Extension Specialist

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 Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDCN) is a dynamic, statewide economic development organization with 15 centers strategically located across the Magnolia State. MSBDCN supports aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses through one-on-one counseling, training, and technical assistance. We manage a range of impactful programs, including SSBCI Technical Assistance, the RISE Center at Ole Miss, Digital Marketing Bootcamps, and ConnectMS.

Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with local, regional, and statewide partners to strengthen Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of the University of Mississippi community, we engage closely with UM and other institutions to foster innovation and support entrepreneurial success. Our team thrives in a supportive, mission-driven environment where ideas are shared freely and every team member plays a vital role in driving economic growth across the state.

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 -  Education

Sub-Family - Community Outreach

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade - 8

Role Summary

Delivers and assists with planning community development and support program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy and assists with program administration to promote a stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. 

• Engages with resource partners and stakeholders to participate in the ConnectMS platform.

• Conducts outreach to universities in the Mississippi Research Consortium (OM, MSU, JSU, USM) to identify assets available to entrepreneurs.

• Answer questions and addresses any issues from partners and stakeholders with the ConnectMS platform.

• Connects rural community organizations with available university resources.

• Works to identify resources available to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Assists in creating collaborative relations with other resources across the state of Mississippi in order to better serve small businesses, especially in the rural communities.

Examples of Work Performed

• Creates community development and support program content and materials. 
• Selects appropriate sites for instruction based on curriculum needs. 
• Schedules, secures, communicates logistics and resources in support of an outreach program. 
• Develops and delivers training materials for an outreach program.
• Identifies opportunities for program improvement or new outreach program development.

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. Creates community development and support program content and materials. 
2. Selects appropriate sites for instruction based on curriculum needs. 
3. Schedules, secures, communicates logistics and resources in support of an outreach program. 
4. Develops and delivers training materials for an outreach program.
5.Identifies opportunities for program improvement or new outreach program development.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (3) Three Years Experience

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.