Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU - connectu.olemiss.edu
The University of Mississippi
"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”
Department Summary
The Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management (catalog.olemissapplied-sciences/health-exercise-sci-recreation-mgmt) is home to 18 faculty, 4 staff members, 1,100+ undergraduate students, and 120+ graduate students. We offer two undergraduate degree programs (exercise science and sport management), four master’s degree programs (athletic training, exercise science, sport analytics, and sport management) and one doctoral degree program (Health and Kinesiology). The department is housed within the School of Applied Sciences, located on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, MS (olemiss). The school is home to approximately 150 faculty and staff, over 2,900 students, six academic departments, three centers and an institute. Overall, the school currently has ten undergraduate, ten masters and four doctoral programs (sas.olemiss).
Role Specifications
Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system Human Resource Compensation Page
Family - Administration
Sub-Family - Administration Operations
Career Track / Level - P2
Grade - 7
MinMidMax
$51,605$64,500$77,397
Role Summary
Administers day-to-day fiscal, administrative, and operational activities of a department or set of departments. Administers fiscal, budgetary, and/or other associated transactions, strategic implementation and administration, internal and external operational/administrative liaising, and reporting.
The Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management at the University of Mississippi invites applications for an Academic Operations Coordinator. Major job responsibilities include managing on- and off-campus recruitment materials and activities, responding to inquiries from prospective students, facilitating interactions with faculty and staff, overseeing program admissions, advising, managing travel paperwork, coordinating departmental events, and performing other duties as assigned.
This position supports both curricular and co-curricular experiences, providing opportunities for learning and development outside of the classroom. The Academic Operations Coordinator plans and executes departmental initiatives to enhance student success, administrative efficiency, and program quality.
Examples of Work Performed
• Oversee the admissions processes, including application review and communications with applicants for all graduate programs in the department.
• Coordinate recruitment activities for the department, both on- and off-campus, including outreach to prospective students.
• Serve as a point-of-contact for prospective students interested in graduate programs.
• Collaborate with department faculty and staff to plan and conduct orientation activities for new students.
• Manage student matriculation, course enrollment, and progress through graduate programs, ensuring that students meet graduation requirements.
• Advise graduate students regarding course registration, course permissions, and exceptions to departmental and university policies.
• Act as a liaison between the department and other university units, including the College of Liberal Arts, Academic Outreach, and the Graduate School.
• Oversee nominations for student awards and fellowships.
• Collaborate with the Department Chair on graduate assistant assignments and contracts.
• Maintain alumni communication and engagement initiatives.
• Assist with graduate program assessment activities.
• Manage travel paperwork and processes, ensuring compliance with university policies and timely reimbursements.
• Plan, organize, and execute departmental events, including guest lectures, workshops, conferences, student recognition ceremonies, and community outreach activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure smooth coordination of departmental logistics and event programming.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions
These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.
1. Administer and oversee day-to-day fiscal activities, including financial transactions, budget tracking, and expense management for the department(s).
2. Assist with administrative tasks such as coordinating meetings, managing correspondence, and maintaining records and documentation.
3. Develop and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures.
4. Support strategic implementation efforts by collaborating with departmental stakeholders to align operational activities with organizational goals and priorities.
5. Serve as a liaison between the department(s) and internal stakeholders, other departments, and external partners or vendors.
6. Conduct research and analysis to provide recommendations on operational and administrative improvement opportunities.
7. Prepare regular reports and presentations on departmental performance, financial status, and operational metrics for management and other stakeholders.
8. Assist in the development and implementation of administrative policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance and best practices.
9. Coordinate and support departmental projects and initiatives, including tracking progress, facilitating communication, and ensuring timely completion.
Minimum Education/Experience
Education: Bachelors Degree
Experience: (3) Three Years Experience
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in athletic training, exercise science, sport analytics, sport management, or higher education administration.
• Evidence of strong connections/collaborations within a related field
• At least three (3) years of experience working in a similar role
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills
• Experience with event planning and coordination
• History of developing and maintaining partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations
Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter and resume.
Contact Information: Matthew Jessee, PhD MBJESSEEOLEMISS.EDU - Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Health Exercise Science and Recreation Management and Search Committee Chair.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Minimum Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements: These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis.
Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
Physical Exertion: The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.
Vision: Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
