COSS Support Specialist, Gaston County

North Carolina State University; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 29,305 - 35,818; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a part-time County Support Specialist in Gastonia. This role involves providing specialized office support to staff and volunteers, along with marketing assistance. Key responsibilities include managing office tasks and creating media content. Candidates must have a high-school diploma, two years of office experience, and reliable transportation. The position requires strong computer skills, excellent customer service, and teamwork, with a salary starting at $32,562 annually.

Qualifications

• Two years of office assistance and secretarial experience or equivalent.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to learn new software and high motivation for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to Extension staff.
• Handle fees and write receipts according to protocols.
• Create marketing and media pieces.

Skills

Computer application knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Fiscal management

Marketing skills

General office tasks

Education

High-school graduation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

Job description

Position Overview

The County Support Specialist is a member of the staff of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES). The part‑time County Support Specialist’s primary responsibility is to provide specialized office support for staff and volunteers, program marketing assistance, and some administrative support duties for Extension program areas.

The position duties reflect a relatively high degree of independence and accountability. Requires fluent computer and marketing skills, excellent customer service, and basic accounting skills.

Primary Function of the 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, NC Cooperative Extension Field Faculty deliver unbiased, research‑based information to North Carolina citizens.

For more information on Gaston County, visit http://www.gastoncounty.us

Duties and Responsibilities

The Extension Support Staff’s primary responsibility is to provide support to the Extension staff where assigned. The Extension Support Staff cooperates with colleagues in NCCES and with county leaders to perform assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the NCCES.

• Extensive computer application knowledge – Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and willingness to learn new software.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills; self‑motivated.
• Communication – greet visitors, assist with concerns, distribute educational materials, answer phone correctly, take messages, and make fact‑based decisions.
• Teamwork – collaborate with coworkers to accomplish goals, resolve problems, and ease workload for other staff.
• Fiscal management – handle fees and write receipts in accordance with NCSU and county procedures.
• Marketing and media – create marketing and media pieces, assist volunteers with special programs and requests.
• General office tasks – cover for administrative assistants, cover office during lunch breaks, and may work alone as needed.
• Preferred: web‑page management, social media content publishing, newsletter design, and preparation.

Qualifications

• High‑school graduation.
• Two years of office assistance and secretarial experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license; reliable personal transportation required.
• Willingsness to learn new software and high motivation for continuous improvement.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (business hours), with occasional evenings and weekends as requested. This is an in‑person position; remote or hybrid work is not available.

Compensation

Starting at $32,562 per year, commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity

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.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degrees 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 identity and employment eligibility of hired U.S. workers.