, and other external interests.
• Skill in facilitating group conversations and workshops.
• Skill in writing technical information, program reports, correspondence, newsletters, and other publications for various audiences.
• Skill in planning and controlling complex assignments.
• Skill in public speaking and making effective oral and written presentations.
• Skill in the use of personal computers in accomplishing daily tasks.
• Ability to help resolve citizens' community problems by presenting information clearly and concisely in written, oral or graphic form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships addressing complex challenges requiring collaborative efforts.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This is a full-time benefitted position with a primary duty station at the Mississippi State University campus in Starkville. This position reports to the Executive Director. As a benefitted MSU employee, this position is eligible to take up to 6 credit hours of courses for free per semester and could use this benefit to obtain a graduate degree (pending supervisor approval and admission into a graduate program). Travel to various locations throughout the state will be required, at times. Limited physical effort (basic office operations) required. No direct exposure to physical risk.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and three references.
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.
