Outreach and Events Coordinator

Outreach and Events Coordinator

ABOUT:

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is a botanical garden located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, KS. Botanica opened in 1987 and hosts thousands of guests each year who visit for regular garden displays and major events including the annual tulip display and holiday lights. The gardens total 20 developed acres with more land to expand in the future. As a nonprofit organization, Botanica depends on support from donors, sponsors and volunteers with whom employees and the public interact frequently.

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid holidays and accrual-based paid time off. This position may work an irregular schedule to support various programs and events. Evening, weekend and holiday work can be expected

Position pays $43,880 annually depending on qualifications.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

This public facing team member is responsible for coordinating Botanica’s outreach programs, specifically working to create opportunities for people to connect with nature and engage with the garden. The coordinator can expect to be a major contributor to all garden events and traveling exhibitions. Assignments are received from the Director of Community Engagement & Education, however, the coordinator is expected to act proactively and cooperatively with all departments to support the overall goals of the organization.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Create and execute engagement activities for external events.
• Participate in tabling activities with external partners.
• Represent Botanica at a variety of community events outside of the garden such as community organization meetings, service-learning programs, schools, farmers' markets, arts and culture events, etc.
• Facilitate partnerships with organizations committed to developing a love of horticulture and improving the environmental impact of our wider community. 
• Assist with developing and coordinating exceptional programs supplementing major traveling exhibitions. This will include logistics, research, planning, scheduling and training.
• Work in partnership with education team to host educational special events, including, but not limited to, Earth Day and Monarch Days.
• Work in partnership with events team in coordinating major garden fundraising events including, but not limited to, Tulip Festival, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and Illuminations.
• Provide congenial guest service support to visitors.
• May be required to assist with garden projects as needed.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

• This position requires the ability to:
• Thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and provide instructions for the work of others.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information.
• Research, analyze, and monitor trends and demographics to create programming that is engaging and relevant.
• Maintain flexibility in the face of changing schedules, conditions and volunteer needs.
• Manage supply list and coordinate purchasing.
• Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Proactively identify and solve problems.
• Work outdoors when inclement weather conditions exist.
• Communicate effectively.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and exercise good judgement.
• Lift and carry bulky items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Safely operate golf carts and maintenance vehicles.
• Acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License and automobile insurance.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a comparative position at a nonprofit, horticulture, hospitality, or educational institution. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered
• Proven track record of excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional working proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred
• Associates or Bachelor Degree in hospitality, events, communications, or related field.
• Prior experience in a museum, community center, garden or attraction.