Advertising Specialist

Advertising Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Advertising Specialist.

Position Details

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States

Division: University Communications

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: No

Salary Range: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00

Pay Grade: E09

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should upload a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience in marketing, advertising, or a closely related field, including hands-on experience with digital advertising. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Advertising Specialist executes paid media strategies aligned with institutional goals and established budget parameters. This role coordinates the full lifecycle of paid campaigns, including deploying digital ads, managing traditional media buys, and tracking performance and spending across all channels.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Build, launch, and monitor paid media campaigns across digital channels (search, social, streaming, etc.).
2. Negotiate advertising rates and contracts for traditional media placements (billboards, print, television, etc.). Maintain positive relationships with advertising sales representatives and vendors. Ensure timely delivery of creative assets and monitor deployment.
3. Track spending, process invoices, and maintain accurate budgets across all advertising channels.
4. Coordinate with staff across University Communications—including design, web, video/photo, and social teams—to ensure creative assets are properly prepared and aligned with platform requirements and campaign goals.
5. Provide recommendations for adjustments to audience targeting, messaging, channel mix, and budget allocation to maximize efficiency, reach, and return on investment. Maintain current knowledge of paid media trends, platform updates, and emerging technologies.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, advertising, strategic communications, business, or a related field. Two years of professional experience within the past five years in marketing, advertising, or a closely related field, plus hands-on experience with digital advertising.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with digital advertising platforms, social media platforms, and marketing analytics
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to learn new technologies, advertising platforms, and processes
• Ability to accurately track expenditures
• Proficient Microsoft Excel skills for completing tracking and reporting tasks, including the creation of formulas, pivot tables and charts
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to synthesize information and express complex thoughts concisely
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to review work for accuracy
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to complete occasional day travel to other USM locations to fulfill job responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

Professional experience using Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, and Google Analytics. Experience coordinating advertising placements across digital or traditional media channels. Experience analyzing campaign performance and preparing reports.

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.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.