Office Manager The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Office Manager. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division Office of Research Administration Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Salary Range 39,811.00 - 53,851.00 Pay Grade N08 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Job Summary This position supports the Associate Vice President for Research and the staff of the Office of Research Administration by managing the daily administrative support functions of a busy office. This position serves as a main point of contact for USM faculty and staff seeking or managing external funding. Working closely with the Associate Vice President and other senior leadership, this position ensures smooth office functioning and assists with management of the office budget. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + The Office Manager provides vital support to the AVP and leadership in the Office of Research Administration by serving as the main office point of contact, scheduling meetings, preparing materials, handling sensitive information with discretion, managing property inventory in coordination with Property Control, and processing essential University forms such as hiring documents and travel approvals. The Office Manager is also responsible for initiating job postings, maintaining employment files, managing purchasing documentation, and ensuring efficient office operations through the ordering of supplies and resolution of vendor issues. + The Office Manager receives and processes all restricted fund Personnel Action Forms (PAFs) created by other USM units. Communicates and coordinates with originating units, Payroll, Human Resources, Procurement Services, Tax Compliance, and Office of Fiscal Planning and Analysis to resolve issues. Enters data into relevant systems, such as SOARHR. Reviews error reports, identifies problems with restricted fund data, determines a solution, and updates data under significant payroll deadline pressure. + The Office Manager oversees all incoming communications to ORA group email accounts and listservs. This role involves efficiently routing emails to the appropriate recipients, tracking award actions and ensuring timely responses, analyzing email traffic to identify trends and improve communication, ensuring compliance with email and data privacy policies, and providing guidance to team members on email best practices to enhance overall efficiency. + The Office Manager assists with special projects, undertakes special assignments, and performs other duties as needed. Minimum Qualifications Associate’s degree with three years of experience in an office setting and one years of experience tracking and monitoring office/organizational expenses. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook + Attention to detail and ability to review work for accuracy + Ability to process and handle confidential information + Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines + Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of people, both in person and electronically + Resourceful and determined to provide a positive experience for coworkers and anyone interacting with ORA + Works to build productive relationships with peers, leaders, and customers + Demonstrates openness and flexibility towards new ideas and helps facilitate change as needed + Knowledge of, or ability to learn, USM policies and procedures Preferred Qualifications + Experience working in higher education at a college, university, or community college + USM administrative experience, including SOARFIN and SOARHR 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.