Multimedia Communications Specialist

Position Function:

Responsible for managing digital media projects and supporting comprehensive communication initiatives that promote the visibility engagement and impact of all Early Childhood programs. This position develops and coordinates digital content social media outreach and multimedia materials to highlight program achievements community partnerships and family engagement efforts. The role also ensures consistent messaging across platforms to strengthen public awareness and showcase the programs commitment to early childhood education and family support.

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.

Department Profile:

Throughout its history Mississippi State University-Extension Service (MSU-Extension) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their the past decade MSU-Extension has distinguished itself as Mississippis premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 2 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and implement multimedia communication strategies to support the divisions programs events and initiatives across all Early Childhood programs.
Create write and produce engaging content for social media websites newsletters and digital platforms to enhance visibility strengthen community engagement and support program goals.
Develop story ideas gather information and produce written and visual content including news and feature stories photos and videos for distribution across print digital and media outlets locally regionally and nationally.
Collaborate with program teams to ensure consistent branding accessibility and alignment with MSU Extension and Early Childhood Programs communication standards.
Prepare and disseminate press releases media advisories and special announcements; provide event coverage and contribute to multimedia news packages.
Capture and curate photos videos and digital stories that highlight program impact success stories and community partnerships.
Analyze and report on digital engagement metrics to guide content strategy and measure communication effectiveness.
Maintain organized archives of communication materials media assets and project documentation.
Demonstrate initiative teamwork and flexibility in completing assignments including occasional after-hours coverage for events or time-sensitive projects.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility: None

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelors degree in print broadcast digital journalism; communication; public relations or related field
Experience:
Two years of related experience
Substitutions:
An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a higher education setting
Demonstrated work in writing for both print and digital platforms
Basic photography videography and editing skills
Ability to work in team setting and independently

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Expertise in researching understanding and simplifying complex information for a variety of audiences
Ability to work on multiple assignments and projects at one time while meeting deadlines
Self-motivated and detail oriented
Excellent written and verbal skills
Ability to interact well with diverse populationsstudents employees other university stakeholders
Excellent writing proofreading and communication skills
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Adobe Photoshop and either Microsoft or Adobe video editing software
Demonstrated knowledge of Associated Press style

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting bending or other physical exertion
Job requires standing stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting up to 40 pounds.
Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion
Frequently requires walking sitting reaching talking hearing handling objects with hands
Ability to see information in print and/or electronically and ability to distinguish colors
Ability to travel out of local area. Frequent travel will be required. Must have reliable transportation use of personal car required.
Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: applicants MUST apply online at to be considered for this position.

The following documents and information are required for application:
Cover Letter
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for at least three professional references
Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission)

An official transcript will be required if selected for employment.

Screening Date:

November 25 2025 until filled.

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 .

What do I do if I need an accommodation

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