Administrative Assistant I/ II - Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, Part-time

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

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Department Summary

The Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute (MMRI) was established in 1972 by the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) in an effort to coordinate mineral-related research in Mississippi. The mission of MMRI remains to provide the public and private sectors the expertise needed to make responsible decisions regarding Mississippi's and the nation's natural resources and environmental well-being. This is accomplished by conducting research that is relevant to society and educating future geoscientists and engineers. The CMRET is the offshore branch of MMRI. It was established by Congress in 1988 as part of the Mineral Institutes Program as The Marine Mineral Technology Center, and it was reauthorized under the Marine Minerals Resources Research Act of 1996 as CMRET. The primary objective of the CMRET is to investigate and to asses mineral resources within the US Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) including rigorous study of the seafloor ecological conditions.

Both MMRI and CMRET work in conjunction/support, primary with the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, and with all the other departments and research centers of the UM School of Engineering.

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

 

Administrative Assistant I

Family - Administration

Sub-Family - Administrative Operations 

Career Track / Level - O1

Grade - 2

Min Mid Max $15.40 $19.25 $23.10

 

 

 

Administrative Assistant II

Family -  Administration 

Sub-Family - Administration Operations

Career Track / Level - O2

Grade - 3

Min Mid Max $16.94 $21.18 $25.42

Role Summary

This part-time position provides comprehensive administrative support for the Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute (MMRI) to advance its research and operational goals. The Administrative Assistant I/II ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of the MMRI office by coordinating a variety of clerical and administrative tasks in compliance with university policies. Working closely with the MMRI Director and staff, this role helps facilitate project activities, communications, and resource management. The incumbent plays a key role in supporting unit goals through efficient office operations, timely assistance to faculty and researchers, and proactive problem-solving.

Examples of Work Performed

•  Assists the MMRI Director and research staff with daily administrative needs and special projects, ensuring timely completion of tasks and adherence to university guidelines.

• Schedules and coordinates meetings, workshops, and events for the institute, including arranging logistics (booking rooms or venues, preparing agendas, and assembling required materials) and recording meeting minutes as needed.

• Arranges travel for MMRI personnel (such as conference attendance or field research trips), prepares itineraries, and processes travel authorizations and expense reimbursements in accordance with university policies.

• Oversees office purchasing and inventory by ordering supplies and equipment, processing purchase orders, and monitoring expenditures to remain within budget constraints.

• Maintains organized office files, records, and databases (including correspondence, project documents, and confidential personnel or financial records) and updates them regularly to ensure data accuracy and security.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for the MMRI office: greets visitors, answers phone calls and email inquiries, and directs students, faculty, and external partners to appropriate resources or staff members.

• Assists in planning and executing MMRI outreach activities or special events, coordinating publicity, participant communication, facility arrangements, and any required materials or catering.

• Prepares and edits official correspondence, reports, presentations, an