Assistant Director, Washington, D.C. & Federal Careers

This position is under the administrative supervision of the Executive Director of the MSU Career Center. The Assistant Director for D.C. & Federal Careers provides leadership for Mississippi State University's Washington, D.C. and federal career initiatives, helping students explore, prepare for, and secure internships and career opportunities within congressional offices, federal agencies, public service organizations, and policy-focused employers.

The Assistant Director is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with academic units, employers, alumni, federal agencies, congressional offices, and external organizations that expand opportunities for MSU students. The position oversees established D.C. programs, including the Demmer Scholars Program and The Washington Center partnership, while identifying and implementing strategies to increase student participation in federal internships, the Pathways Program, and other public service opportunities.

This position develops and executes initiatives designed to strengthen Mississippi State University's presence in Washington, D.C., including student programs, alumni engagement efforts, employer partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Duties include program management, student advising, employer and alumni relations, event planning, project management, and assessment. This position serves as an active member of the MSU Career Center team and supports career events and initiatives that advance student career readiness and professional success.

As the role continues to grow, duties and responsibilities may evolve based on program expansion and institutional priorities.

There will be some travel to the DC area to meet with members of public service and MSU alumni.

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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.

• Work closely with academic units across campus to manage and enhance student participation in Washington, D.C. and federal career opportunities.
• Oversee administration of the Demmer Scholars Program and The Washington Center partnership.
• Develop resources and educational programming related to federal employment, congressional internships, and Pathways Program opportunities.
• Advise students on application processes, internship searches, and career pathways within federal agencies and public service organizations.
• Assist students in identifying housing, scholarships, and other funding resources that support participation in Washington, D.C.
  
  -based experiences.
• Track and assess program participation, outcomes, and effectiveness to support continuous improvement

• Collaborate with internal campus departments and external stakeholders to expand internship, experiential learning, and employment opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with federal agencies, congressional offices, employers, policy organizations, and other external partners.
• Develop and sustain a network of Mississippi State University alumni working in Washington, D.C. and federal service roles.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Washington, D.C.
  
  -based employers and external partners seeking to engage with MSU students.
• Represent the Career Center at meetings, conferences, employer visits, and networking events to support partnership development and student opportunities.
• Travel regularly to Washington, D.C. in support of programmatic and partnership objectives.

• Develop and manage D.C. student and alumni ambassador initiatives.
• Facilitate employer and stakeholder advisory efforts that strengthen federal and public service career pathways.
• Collaborate with campus and external partners to identify and expand funding opportunities that support student participation in Washington, D.C. experiences.
• Recommend and implement initiatives that advance the university's federal and public service engagement strategy.

This role has limited fiscal responsibility.

This position may supervise student employees or Graduate Assistant(s).

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in related field.

Experience:

Three years of relevant experience.

Indicated education is required; no…