Volunteer: Impact Storytelling and Volunteer Engagement Program AssociateDescription The URI Master Gardener Program (URIMGP) is a community education program within Cooperative Extension that educates residents in environmentally-sound gardening practices through the dissemination of research-based information and ancestral practices. Through the train-the-trainer approach, nearly 1,000 volunteers serve as community-based educators, reaching 30,000+ people annually and amplifying CoopExt’s ability to improve environmental quality and support healthy communities in Rhode Island. We are seeking an Impact Storytelling & Volunteer Engagement Program Associate to support communications, engagement and evaluation projects. This part-time role is ideal for someone interested in community-based programs, food access, and translating grassroots impact into compelling narratives. Key Responsibilities Impact Storytelling & Program Evaluation Design and implement a system to collect and organize stories from community organizations, volunteers, and partners Develop templates (forms, interview prompts, testimonials) for consistent story gathering Create short narratives, summaries, and visual content illustrating community outcomes Track, analyze and communicate impact of free seed and seedling distribution programs on food security in Rhode Island Communications & Content Development Translate impact stories into engaging content for newsletters and social media Draft follow-up communications to program participants Support documentation of meetings and emerging program opportunities Ensure messaging consistency across materials Volunteer Engagement & Recognition Collect and organize nominations from across the program Coordinate volunteer recognition processes (spotlights, awards, thank-you notes) Draft volunteer spotlight profiles and recognition content Track engagement and recognition data to ensure diverse representation Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or three years of experience working with volunteer-based or community outreach and education programs; Excellent planning, organizational, time management, project management, interpersonal communication, writing and public speaking skills; A self-starter with the ability to prioritize and balance management of multiple projects; Strong writing and storytelling skills Highly organized with attention to detail Experience with data collection, surveys, or program evaluation preferred An interest in gardening, food systems, the environment, public education, and the mission of URI Cooperative Extension; and The ability to work in-person in an office environment on the main URI campus in Kingston, RI. This contract position is for 15 hours/week without benefits. Rate of pay will be commensurate with experience ($25-$35/hour). Hours are flexible, with some evening hours required. The position is open immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Kate Venturini Hardesty at kate@uri.edu. Agency: University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Description The URI Master Gardener Program (URIMGP) is a community education program within Cooperative Extension that educates residents in environmentally-sound gardening practices through the dissemination of research-based information and ancestral practices. Through the train-the-trainer approach, nearly 1,000 volunteers serve as community-based educators, reaching 30,000+ people annually and amplifying CoopExt’s ability to improve environmental quality and support healthy communities in Rhode Island. We are seeking an Impact Storytelling & Volunteer Engagement Program Associate to support communications, engagement and evaluation projects. This part-time role is ideal for someone interested in community-based programs, food access, and translating grassroots impact into compelling narratives. Key Responsibilities Impact Storytelling & Program Evaluation Design and implement a system to collect and organize stories from community organizations, volunteers, and partners Develop templates (forms, interview prompts, testimonials) for consistent story gathering Create short narratives, summaries, and visual content illustrating community outcomes Track, analyze and communicate impact of free seed and seedling distribution programs on food security in Rhode Island Communications & Content Development Translate impact stories into engaging content for newsletters and social media Draft follow-up communications to program participants Support documentation of meetings and emerging program opportunities Ensure messaging consistency across materials Volunteer Engagement & Recognition Collect and organize nominations from across the program Coordinate volunteer recognition processes (spotlights, awards, thank-you notes) Draft volunteer spotlight profiles and recognition content Track engagement and recognition data to ensure diverse representation Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or three years of experience working with volunteer-based or community outreach and education programs; Excellent planning, organizational, time management, project management, interpersonal communication, writing and public speaking skills; A self-starter with the ability to prioritize and balance management of multiple projects; Strong writing and storytelling skills Highly organized with attention to detail Experience with data collection, surveys, or program evaluation preferred An interest in gardening, food systems, the environment, public education, and the mission of URI Cooperative Extension; and The ability to work in-person in an office environment on the main URI campus in Kingston, RI. This contract position is for 15 hours/week without benefits. Rate of pay will be commensurate with experience ($25-$35/hour). Hours are flexible, with some evening hours required. The position is open immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Kate Venturini Hardesty at kate@uri.edu. Agency: University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Need Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 02881 Allow Groups: No |