University of Southern Mississippi

Administrative Assistant, University Communications

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Administrative Assistant, University Communications.

Position Details

Location

Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division

University Communications

Position Type

Staff

Employment Status

Full Time

Grant Funded

No

Pay Grade

N04

Posting Close Date

July 15, 2025

Job Summary

The Administrative Assistant is responsible for greeting all visitors and callers to the Office of University Communications and providing appropriate assistance. This position serves as the Office’s primary customer service representative for the office for the general community and the University community, while also providing administrative and communication support to the University Communication staff.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Warmly greets all visitors and callers to the office, providing personal assistance and/or transition to appropriate staff for further assistance if needed. Ensure the Jones Hall front desk is always staffed.
2. Manages timely and appropriate responses to general email inquiries and for the institutional-level contact form on usm.edu, which may include high-level issues and confidential matters.
3. Manages the receipt and compilation of submissions for campus-wide communication pieces.
4. Provides general communication support for University Communications, including serving as an as-needed member of the crisis communications team.
5. Oversees daily mail sorting, delivery, pickup and distribution.
6. Assists in the management of the facility. Orders and maintains office supplies. Assists with needs related to Physical Plant, print vendors and other support organizations.
7. Assists the Office of University Communications Leadership Team with a wide range of administrative support including assistance with management of student workers, appointment management, scheduling meetings inside Jones Hall and coordinating campus delivery/pick-up of rental or promotional items.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma and one year of office and/or customer service experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential information regarding the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.

• Reliable and punctual
• Professional and respectful with exemplary phone etiquette and customer service skills
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in both written and oral communication
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with excellent attention to detail
• Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time
• Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with everyone
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to effectively use computers and computer programs including, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s Degree. Experience in full-time administrative support.

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.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.