Position Function:
The Media Specialist assists with all aspects of promotional content for communications, marketing, and outreach efforts for the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The individual provides writing, videography, photography, and some graphic design content for digital and print marketing and collateral materials. The position reports to the CVM Director of Communications.
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.
Area of Specialization:
Dean's Office
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Digital Content/Social Media:
1. Develops content for various external and internal audiences, including social media accounts based upon strategic organizational goals and in concert with branding and marketing plans. Ensures content produced includes a wide representation of the college’s departments/units, clinics, services, and programs.
2. Maximizes brand exposure and identifies opportunities to use social-media and web-based communications to deliver brand messages in new or more effective ways, with special focus on utilization of data and analytics.
3. Stays abreast of University’s social media and web communications policies and standards and industry best practices.
Copywriting - Print and Traditional Media Content:
1. Develops content for print and other traditional media communications by conducting research, interviewing sources, writing, and editing material for publications and promotional use.
2. Creates content highlighting college, faculty, students, staff, and alumni achievements. Identifies scholarly research for potential stories and works with faculty clinicians and students to spotlight interesting and successful patient/client cases.
3. Assists with the creation of displays, signs, banners, and other such materials developed to promote the college and its departments/units, clinics, services, and programs.
4. Carefully proofreads all content for errors and inconsistencies and ensures it meets university and college messaging standards. Also provides proofreading and editing as needed for content produced by faculty and others within the college.
Photography & Videography
1. Works in conjunction with coordinator of photographic services to capture still images at various CVM programs, activities, and events upon request.
2. Produces candid photos and captures and edits candid video for CVM social media platforms.
3. Utilizes college’s photo library and video vault to create specialized editorial content (photo, video, graphics, etc.) for digital media use as well as to support copy written for publications and promotional pieces.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Works outside of traditional business hours when scheduled to do so in advance.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field.
Experience: Two (2) years of related experience.
Must hold a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in communications or related field.
3 to 5 years of experience in the communication field, specifically as a writer, editor, web manager or social media strategist
Experience working for a college or university, especially in veterinary medicine, agricultural communications or closely related area.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills
• Outstanding proofreading and editing skills; Attention to detail
• Knowledge of Associated Press Style
• Skilled in writing for various applications: such as social media content, press releases, corporate/internal communications, promotional/marketing material, website content, news/feature stories
• Graphic design skills including page layout, visual images, and typography
• Adept in still photography and basic videography and video editing
• Proficient knowledge of software including Adobe Photoshop, PremierePro, Lightroom, InDesign, Illustrator
• Excellent organizational skills; Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
• Strong initiative/self-motivation and reliable follow through; Requires minimal supervision
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands. Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.
Screening Date:
March 5, 2026, until filled.
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.
