COSS Support Specialist

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.

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.

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.

New Hanover County is located in southeastern North Carolina between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second smallest county in the state but is home to over 238,000 people. Projections predict its population to increase to almost 300,000 by 2040.

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

Overview
The County Operations Support Specialist ( COSS) serves as the primary communications specialist for N.C. Cooperative Extension in New Hanover County. This position is responsible for designing digital and traditional campaigns that elevate Extension, ensuring that residents and businesses recognize the organization as an innovative, research-based resource for our community. This role ensures all multi-channel marketing strictly adheres to university branding guidelines and advances the strategic objectives at the local and state levels.

Additionally, this position provides essential administrative, programmatic, and organizational support. This includes serving as backup coverage for the front desk to ensure excellent customer service, supporting all Extension program areas, and providing communications and operational assistance to the Friends of the Arboretum and EMGVA non-profit partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Working collaboratively with the County Extension Director and Program Agents, this position will:

* Provide backup coverage for the front desk, greeting visitors, answering phone inquiries, and routing requests. Offer cross-functional support across all Extension program areas to assist agents with operational needs.

* Maintain the New Hanover County department web page and County Extension website for accuracy, educational value, and public accessibility.

* Integrate educational content and program areas information into compelling social media content that drives public awareness. Platforms include Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Familiarity with Loomly and Canva would be helpful.

* Design and produce flyers, program materials, and signage to increase attendance at program, partner, and non-profit events.

* Create and manage Eventbrite events for each program area.

* Partner with New Hanover County Communications to develop press releases, billboards, and annual impact reports.

* Produce and distribute a monthly Extension newsletter through ActiveCampaign

* Manage relationships with local media outlets to coordinate potential interviews, manage paid advertising, and curate content, including managing weekly StarNews contributions.

* Provide communications, marketing, and operational support for the Friends of the Arboretum and EMGVA non-profits to support events and fundraising efforts.

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Preferred Qualities / Skills:

* Engaging, energetic interpersonal skills; enjoys greeting visitors, answering community inquiries, and providing multi-faceted support to our agents, non-profit partners, and volunteers.

* Highly organized and detail-oriented; comfortable juggling multiple project deadlines, email marketing campaigns, website updates, and event coordination simultaneously.

* Strong verbal and written communication skills; confident drafting press releases, newsletter content, and promotional copy, as well as maintaining brand standards across all channels.

* Digital and marketing tool proficiency; experienced with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), website content management systems, design tools like Canva, and platforms such as ActiveCampaign, Eventbrite, and Loomly.

* General knowledge of public relations and media engagement

* Flexibility to adapt to cross-functional duties; comfortable balancing dedicated creative/marketing tasks with front-desk reception coverage and operational support across all Extension program areas.

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

Computer literacy including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Excellent time and resource management skills

Personable

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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.