Shore Leave is completely run by volunteers, and it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of these incredible individuals!

We are a fan-based convention run by The STAT Club of Maryland

Over the years, Shore Leave conventions have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from our fellow fans, and we would like to express our gratitude for your contributions. We couldn’t do it without you!

Once again, the opportunity to join our family has arrived!

Much like Starfleet, Shore Leave is seeking a few dedicated individuals. Helpers are needed in various areas, including Security, Volunteer Forces (general assistance), Masquerade, Registration, Art Show, and Charities. Applicants should be dependable and possess strong communication skills to interact with all beings, no matter their origin. A variety of tasks are available and can be tailored to match your strengths. If you enjoy working “behind the scenes,” please indicate this on the pre-registration form or the form below.

Typical Shore Leave Volunteer Areas

  • Information Booth: 2-hour shifts, but you can do up to 3 hours at a stretch; answering general con questions with warmth and a positive attitude.
  • Volunteer Forces Desk: 2 hours at a time, 4 hours maximum which requires at least 1 hour break until your next shift; a point person for the volunteer coordinator and keeper of the duct tape.
  • Autograph Line Saturday & Sunday: 3 hours; may check badges or walk through the convention area with a badge number sign, informing attendees of the current badge series eligible for autographs.
  • Pay-to-Attend workshops: 1 hour per workshop (there are a lot of workshops); assist the workshop facilitator with tasks that make the workshop run more smoothly
  • Art Show : 2 hours at a time; a friendly face passionate about art that mostly asks people to leave their bags and water bottles with security
  • Accessibility Seating: 2 hours
  • Masquerade: Runners help cosplayers safely on and off stage, and den parents guide through the whole experience. Ever wanted to be a masquerade ninja? Hit that form below.
  • Blood Drive/ Tables: 2 hour shifts; signing up con patrons and answering questions
  • Setup / Teardown of essential convention areas: Thursday and Monday, moving heavy convention materials to and from storage – Earns double hours!

Volunteer tasks are straightforward, often involving simple duties and staying aware of your surroundings and engaging in the nerdiness we are all here to share. We hope you’ll join us in making this year’s Shore Leave one of the best conventions yet. We look forward to seeing you in July!

Shore Leave Committee Positions

The Shore Leave Committee proudly organizes and operates the longest running volunteer-run science fiction media convention in the United States. Our team is composed of passionate and diverse individuals who generously dedicate their time and energy to making Shore Leave a success year-round.

What unites us is a shared love for Shore Leave and everything it represents — it’s truly at the heart of who we are.

As life changes, some of our committee members retire, relocate, or pursue new paths, creating opportunities for others to step in and contribute. Because of this, we are always looking for people who are ready to learn, grow, and eventually take on key roles within the committee.

We currently have several open positions, with more likely to become available soon. If you’re interested in joining us, please fill out the form below. Be sure to include why you’re interested and any relevant experience you would bring to the role.

Fundraiser & Sponsorship Committee Head

The Shore Leave Committee is seeking a motivated and outgoing individual to join our team as a Fundraiser & Sponsorship Coordinator.

  • Selling ad space in our official program book and across our social media platforms

  • Securing sponsorships from both local and national businesses — from restaurants and comic shops to major brands like T-Mobile, Verizon, car dealerships, and more

  • Helping grow Shore Leave’s visibility and community impact through strategic partnerships

Authors/Artists Coordinator Assistant

We’re looking for an Assistant to the Authors/Artists Coordinator to help manage and grow our literary guest presence. This role is essential to maintaining Shore Leave’s strong connection with the writing and art communities.

  • Is a reader of science fiction, particularly media tie-in books (though all genres are welcome!)

  • Knows the authors who regularly attend Shore Leave and is excited to seek out emerging talent, especially women and BIPOC authors

  • Follows upcoming book releases to identify potential premiere opportunities at the con

  • Can maintain regular communication with authors about attendance, bios, photos (including book covers), and bibliographies

  • Is highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong communication skills

  • Can coordinate with other departments like website, social media, logistics, vendor room, author tables, and publications to keep everyone in the loop

Publicity Coordinator Assistant

The Shore Leave Committee is looking for an assistant to our Publicity Committee Head. They would need to assist in on going activities to advertise the Shore Leave Convention. We’re looking for someone with strong communication skills, media savvy, and a passion for promoting fan-driven events. If you have experience in public relations, marketing, or community outreach. In this role, you’ll be responsible for spreading the word about Shore Leave by:

  • Reaching out to newspapers, radio stations, TV outlets, libraries, and community centers

  • Coordinating local and regional publicity efforts to increase awareness and attendance

  • Helping promote our events through traditional media channels and community outreach

Science Track Coordinator Assistant

Shore Leave is looking for a Science Track Coordinator Assistant to help maintain and grow our science programming — a unique and much-loved feature of the con.

  • Has a strong interest in science, particularly space, physics, biology, and related fields

  • Knows the scientists who currently attend Shore Leave and is enthusiastic about recruiting new ones

  • Is familiar with regional science institutions in MD, PA, DE, and Northern VA — such as universities, research centers, and NASA facilities

  • Ideally has a background in science through education and/or work experience

  • Keeps up with current science news and discoveries to help inspire programming ideas and identify potential guest speakers

  • Is willing to reach out to scientists, labs, and institutions to invite participation

  • Can communicate clearly and consistently with other departments, including the website, social media, logistics, vendor room, NASA table, and publications

Documentation Coordinator Assistant

Are you skilled in layout, editing, and working with publishing software? Shore Leave is seeking a Documentation Coordinator Assistant to help produce our essential convention materials — including the Program Book, Pocket Program, Promotional Flyer, and Mass-Mailing Postcard.

This behind-the-scenes role is perfect for someone who loves organization, deadlines, and bringing together many moving parts into a polished final product.

  • Has a strong command of written English, including grammar, spelling, and overall clarity

  • Can build and lead a team of proofreaders to ensure accuracy across all materials

  • Owns and knows how to use professional layout software — ideally Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop)
    – Note: Adobe Creative Suite is preferred, as existing files are built in it. Without it, you must be able to recreate the documents in your software — which is not a small task

  • Has at least intermediate-level proficiency in their chosen design software

  • Is highly organized and able to juggle multiple files, assets, deadlines, and team communications

  • Can work effectively with our printer, keeping on top of timelines, print specs, and delivery dates

  • Is comfortable soliciting ads and cover art from vendors and partners

  • Can communicate regularly with all department heads to gather and distribute needed information

  • Has a clear sense of publishing deadlines and can help ensure the whole team stays on track

  • Experience in publishing, print design, or marketing is a big plus!

This is a deadline-driven role with a creative edge, and it’s vital to the professional presentation of Shore Leave each year.

    More Information?

    Ready to sign up? Fill out the Volunteer Form here. Have some questions? Send our Volunteer Forces Team an email below!

    Contact Us

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