Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Location: This position is located off-campus at the Howard County Extension Office in Ellicott City, MD.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The Extension Program Assistant will provide administrative, coordination, and programmatic support for the Meat and Poultry Processing (MPP) project and assist with the Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension program in Howard County. This position plays a key role in ensuring the successful planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of grant-funded educational programming related to meat and poultry processing, including the Northeast Meat Summit.

The individual will support project operations through event coordination, communications, data management, and stakeholder engagement, while also assisting with select Howard County Extension activities. The position requires strong organizational, communication, and project management skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced Extension environment.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate and Support the Meat and Poultry Processing (MPP) Project:

Provide administrative and programmatic support for the MPP project, including coordinating activities across multiple project components and collaborating with Extension faculty and external partners. Assist with scheduling meetings, maintaining project records, tracking deadlines, and supporting overall project implementation to ensure deliverables are met in accordance with grant requirements.

Plan, Organize, and Implement the Northeast Meat Summit:

Assist in the development, organization, promotion, coordination, and execution of the Northeast Meat Summit. Responsibilities include maintaining and updating the event website; administering and tracking event registrations; creating event materials such as agendas, schedules, and communications; coordinating with speakers, vendors, and sponsors; communicating with participants; coordinating logistics with the event venue; and assisting with financial and purchasing processes to ensure accurate accounting of project funds.

Support Needs Assessment Administration and Data Management:

Assist with administering the MPP needs assessment by communicating with project partners, supporting survey distribution and follow-up, aggregating data from multiple sources, conducting data entry, and assisting with basic data organization and preliminary analysis. Maintain accurate and secure records of project data and support reporting needs as required.

Manage Email Communications and Outreach Efforts:

Manage and maintain project and program email lists, including the MPP and Howard County Agriculture and Food Systems email lists. Responsibilities include drafting and publishing email content using platforms such as Mailchimp or similar systems, coordinating messaging with project leadership, and supporting outreach and promotional efforts for events, educational resources, and Extension programming.

Provide General Extension Program and Event Support:

Provide support for University of Maryland Extension and UME–Howard County activities outside of the MPP project as needed. This may include coordinating logistics for Extension events, responding to routine client inquiries and technical assistance requests under the guidance of Extension educators, assisting with program administration, and supporting other Agriculture and Food Systems Extension initiatives. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Preferences:

• Demonstrated experience providing administrative, program, or event coordination support
• Experience working with computer-based office systems and digital communication tools
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite, particularly word processing and spreadsheet software
• Experience or familiarity with digital communication and design platforms such as Canva, Mailchimp, Wix, or similar tools preferred
• Experience using email platforms, particularly Gmail
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Strong organizational, note-taking, and time-management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to assist with project planning, coordination, and implementation
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project needs
• Willingness to occasionally take a leadership or administrative role within defined project tasks
• Professional demeanor, positive attitude, and strong customer service orientation

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