Position: Human Resources Coordinator
Department: Port Affairs
Reports to: Executive Affairs Manager
Pay Type: Full-time Salary, Exempt
Application Deadline: August 5th, 2026
Summary: This Human Resources Coordinator is responsible for a broad range of HR functions, including employee onboarding, benefits administration, compliance tracking, HR systems management, training and development coordination, and employee communications. The Human Resources Coordinator will ensure that MSPA’s people-related processes run smoothly and efficiently while aligning with federal and state regulations, internal policies, and organizational goals.
About the MSPA: We offer a supportive, fun, and collaborative work environment along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are committed to professional growth, offering development opportunities and tuition reimbursement after one year of employment. Our team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; participation in the Mississippi State PERS retirement system; and state holidays and state leave. At the Port of Gulfport, you will be part of a mission-driven organization where your work matters and your career can grow alongside a port that connects the world.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Perform all core HR generalist functions, including employee onboarding and offboarding, maintaining personnel and payroll records, tracking employee leave, maintaining MSPA benefit plan information, administering employee benefits, updating the MSPA Personnel Guide and Benefits booklet, and managing workers' compensation reports and claims.
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Coordinate the implementation and day-to-day management of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and system updates in collaboration with IT, ADP, and Payroll.
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Serve as a backup for payroll-related functions, ensuring continuity of operations during staff absences or vacancies.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state employment laws and ensure HR practices, documentation, and procedures remain compliant.
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Review, develop, and update internal personnel policies, employee rules, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
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Assist with career development planning and oversee employee training and development initiatives, including identifying training needs, coordinating external and internal learning opportunities, and track employee participation and progress through a learning management system (LMS).
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Assist in the creation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a consistent and effective performance evaluation system.
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Support employee engagement and performance management processes by coordinating evaluations, tracking deadlines.
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Partner with department managers to resolve employee relations issues and provide support for investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
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Participate in regular compensation and benefits reviews to ensure competitiveness and alignment with market standards.
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Promote and support workplace health and well-being initiatives, including wellness programs, mental health resources, and employee recognition activities.
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Lead internal communication efforts and logistics for all-hands meetings, employee briefings, and engagement events, ensuring consistent and clear communication across departments.
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Support special HR projects, cross-functional initiatives, and organizational development activities, as directed by the COS/CAO.
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Assist in the development and administration of MSPA internship and workforce development programs, as needed and assigned.
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Provide redundancy and cross-training support for critical administrative functions, including selected responsibilities in the Executive and Port Affairs departments, as directed.
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Other duties, as assigned.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time without notice.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Strong working knowledge of HR practices and employment laws, including benefits, leave, employee relations, workers’ compensation, performance management, and training.
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Ability to interpret, develop, and consistently apply personnel policies, procedures, employee guides, and SOPs.
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Proficiency with HRIS, LMS, payroll, timekeeping, and benefits systems, including data management, reporting, and system updates.
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Ability to handle confidential information, support workplace investigations, resolve employee-relations issues, and exercise sound judgment.
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Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and cross-functional initiatives.
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Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 and the ability to quickly learn new technology.
Qualifications and Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience or professional certification may substitute.
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At least three years of progressively responsible HR generalist experience, including benefits, leave, personnel records, compliance, and employee relations.
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Experience administering an HRIS and supporting payroll; ADP experience preferred.
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Experience developing and updating policies and coordinating performance management.
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Experience in any of the following areas beneficial but not required: learning management systems, workplace training program development, Mississippi state government HR, or public-sector benefits and
retirement programs.
Requirements:
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Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 30 days of employment`
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Must pass a pre-employment drug screening. Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 30 days of employment.
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Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening in accordance with MSPA policy.
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Must successfully complete any required MSPA background and security screening.
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Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi driver’s license.
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Must be available to work occasional extended or nonstandard hours.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth, perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is sometimes exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
