Extension Master Gardener Communications and Program Assistant

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks a dedicated coordinator to support the State EMG Office and statewide Master Gardener program. You will help manage administrative processes, coordinate volunteer systems, and develop communications and marketing materials to widen the program’s impact.

The role emphasizes maintaining digital content, updating websites, newsletters, and social media, while ensuring consistent communication among Extension staff, volunteers, partners, and the public.

Qualifications

• Degree or relevant experience in communications, public administration, education, business, horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, or related area.
• Experience supporting communications, marketing, or digital media activities.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience providing administrative or program support, including assisting with routine financial processes.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and other stakeholders with guidance.
• Experience updating websites, newsletters, social media, or other digital content.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate volunteer support systems and administrative processes.
• Develop program communications and marketing materials.
• Maintain digital content and resources for the EMG program.
• Support consistent communication among Extension personnel, volunteers, partners, and the public.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Administrative support

Digital content updates

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor’s or relevant experience in communications/education/administration

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

InDesign

Job description

Job Description

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program engages trained volunteers to deliver research-based horticultural education and outreach to communities across the Commonwealth. This position provides administrative, communications, and operational support to the State EMG Office and the statewide program. Responsibilities include coordinating volunteer support systems and administrative processes; developing program communications and marketing materials; maintaining digital content and resources; and supporting consistent communication among Extension personnel, volunteers, partners, and the public. The position helps promote the EMG Program's educational opportunities, volunteer impact, and community outreach while supporting efficient and effective program operations.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

Required Qualifications

• Degree, coursework, training, or experience in communications, public administration, education, business, horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience supporting communications, marketing, or digital media activities.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience providing administrative or program support, including assisting with routine financial processes.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and other stakeholders, with appropriate guidance.
• Experience updating websites, newsletters, social media platforms, or other electronic communication systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Extension Master Gardener Program, Cooperative Extension, or other volunteer-based organizations.
• Experience supporting volunteer programs or working with volunteers.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Clous, Adobe InDesign, or similar design software.
• Experience assisting with website updates, graphic design, social media, or digital content.
• Experience providing logistical support for conferences, educational programs, meetings, or volunteer events.
• Familiarity with Virginia Tech or similar organizational purchasing, travel and financial procedures.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$38,000 - $42,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 3, 2026

Additional Information

• Must have an acceptable and safe driving record
• Must have a state driver's license check
• Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor work visas for this position.
• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Ed Olsen at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.