Administrative Director and Head of Campus, MSU-Meridian

MSU Meridian

Administrative Director and Head of Campus, MSU-Meridian

Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking an experienced administrator in higher education to head its regional campus in Meridian, MS.   The Administrative Director and Head of Campus, MSU-Meridian (ADHC), is the chief administrative officer of the Mississippi State University Meridian Campus, including the College Park Campus, the Riley Campus and the Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts.  The ADHC is responsible for all budgetary, personnel, and physical plant matters on the campus, as well as coordination with the Community Colleges and the local community.  The campus academic units are the Divisions of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education, and each division is aligned with their respective College and Dean on the main campus. The ADHC provides leadership and oversight in cooperation with the related departments and colleges on the Starkville campus. The Meridian campus has over 500 students (including approximately 100 graduate students), a faculty numbering over 50, and a staff of 40.  The ADHC also serves as an integral liaison with the feeder community colleges and with the community and region. The ADHC serves on the MSU Dean’s council, Executive Enrollment Management Committee, and strategic committees of MSU and reports through the Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs to the Provost and Executive Vice President. The ADHC works to coordinate activities with college and university units including, Enrollment Services, the MSU Foundation, the Registrar, Information Technology Services, Student Affairs, the MSU Police Department, Budget and Finance, the Office of Public Affairs, and other units of the campus.

In addition, the ADHC oversees all matters associated with the historic Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts. The Riley Center is a 100,000+ square foot multifaceted facility in the heart of downtown Meridian which presents a full season of 30+ performing arts events annually, including school shows targeting students K12 and multiday conferences and conventions. The center is a participant in the John F. Kennedy Center's Partners in Education program providing teacher training on arts education.

The Meridian campus faculty are tenured at Meridian through the academic colleges and departments of the Mississippi State University main campus in Starkville. The ADHC assists the main campus departments and colleges with the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty who can deliver quality academic instruction, conduct quality research that results in scholarly publications, and generate external funding to support research. As the leader of a regional campus, the ADHC is expected to develop strong professional links with relevant community colleges and to maintain a strong presence within the East Mississippi area, particularly in the City of Meridian and in Lauderdale County, on all matters affecting the educational mission of the campus and its cultural enrichment outreach through the performing arts at the Riley Center.

Minimum qualifications include a terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, and at least three years of experience in higher education administration.  Preferred qualifications include experience in administrative oversight of off-campus programs, two or more years of experience supervising staff, and experience managing budgets and physical resources.  The ideal candidate should have the ability and willingness to work under general direction and operate effectively in a geographically dispersed environment; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a knowledge of best practices of recruitment and retention; a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with diverse members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and executives/administrators; an ability to administer fiscal resources including budgeting, expenditure decisions, inventory, as well as short-term and long-term fiscal planning; and a knowledge of state and federal laws, and University policies and procedures related to the functions managed by this position.  A complete position description for this position can be found at:  www.jobs.msstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=186343

Applicants should complete the Personal Data Information Form at the above URL and attach an application letter, a CV, and a list of five references with complete contact information in order to complete the application process. The position will remain open until filled but for full consideration, applicants should apply before October 15, 2015.  MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women and members of any minority group and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.