Extension Program Assistant/Associate-Volunteer Coordinator

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

This position supports New Hanover County Cooperative Extension programs and the New Hanover County Arboretum, specifically focusing on volunteer recruitment, coordination, and recognition across multiple program areas; and overseeing the coordination of public and private grounds events, and large-scale Extension events.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

The City of Wilmington is the county seat and is rich in historical significance and home to many recreational and cultural sites and events. Important contributors to the local economy include the state port, tourism, filmmaking, manufacturing, and financial technology.

More information about New Hanover County Extension Center, visit their website:
https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu

*Volunteer Coordination & Recruitment: Provide recruitment, training, and coordination for volunteers across our Extension programs and events, Arboretum grounds volunteers, gift shop volunteers, tours, and others.
* Grounds & Event Scheduling: Schedule and coordinate events on the Arboretum grounds, serving as the primary point of contact for elopements, after-hours professional photography sessions, and Saturday Cooperative Extension or partner events.
* Event Coordination: Manage volunteer staffing, shift coverage, logistics, and on-site support for annual community events, including the Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale, Art in the Arboretum, TreeFest, and the Cape Fear Native Plant Festival.
* Weekend Operations: Serve as the primary on-site staff person on Saturdays, ensuring a welcoming environment, providing customer service to visitors, and managing volunteer shifts for the gift shop and public event staff coverage.
* Volunteer Recognition: Design, coordinate, and execute volunteer appreciation initiatives, service milestones, annual thank-you events, and recognition to maintain high volunteer retention and morale.

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The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

* Engaging, relationship-focused interpersonal skills; enjoys working closely with the volunteer base and providing responsive customer service.
* Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage recurring deadlines and multiple program priorities simultaneously.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear, friendly volunteer updates, event instructions, and public-facing messages.
* Solid general computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Google Drive, Google Docs); comfortable with email, spreadsheets, basic database entry.
* Ability to work Tuesday through Saturday schedule and comfortably navigate the 7-acre Arboretum grounds during events and weekend operations.

* Experience with volunteer coordination or event management.
* General knowledge of horticulture or community education, with a strong interest in public-facing, volunteer-driven programming.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.