Part-time Charleston Area Program Ambassador - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Part-Time Program Ambassador.

About the Opportunity

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) empowers West Virginia's communities and partners to advance the state's economy and enhance quality of life through outdoor recreation. One of the strategies to fulfill this mission is by addressing population loss through Talent Attraction & Retention Programs.

The Program Ambassador supports the OEDC's Talent Attraction & Retention efforts in the Charleston Area by helping represent the program within the local community and creating meaningful connections between program participants, community partners, and local opportunities. This position assists with outreach, public engagement, program activities, and administrative and operational needs that support a positive experience for program participants. Working closely with the Program Coordinator, the Program Ambassador helps promote awareness of the program, strengthen community connections, and support participants as they engage with and become connected to the Charleston Area. This position requires a high degree of collaboration with program participants, community partners including the Charleston Area Alliance, and other OEDC and WVU staff, as well as occasional evening and weekend availability to support program activities and events. This is a part-time, non-benefits eligible position not to exceed 40 hours per two-week pay cycle. The ideal candidate will live in WV or surrounding area, and be able to travel and attend events within WV during business hours, evenings, and weekends as needed.

What You'll Do

Outreach & Public Engagement

This position assists with representing the Smith OEDC's talent attraction and retention programs in the Charleston Area region. Responsibilities include participating in local meetings, community events, and other engagement opportunities, supporting relationships with community stakeholders and regional partners, and communicating the mission, experience, and impact of the program to public audiences.

• Support outreach and engagement with local stakeholders, including residents, civic leaders, business owners, and community organizations, to promote awareness of and participation in talent attraction and retention programs (including Ascend WV, First Ascent, Ascend Heroes, and Healthcare initiatives) in the Charleston Area.
• Assist the Program Coordinator in building and maintaining relationships with local businesses and organizations, including housing resources, Chambers of Commerce, CVBs, outdoor groups, restaurants and pubs, nonprofits, and other community partners, to support outdoor economy and community development initiatives.
• Assist in identifying and promoting opportunities for program participants to engage with local events, community leadership, service opportunities, and other activities that connect them with the Charleston Area community.
• Participate in presentations, panel discussions, meetings, and events to share information about the program and its opportunities.
• Communicate the mission, experiences, and impact of the program to prospective participants, partners, and community members.

Program Support

This position assists the Program Coordinator with the implementation and coordination of program activities and participant experiences. Responsibilities include providing hands-on support for program events, activities, and initiatives and assisting with the day-to-day delivery of programming.

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and implementing program activities, events, and participant experiences.
• Provide on-site support for programs, events, meetings, workshops, and community activities, including set-up and breakdown as needed.
• Assist with coordinating logistics and resources for program activities and events.
• Assist in implementing community engagement, service, and outdoor recreation opportunities for program participants.
• Support the use and operation of program facilities, equipment, and other resources as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administrative Support

This position provides administrative support to the Program Coordinator to assist with the organization, communication, and day-to-day operations of the program. Responsibilities include maintaining program information and records, coordinating routine communications and scheduling, and assisting with administrative processes related to program activities and resources.

• Assist with maintaining participant records, contact information, program files, and other documentation.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, activities, events, and other program-related commitments.
• Support participant communications, including reminders, follow-up, and routine program correspondence.
• Assist with tracking participant engagement, event attendance, equipment use, and other program activities.
• Assist with organizing and maintaining program materials, supplies, equipment, and resources.
• Support inventory management and check-out processes for program equipment and resources.
• Assist with managing reservations and use of program spaces, meeting rooms, equipment and resources.
• Assist with preparing program materials, forms, reports, spreadsheets, and other administrative documents.

Coworking & Resource Support

This position assists with the day-to-day use and operations of the coworking space and related program resources. Responsibilities include helping participants access and use available resources, supporting the preparation of the space for meetings and events, and assisting with routine equipment and facility needs.

• Assist participants with routine questions regarding coworking space use, available resources, and facility guidelines.
• Assist with meeting room and coworking space reservations and scheduling.
• Support the preparation, set-up, and breakdown of the coworking space for meetings, events, and program activities.
• Assist with the check-out, return, and organization of outdoor equipment and other program resources.
• Help maintain accurate inventory of program equipment supplies, and other resources.
• Identify and communicate facility, equipment, or maintenance needs to the Program Coordinator.
• Help maintain a welcoming, organized, and functional environment for program participants and community members.

Pay Grade: 15

Work Hours: 18 hours per week

• Associate's degree
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience required in public speaking and giving professional presentations to groups, stakeholders, and potential donors.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate program information clearly and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage comfortably with a variety of people, including program participants, community members, business owners, and community partners.
• Comfortable speaking to individuals and groups and representing the program in community settings, meetings, and events.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with staff, participants, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative while recognizing when to seek guidance or support.
• Ability to learn and effectively use technology and software systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, AirTable, HubSpot, project management tools, and more.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for West Virginia communities, outdoor recreation, and opportunities for community engagement.
• Familiarity with outdoor recreation activities and offerings in West Virginia is preferred.
• Ability to assist with planning and supporting events, activities, and community engagement opportunities.
• Ability to provide a welcoming and positive experience for program participants, community members, and partners.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by program activities and events.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver's license. This certification is needed as travel throughout WV is required for this role.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.