Administrative Assistant

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 Media and Communication is a dynamic, newly formed academic unit dedicated to media studies, visual communication, and emerging media. Our team brings together diverse expertise from various areas of media and communication, fostering a collaborative environment where faculty and staff work toward a shared goal—building a competitive and forward-thinking program. With a commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world application, we provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape. Our department values creativity, adaptability, and a student-centered approach, making it an exciting and rewarding place to work and grow.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Administration

Sub-Family - Administrative Operations 

Career Track / Level - O1

Grade - 2

Role Summary

Provides routine administrative support to a department or group of professionals in support of unit goals.

The Department Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the department’s leadership and daily operations while fostering relationships across the university. This position involves assisting with planning, financial management, student and faculty affairs, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate departmental activities, facilitate connections with other units and offices, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Additionally, the position provides essential administrative support, helping to manage schedules, process financial transactions, and assist with departmental initiatives.

Examples of Work Performed

• Serve as a support liaison between the department and other university offices, facilitating collaboration and ensuring smooth communication across academic and administrative units.

• Assist department leadership in strategic planning, scheduling, and organizing departmental initiatives and events.

• Track department budgets, process expense reports, handle purchase requests, and coordinate financial documentation with the school’s finance office.

• Assist with student inquiries, process course-related requests, coordinate faculty meetings, and support hiring processes for faculty and staff.

• Organize and update departmental files, assist with preparing reports for accreditation, budgeting, and administrative reviews, and manage department correspondence.

• Schedule and prepare materials for department meetings, workshops, and university-wide events, ensuring logistical support.

• Handle office management tasks, respond to inquiries, and ensure efficient day-to-day departmental functioning.

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. Schedules logistics and secures resources for meetings, conferences, travel, and work unit operations. 
2. Sends, receives, copies, and distributes communications to the appropriate entities according to established policies and procedures. 
3. Tracks, stocks, orders, and inventories office supplies under direct supervision to ensure adequate materials are available for workplace operation. 
4. Serves as an occasional point of contact for individuals and groups providing basic organizational information via phone, in person, and through other communication mediums, routing more complex inquiries to the appropriate entities.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: High Schools Degree or GED

Experience: No experienced required

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of administrative support related experienced preferred.

• Experience in administrative support, financial processing, or academic operations in a university setting

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate collaboration across departments

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently

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 affirmative action 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, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

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.