App Development Lab Coordinator The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of App Development Lab Coordinator. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division College of Business and Economic Development Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade E07 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, completed application materials, including three professional references, should be submitted to The University of Southern Mississippi website at https://jobs.usm.edu . Questions should be directed to Dr. Bret Becton at bret.becton@usm.edu . Job Summary The App Development Lab Coordinator will oversee the College of Business and Economic Development App Development Lab, a dynamic program designed to support student-entrepreneurs in the creation, development, and launch of innovative mobile applications. The coordinator will manage all aspects of the lab, providing guidance, resources, and mentorship to students as they transform their ideas into functional, user-centric applications. This role is key in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus and helping students navigate the complexities of app development, from initial concept to market-ready products. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + Program Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the App Development Lab, including planning and executing workshops, hackathons, and design sprints to support student-entrepreneurs. + Student Support: Provide mentorship and guidance to students throughout the app development process, helping them refine their ideas, develop prototypes, and create user-centric designs. + Collaboration: Work closely with faculty, industry experts, and external partners, such as tech companies, to bring in specialized knowledge and resources for students. Coordinate with other campus incubators and entrepreneurship programs to enhance cross-collaboration. + Resource Management: Manage the lab's budget, equipment, and software licenses. Ensure that the lab is equipped with the latest technology and tools needed for app development. + Educational Programming: Develop and deliver educational content focused on agile product development, user experience (UX) design, and entrepreneurial skills. Organize and lead training sessions on app development platforms, such as iOS. Teach for credit courses in app development or analytics. + Project Oversight: Monitor the progress of student projects, providing constructive feedback and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Facilitate user testing and incorporate end-user feedback into the development process. + Community Engagement: Foster a community of practice among students, alumni, and industry professionals. Organize networking events, summer camps for high school students, pitch competitions, and demo days to showcase student work and attract potential investors. + Reporting and Assessment: Track and report on the outcomes of lab activities, including the number of apps developed, student engagement, and success stories. Use this data to continuously improve the program. + Performs other duties as assigned, particularly as they relate to the marketing, integrated communication, events and outreach for the app development lab and associated programming. + Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Technical Skills: Proficiency in mobile app development platforms such as iOS (Swift) and Android (Java/Kotlin). Familiarity with agile development methodologies, UX/UI design, and prototyping tools. + Interpersonal Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to mentor and inspire students with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. + Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and solve complex technical problems. + Passion for Innovation: A strong interest in entrepreneurship and a desire to help students bring their ideas to life. Preferred Qualifications A Master’s degree and least 3-5 years of experience in app development, software engineering, or a related field. Prior experience in educational programming, entrepreneurship, or project management is highly desirable. About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.