Program Coordinator, ASSURE

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a full-time Project Coordinator for the ASSURE program in Starkville, MS. This role involves managing research proposals, working with FAA and research stakeholders, and ensuring all projects meet deadlines and quality standards.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor of Science degree and three years of relevant experience in project management. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Three years of related experience in Project Coordination/Management required.
• Experience with federal, state, local, and academic entities related to aviation and UAS.
• Experience in reading and understanding research reports.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project management activities for ASSURE related projects.
• Work closely with FAA, research sponsors, and ASSURE partners.
• Track proposal and project deadlines.
• Ensure project organization and plan execution.
• Review reports for proper formatting and provide feedback.

Skills

Project management techniques

Excellent verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products

Time management

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510764

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 193700 - ASSURE

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Professional

Position Open Date: Jun 4 2026

Position Function

Reviews scope, budgets, and reports for ASSURE related research proposals and projects. Works with government and commercial partners, academic partners, and other research stakeholders to track research progress and budget milestones and follow project schedule. Ensures all proposals and projects meet applicable deadlines, budgets, and high-quality standards.

Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence Overview

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinate project management activities for ASSURE related projects.
2. Work closely with FAA, research sponsors, ASSURE partners, and other UAS related partners.
3. Track proposal and project deadlines.
4. Complete pre-proposal paperwork required by the Office of Sponsored Programs.
5. Ensure project organization and plan execution.
6. Provide guidance to researchers and stakeholders as directed by the Technical Director of Research.
7. Review reports for proper formatting and template usage and provide feedback and recommendations.
8. Monitor and report progress of research tasks and deliverables.
9. Track project issues and risks.
10. Participate in all ASSURE research meetings.
11. Prepare and submit appropriate progress and summary reports as specified.
12. Support the mission of ASSURE, MSU, and the FAA.
13. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or other technical field.
• Experience: Three (3) years related experience in Project Coordination/Management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, or higher (i.e. Project Management Professionals (PMP) Certification); and
• Three (3) years related experience in project coordination of aviation, systems design, engineering, research & development, test and evaluation of unmanned aircraft, or applicable systems related fields.
• Additionally, experience in reading and understanding research reports. Direct work experience in aviation and UAS aircraft, component and control systems. Experience working with federal, state, local, and academic entities related to aviation and UAS.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools.
• Experience in managing projects and leading project teams.
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office Products, and other computer-based programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills to include time management and multi-tasking.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent- External imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.

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, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.