UNC Science Expo Coordinator

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center; North Carolina; On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job 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, submitting necessary requests to UNC departments, and working with the internal Morehead

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience coordinating large-scale events preferred.
• Ability to manage schedules and vendors effectively.

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

Vendor coordination

Event planning

Marketing coordination

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Career Area: Administrative/Clerical Support

Posting Open Date: 11/02/2026

Application Deadline: 11/11/2026

Position Type: Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Number: 20028179

Vacancy ID: S028220

Full-time/Part-time: Part-Time Temporary

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

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Proposed Start Date: 11/30/2026

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 1 to 6 months

POSITION INFORMATION

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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.

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.