This is a copy of the job description I created to help guide this year's contestants. Hopefully it clarifies what is expected of the titleholder. From my experience, this is what a recruiting post for the position of Miss NC would look like on a job search engine.

Miss North Carolina Job Description

Position description: Miss North Carolina will be obligated to represent North Carolina at a variety of events statewide, implementing the platform of her choice, acting as an official ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network, visiting schools, and preparing for the Miss America competition. She will be expected to perform numerous functions such as speaking, greeting, performing, and interacting with people young and old. She must demonstrate leadership and creativity to generate support in building her platform. Initiative will be an important aspect of the job, as she will be accountable for integrating her role as CMN ambassador into an already-set schedule. Over the course of the year it will be her duty to visit at least 20 middle and/or high schools to discuss making healthy decisions with students. It will be her own responsibility to structure her time so that she can prepare for the Miss America competition.

Required Skills/Characteristics:
Time-management- Don't be late, be early. Fit Miss America prep in where you can.
Communication- You must keep an open line with Beth Knox, your business manager. She books events and takes care of billing and contracts. You will be in constant correspondence, especially via email. This is the only way to stay on top of a hectic schedule.
Using maps- this is not a Miss Teen SC slam! You need to know how to follow directions.
Energetic- Traveling takes a lot out of you, although it is always a good time when you get there. Let's just say I was caffeine-free until this year!
Organized- Because you are always on the go, it is important to have everything you need, where you need it. In other words, you will live out of your car. It should have clothes for any occasion; any needed materials, your crown, a towel so that you can eat out of your lap, etc. You will also need to know where you are going and when you need to be there. Writing things down on your calendar and keeping it with you at all times is a must!
Gracious- I have never competed in a Miss NC pageant that Kay Dickinson didn't mention this word. You will come in contact with a number of hosts, sponsors, children who adore you...it is important to demonstrate thankfulness for the opportunities set before you. Write thank you notes promptly.
Friendly- This goes along with gracious and is a no-brainer. You will find yourself making friends everywhere you go, engaging in conversation. You must show that you are relatable, approachable and a modern young woman (a few terms that the Miss America Organization has really started to emphasize).
Independent- You will most likely do some traveling alone, especially if you choose to become very involved and busy with your platform (which I highly suggest because it adds richness to your year that you could never anticipate). There is not always going to be someone to guide you, sometimes you have to figure it out yourself.
Creative- It is important to let those creative juices flow, especially when putting together your platform. The possibilities of what you can accomplish with the title of Miss NC are endless. Just your name will open doors to making a difference in communities everywhere. Start thinking now about what kinds of things you would do if you were to become Miss NC.
Ambitious- You will receive help from so many generous people throughout your year. However, it is important to remember that the legacy you leave for your year is dependent on your ambition. Others will be happy to help you reach your goals, but they can't do it for you.
Writing- First of all, there is a ton of paperwork involved with Miss America (think how much you had to turn in this weekend!). Second, I have found that people really appreciate when Miss NC blogs about her adventures...and you will have plenty to share. People want a glimpse into your life and writing on the Web site is a great way to give them that.

Primary objectives:
1. Be an involved and engaging Miss North Carolina.
2. Represent your state to the best of your ability on the national level.
3. Leave the Miss North Carolina organization better than you found it.

Final thought: This job description is not just applicable to the position of Miss NC. You can use this as a guideline for everything you do as a local title-holder. Remember that your position in your community is an important one. You don't have to be Miss NC to accomplish great things.