Program Coordinator, CALS-MAFES

Mississippi State University; Starkville, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks an administrative events coordinator to plan, coordinate, and execute a diverse range of events for the CALS Dean and MAFES Director’s Office. You will manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and handle all logistics from venue selection to on-site coordination.

The role involves maintaining records, evaluating outcomes through surveys, coordinating facility scheduling and invoicing, and assisting with student/visitor engagement while supervising student workers.

Qualifications

• Education requirement: Bachelor's degree.
• Experience planning and executing events.
• Experience working with college students, parents/guardians, and academic administrators.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute events for CALS Dean and MAFES Director’s Office.
• Manage event budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, ensure cost-effective outcomes.
• Oversee event logistics: venue, catering, AV/tech, décor, on-site coordination.
• Maintain detailed event records: setup, attendance, post-event feedback.
• Evaluate success via surveys and reports to improve future programming.
• Schedule and invoice CALS Dean and MAFES Director’s Office facilities, bookings for rooms and spaces.
• Assist with student/visitor engagement and guest reception.
• Supervise student workers.
• Provide backup support for other CALS/MAFES staff and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Event coordination

Budget management

Vendor negotiation

Student supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Function

Coordinates projects, processes, and activities and provides services for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES). Serves as a central administrative staff member responsible for planning College and Experiment Station level events as well as scheduling for CALS and MAFES facilities.

Salary Grade

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

For more information on the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), please visit www.mafes.msstate.edu

For more information on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), please visit www.cals.msstate.edu

Anticipated Appointment Date

September 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Plan, coordinate, and execute a diverse range of events for the CALS Dean and MAFES Director’s Office.
• 2. Manage event budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure cost-effective yet high-quality outcomes.
• 3. Oversee all event logistics, including venue selection, catering, AV/tech setup, décor, and on-site coordination.
• 4. Maintain detailed records of events, including setup requirements, attendance, and post-event feedback.
• 5. Evaluate event success through feedback surveys and post-event reports, using insights to improve future programming.
• 6. Manage and maintain the CALS Dean and MAFES Director’s Office facility scheduling and invoicing, ensuring accurate and up-to-date bookings for meeting rooms, event spaces, and specialized facilities.
• 7. Assist with student/visitor engagement and guest reception.
• 8. Supervise student workers.
• 9. Provides backup support for other administrative staff in CALS/MAFES.
• 10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with managing events, including planning and executing events.
• Experience working with college students, their parents, or guardians, and with academic administrators and faculty

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 1. Knowledge of word processing and spread sheet programs.
• 2. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills required.
• 3. Excellent organizational skills

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Some physical activity required for event setup. Requires lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Screening Date

September 3, 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, [phone].

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: [phone] or [e-mail].

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