Research Program and Grants Coordinator

Research Program and Grants Coordinator

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Program and Grants Coordinator.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
This position integrates two critical roles: coordination of the Southern Miss Graduate Training program and support for research and grants initiatives across the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP), including the Office for Research and Scholarship and Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation (CeHRI). The coordinator is responsible for day-to-day management of the graduate training program, supports CNHP faculty in research development efforts, and assists the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation with research communications, stakeholder engagement, and programmatic reporting. The position requires strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills to support faculty, trainees, and research infrastructure growth.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Southern Miss GTEC program, including trainee admissions and onboarding processes, progress tracking, event planning, and financial processes in compliance with funding guidelines.
• Serve as liaison for graduate trainees, providing guidance on program requirements and professional development opportunities.
• Assist CNHP faculty and students with pre-award proposal preparation and compliance, monitor funding opportunities, and support the delivery of professional development in grantsmanship and research methods.
• Collect, organize, and maintain data on publications, grant submissions, presentations, and student involvement for internal and sponsor reporting.
• Provide assistance with research communications, including drafting content for newsletters, websites, and social media, and coordinating outreach materials.
• Coordinate advisory board meetings, stakeholder engagement activities, and research-related meetings, workshops, and symposia.
• Support scheduling, travel, correspondence, and documentation for the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, and represent CNHP at relevant meetings or events.
• Performs other duties as assigned to advance the research and scholarly mission of the CNHP.

• Demonstrated knowledge of program operations, including onboarding, progress monitoring, compliance oversight, and event coordination.
• Strong attention to detail demonstrated by the ability to review complex information, identify discrepancies, ensure data accuracy, and maintain thorough documentation while meeting deadlines.
• Working knowledge of research administration processes, including pre-award grant development, budget management, sponsor/university compliance, and program reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with research communications, including development of news content, website updates, social media engagement, and stakeholder outreach.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing clear reports, correspondence, and event materials for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in planning and executing academic and professional events, such as workshops, symposia, and advisory board meetings.
• Competence in collecting, analyzing, and presenting research metrics to support program evaluation, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, and external partners while interpreting and applying funding guidelines and institutional policies.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with program and funding requirements, and safeguarding confidential information.
• Experience managing communications channels to effectively promote research achievements and program activities.

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.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.