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. Check out this video on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension.

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

· Paid time off

· Paid tuition

· Health Insurance

· Flexible Scheduling

· Retirement Savings

· Supplemental Benefits Programs

· WolfPerks!

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.

Essential Job Duties:
The COSS Support Specialist is a member of the staff of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE). The Support Specialist’s primary responsibility is to provide support to the Extension staff where assigned. The Support Specialist cooperates with colleagues in the NCCE and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives. policies, and procedures of the NCCE. Under limited supervision, the COSS Support Specialist performs specialized office and administrative duties for one or more assigned program areas or staff. Work is characterized by its specialized program support and technical skills. Functions are performed at a level of moderate complexity and some tasks have a confidential nature. Employees must exercise considerable tact and courtesy in dealing with the public. May report to a working administrative supervisor, agent, program professional, senior manager or director as assigned.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
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.

Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

Front Desk Support

• Serve as the official backup for front desk operations during staff vacations, medical leaves, or other absences.

• Maintain knowledge of and update the electronic street sign as needed.

Communication

• Website Management: Manage and update the New Hanover County Arboretum website via CivicPlus.

• Press Releases: Write and edit press releases for various program areas and onsite non-profits, and coordinate release schedules with County Communications, processing the press releases through the County’s web NewsFlash and GovDelivery systems.

• Social Media: Design and post social media content, ensuring compliance with branding guidelines and coordinating content with all program areas.

• Media Relations: Maintain and update a list of media outlets, researching to expand outreach and tracking deadlines, posting parameters, and contact information for each outlet.

• Post relevant StarNews articles into NewsFlash on the New Hanover County website.

• Newsletter Coordination: Coordinate and distribute the quarterly newsletter through Active Campaign, maintaining the contact database, and ensuring compliance with branding and proper linkage to program areas.

• SlickText Application: Coordinate training and usage of the “SlickText” application for all program areas.

• Graphic Design: Serve as backup support for the Extension Administrative Assistant in graphic design projects when needed.

Consumer Horticulture Program Support

• Provide administrative support for the Consumer Horticulture (CH) Agent and Program Assistant.

• Assist CH staff in managing calendars for meetings, classes, and events, including maintaining the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Intranet Calendar.

• Provide support to the Extension Volunteer Master Gardener Association (EMGVA) as needed.

• Assist in preparing for monthly EMGVA Executive Committee and general Master Gardener meetings.

• Serve as backup to the Program Assistant for communications through the Master Gardener database or other platforms.

• Assist in managing the EMG Intranet Awards Tracker, helping volunteers track service hours for recognition.

• Manage the interest list for the Master Gardener training program, sending out applications, and scheduling interviews.

• Assist in planning and coordinating the Master Gardener training program and graduation ceremony, handling logistics such as name badges, class materials, snacks, and invitations.

Event Support

• Assist with coordination of the annual Master Gardener Graduation ceremony, including venue selection, menu planning, guest lists, invitations, and gift preparation.

• Work with County Communications to arrange photo and video coverage of events.

• Provide logistical support for the Plant Clinic and and Plant Sale, including securing snacks, managing office supplies, assisting with volunteer scheduling, and overseeing hospitality for events.

• Support hospitality needs across all program areas, working with the front desk to replenish paper goods and other necessary supplies.

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Graduation from high school and two years office assistance and secretarial experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

· Skills in computer applications and software such as Microsoft Word, Adobe, Publisher, website management and social media platforms.

· Excel Spreadsheet, Internet Explorer, Canva, Active Campaign, Evenbrite and PowerPoint.

· Ability to operate standard office equipment including printers, postage meters, computers, projectors, laminators, paper folders and photocopiers.

· Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele and work in a dynamic and fast paced team environment.

· Organizational skills and ability to multi-task.

· Requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
· Requires the ability to maintain body equilibrium when bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, reaching and/or stretching arms, legs, or other body parts, and to physically maneuver upon varying terrain, surfaces, or physical structures.

· Must have a willingness to learn new relevant software programs as they become available.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

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.