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.
