Extension Project Specialist

Position Function:

Within Extension Program and Staff Development, the Extension Project Specialist is responsible working with the team to build the professional, programmatic, and evaluation knowledge and capacity of Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension personnel. This is done through online training modules and courses, webinars, face-to-face workshops, and resource development. The Extension Project Specialist is also involved in conducting needs assessments, managing electronic reporting and training systems, and preparing accountability reports.

Salary Grade:  15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

May 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide training and learning opportunities on various program and staff development topics for Extension personnel through face-to-face contact, interactive video, online modules, webinars, and other emerging learning strategies.
2. Develop web-based and printed content to be used in educating Extension personnel on professional skills, program development, program evaluation, and reporting.
3. Assist with Extension Program and Staff Development data collection efforts and management of planning and reporting systems.
4. Train Extension personnel on how to use planning and reporting systems.
5. Collaborate on efforts for monitoring and reporting Extension’s programmatic impact to local, state, regional, and federal stakeholders.
6. Provide technical support to MSU Extension personnel on program and staff development topics.
7. Collaborate on efforts related to onboarding and mentoring of Extension professionals.
8. Interact with colleagues from other Extension services throughout the country; present at local, state, regional, and national conferences.
9. Work and support the mission of all the program areas in the Extension Service including Agriculture and Natural Resources; Family, Health, and Well-being; 4-H Youth Development; and Community Resource and Economic Development.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
None

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Data Systems; Management/Business Information Systems; Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communication; or other related fields

3 years experience in teaching and training in program development, program evaluation, data systems, staff development, or another related field.

Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Digital Measures, Qualtrics, and other data software systems.
2. Experience and understanding of various education methods for both in-person and online education and training.
3. Strong analytical and technical skills with an attention to detail and accuracy.
4. Highly self-motivated and directed, with experience working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
5. Experience educating Extension professionals.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Some physical effort required, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Some in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Must complete online application; submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a current unofficial transcript. Please note that any social security number included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.

Screening Date:

May 8, 2026, until f