Extension Associate

Position Function:

Responsibilities include performing routine, professional-level activities in support of business attraction, expansion, retention, and economic research in the preparation of marketing and promotional materials for Delta Council and Mississippi State University, as well as regional and state economic development agencies. Work includes: researching data; preparing information for targeted promotional activities; database management; GIS mapping; and a variety of other duties related to developing, producing, updating, and designing marketing and promotional materials for business retention and expansion, business recruitment, and international trade activities. An employee in this position must be skilled in research techniques and have the ability to comprehend and make inferences from data in order to prepare statistical comparisons and trend analyses to be used in marketing and promotional materials. Information must be presented clearly and accurately in both print and electronic media. Responsibilities also involve working with citizen advisory groups, media representatives, and providing close cooperation with City, State, and Federal departments and other economic development agencies. Work requires initiative and independent judgment, and the employee is expected to exercise discretion in planning and executing assignments.

Salary Grade : 13

Please see or for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

This position is located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.

Area of Specialization:

Economic Development

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2023. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Communication: Communicates with the general public, municipal, State, and federal employees, professional service providers, economic development agency representatives, and the media in order to gather and provide information. Drafts written documents such as brochures, advertisements, press releases, and prospect proposals for distribution to a variety of targeted audiences in order to promote and market the Mississippi Delta as a business location. Develops, updates, designs, and edits a variety of printed materials including, but not limited to, brochures, community profiles, and other promotional and marketing materials.
Some travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Regional Development, Economic Development, Economics, Geography, Urban Planning, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field. Rank and salary will be commensurate with level of qualification.

Preferred Qualifications:

3 years experience in conducting research related to economic development. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Regional Development, Economic Development, Economics, Geography, Urban Planning, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field is desirable. Background in graphic design is desirable. Experience with electronic media, video editing, and desktop publishing systems and software is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
• research and statistical methods and techniques;
• economic development principles and practices;
• the principles and techniques of sales, marketing and promotion;
• current economic, development, and demographic and market trends in the regional area;
• and personal computer software applications.

Ability to:
• determine priorities in performing a variety of marketing and promotional related tasks; research and interpret statistical information and present information clearly and accurately;
• develop marketing and promotional materials using computer based programs and support the creation and completion of a variety of marketing and promotional materials;
• make decisions and exercise resourcefulness in meeting new problems;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, representatives from other municipal, State, and Federal departments, private consultants, and the general public; and
• demonstrate sales, marketing, and promotion skills.

Researches demographics, statistical data, and other information requested by business prospects. Collects and analyzes data for use by Economic Development staff and for presentation to prospects. Develops design layouts for promotion and marketing materials, and edits printed text.
Coordinates contracted services for graphic art, design and production, and related services.

The duties listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Job descriptions are subject to change.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Manual/Physical: Conducts off-site research and attends meetings. Attends local economic development meetings and trade shows as required. Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.