COSS Support Specialist

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.

About the role

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, including serving as backup coverage for the front desk, supporting all Extension program areas, and providing communications and operational assistance to the Friends of the Arboretum and EMGVA non-profit partners.

Responsibilities

• 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 (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube). Familiarity with Loomly and Canva is 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.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school and two years of 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 with engaging, energetic interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; confident drafting press releases, newsletter content, and promotional copy while maintaining brand standards.
• 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, balancing creative/marketing tasks with front-desk reception coverage and operational support.
• Valid NC Driver’s License.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks

Pay

$32,562

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5pm with evenings and weekends as needed.

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. The City of Wilmington is the county seat and is rich in historical significance and home to many recreational and cultural sites and events.