UNC Science Expo Coordinator

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retail discounts

Child care savings

Performing arts discounts

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking an event organizer to help plan the April 3, 2027 UNC Science Expo as part of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. The role involves coordinating with vendors, facilities, and transportation, and collaborating with campus teams to support a major STEM outreach event.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and offers flexible hours within a 20-hour work week. The role supports campus programs and public science engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating large-scale events.
• Familiarity with UNC Campus.
• Experience with public science engagement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating with external vendors to supply rental equipment, services, and materials.
• Submitting necessary requests to UNC departments including facilities and transportation and parking to support the event.
• Working with internal Morehead team to ensure marketing and communication and programmatic needs are met.
• Coordinating exhibitors, stage presenters, and food trucks.
• Serving as the lead staff member on the day of the event.
• Compiling survey responses and other feedback for post-event reporting.
• Assisting with other Morehead events as needed.

Skills

Event coordination

Vendor coordination

Public engagement

Large-scale events

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Career Area Administrative/Clerical Support

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/02/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/11/2026

Position Type

Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Number

Position Number 20028179

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID S028220

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time/Part-time Part-Time Temporary

Hours per week 20

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexible hours), some evenings and weekends.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center opened in 1949 as the first planetarium on a college campus in the United States. During the 1960s and 1970s, Morehead trained 62 NASA astronauts (including 11 of the 12 men who walked on the Moon) in celestial navigation. By Morehead’s 50th anniversary in 1999, more than five million spectators – half of them schoolchildren – had visited its Star Theater to learn about the cosmos.

Morehead expanded its mission in 2000, becoming not only a gateway to the stars, but a gateway to all the sciences. Today, its programming reflects the expanded mission to help people better understand science, technology, and health through state‑of‑the‑art full dome planetarium shows, exhibits, camps, hands‑on classes, and statewide outreach programming.

In 2020, Morehead completed a $9M renovation that expanded its exhibit space which now includes more than 6,000 square feet of exhibit space that highlight a range of science disciplines.

Position Summary

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center seeks an event organizer to help plan the April 3, 2027 UNC Science Expo. As a signature event of the NC Science Festival, the Expo is UNC’s largest STEM outreach event, with more than 100 campus organizations leading hands‑on STEM activities, plus stage shows, food trucks, and other interactive elements each year.

Duties include:

• Coordinating with external vendors to supply rental equipment, services, and materials
• Submitting necessary requests to UNC departments including facilities and transportation and parking to support the event
• Working with internal Morehead team to ensure marketing and communication and programmatic needs are met
• Coordinating exhibitors, stage presenters, and food trucks
• Serving as the lead staff member on the day of the event
• Compiling survey responses and other feedback for post-event reporting
• Assisting with other Morehead events as needed

The Expo has been a signature event since 2010, with an established protocol, documented coordinator’s guide, working group within Morehead to provide assistance. Some regular meetings will be scheduled during regular business hours, but otherwise the working hours and location are flexible.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

Experience coordinating large‑scale events; familiarity with UNC Campus; Experience with public science engagement

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to move/maneuver up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• What are your professional experiences and successes in working with populations and/or audiences that represent the many backgrounds of all North Carolinians? (Open Ended Question)
• Please describe your experience with event management. (Open Ended Question)