Assistant/Associate Professor

Position Description

The School of Human Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking an outstanding candidate for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education. This position will provide leadership and management of multiple grant-funded projects to deliver Extension programming in early childhood across Mississippi.

Area of Specialization:

Early Childhood Education

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 1, 2025

Tenure Track Status:

Yes

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide statewide leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension programming in the area of early childhood

• Develop educational intervention programs and community systems that help young children and their families identify and cope successfully with high-risk environments and stresses

• Provide Extension programs in community settings to improve the understanding of how young children, their families, and communities interact to produce desirable outcomes for individuals, families, and local programs

• Conduct scientific-based needs assessments; plan and develop curricula; secure external funding; select educational materials; and market programs

• Develop grant proposals and manage funded projects related to early childhood, including evaluation and accountability to funding sources

• Maintain knowledge of the scientific literature in the field and its application

• Conduct research/evaluation on the effectiveness of early childhood programs

• Study, analyze, interpret, and compile factual information, situation data, policy information, research findings, and state and national trends

• Translate this knowledge base into Extension publications, educational materials, and scientific publications

• Provide scientifically based research data/findings for statewide media outlets

• Provide in-service education for Extension field staff

• Supervise a large and diverse professional staff of employees on campus and across Mississippi

• Work cooperatively with other faculty and county staff to incorporate family development other relevant areas both inside and outside Mississippi

• Promote an environment which supports MSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Advise graduate students in Early Childhood Development and/or Human Development/Family Studies

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Assistant Professor:

• Doctorate in early childhood, human development, developmental education, family sociology, Extension education, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. ABDs will be considered.

• Experience in Extension, teaching, research, or a related area.

Associate Professor:

• Doctorate in early childhood, human development, developmental education, family sociology, Extension education, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

• Experience in Extension, teaching, research, or a related area.

• Awarded or pending tenure at a comparable university or have at least four years of experience and an outstanding record of scholarly productivity.

ABDs or degree pending will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Extension, teaching, and research

• Evidence of computer/technology skills, including distance education

• Expertise in early childhood and advocacy

• Evidence of effective teaching skills and the ability to successfully deliver and evaluate programs for diverse audiences including young children, teen parents, varied lifestyles, and ethnic backgrounds

• Demonstration of effective communication skills using written, verbal, and interpersonal techniques

• Evidence of successful experience with volunteer-led programs

• Evidence of community involvement and the ability to network with other organizations

• Ability to interpret research and technical information for the public

• Evidence of success in competitive extramural funding and project management/evaluation

• Experience in fostering and sustaining partnerships with state and federal agencies, subject matter experts, and institutional offices related to grant processing and administration, evaluation/reporting, etc.

• Evidence of conducting research through design, implementation, and evaluation

• Evidence of successful supervision of professional staff, including off-site or remote employees

• Evidence of demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

• Certification in Family Life Education

• Certification in Family and Consumer Sciences

Contact Name

Dr. C. Ryan Akers, Search Committee Chair

Contact Email

cakers@humansci.msstate.edu

Contact Phone

662.312.1700

Application Instructions

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.

The following documents and information are required for application:

• Cover letter highlighting qualifications, commitment to collaboration, collegiality, and research excellence.

• Curriculum vitae

• Statement of teaching philosophy to include Extension programming (1 page limit)

• Statement of research goals and plans, including strategies for securing extramural funding (1 page limit)

• Contact information for three professional references.

• Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission)

An official transcript will be required if selected for employment.

Please see the following link for more information about the position as well as how to apply.

https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/508458/assistantassociate-professor

Equal Employer Statement(s)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.