Temporary CEFS Farm to Fork Coordinator and Events Assistant

This position offers work with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a dynamic and nationally recognized Center with research, academic, extension, and outreach components.

About the role

The role is split between two key areas:

• Farm to Fork Coordinator (20 hrs/week): Lead event planning for the CEFS Farm to Fork series, a long-standing initiative featuring webinars, a kid-focused event, and an adult-focused picnic. This series has driven significant growth in the local food movement and involves collaboration with top chefs, farmers, and educators.
• CEFS Event Assistant (10–20 hrs/week): Support the CEFS Business and Events Team (CBET) in logistics for over 70 annual events across North Carolina. CBET is recognized for implementing zero-waste event planning practices.

Responsibilities

Farm to Fork Coordinator

• Serve as the event planning lead for the Farm to Fork series, including timeline creation, coordination, and follow-up using Google tools.
• Act as the primary contact for the public, event participants, chefs, farmers, vendors, and volunteers.
• Manage budget and ticket sales, process vendor payments through the NCSU system, and coordinate sponsorships (including outreach, follow-up, and bookkeeping).
• Research and suggest additional sponsorship prospects and coordinate sponsor recognition.
• Schedule and attend meetings with the CEFS Events Manager, Farm to Fork Picnic committee, CEFS Communications, event vendors, and NC State University.
• Provide onsite coordination for Farm to Fork events as the lead planner.
• Handle special event projects and other duties as assigned.

Events Assistant

• Assist with event planning, day-of coordination, and wrap-up for assigned events.
• Support the Event Associate on large events requiring multiple team members.
• Maintain and update Google event planning documents, sheets, and calendars.
• Process financial paperwork, including paying invoices through the NCSU system, tracking event budgets, and handling state travel paperwork.
• Pay vendors using the vendor system and p-cards.
• Perform executive assistant functions and calendar management for the Director of CEFS (~5 hrs/week).
• Handle special event projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of training and experience; or a high school diploma with 4 years of related experience in event planning or restaurant management.
• Experience in event planning and fundraising.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Zoom.
• Ability to routinely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods, including in outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, pollen).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising.

Pay

$18–$23/hour.

Schedule

• 30–40 hours per week, primarily Monday–Friday, with additional hours required on event days.
• Some overnight travel may be required (~6 nights per year).

Benefits

• Health insurance for temporary employees.
• Access to LEAD courses for career enhancement.
• Free attendance at non-revenue-generating sporting events.
• Work-life balance perks, including childcare discounts, wellness and recreation memberships, and wellness programs.

Note: Benefits eligibility is based on part-time or full-time employment status.