Business Coordinator

New Hanover County is seeking a skilled Business Coordinator for a part-time position, funded through a grant from the Friends of the NHC Arboretum.  The Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, supports the maintenance and improvement of the arboretum's gardens and programs through memberships and fundraising for the NC Cooperative Extension-New Hanover County Center and Arboretum.

The Friends Business Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the gift shop operations, being the on-site staff responsible for the facility on Saturdays and supporting the planning and execution of various programs and events, including Art in the Arboretum. This role combines retail management, gift shop volunteer oversight, event coordination, and administrative duties to ensure the smooth operation of the organization’s activities, while also supporting efforts to engage and secure business sponsors in collaboration with the Board.

The Arboretum encompasses seven acres of gardens and plantings dedicated to demonstrating the best plant species for southeastern North Carolina landscapes, proper horticultural techniques, aesthetic design, environmental stewardship, and research. It is a dynamic place, constantly changing to meet the educational needs of residents and green industry professionals, and to provide cutting-edge leadership in plant selection and use for this region.

Responsibilities for this role include:

Gift Shop Management:

• Manage the gift shop
• Oversee opening and closing on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, ensuring it operates smoothly and offers engaging customer experience.
• Coordinate with the front desk receptionist to schedule volunteers 
• Manage inventory levels, order new products, and input items into the inventory system as needed, maintain organized displays, and handle pricing of merchandise.
• Move forward the initiative of increasing local artisan items and specialty garden tools for sale that support the mission and concept of the Arboretum

Facility Management:

• Serve as the on-site staff member on most Saturdays (8:00 am - 5:00 pm), ensuring the gardens are opened and closed according to procedures.

Event & Program Coordination:

• Take the lead in managing Art in the Arboretum - the Friends annual art show and sale - shadow staff and hired contractor the first year. This includes handling all logistics leading up to the event and overseeing the event’s day-of operations, working in tandem with the Board and other staff members.
• Work with the Board and other staff to plan and execute quarterly Friends edutainment programs, ensuring everything runs smoothly and according to plan. Be proactive in developing and executing events, workshops, or other benefits in an effort to increase new memberships and member retention.
• Plan and host the annual Members Meeting in January, coordinating all logistics, engaging members, and working with the Board to facilitate the event.
• Organize and host monthly after-hours garden gatherings (April - October), working with the Board to develop activities, and ensure smooth operations for these social events.
• Assist during Friends early admission to the Master Gardener Plant Sale, helping with logistics and ensuring the smooth operation of the early access event for Friends members.

Sponsorship & Business Support:

• Handle administrative tasks in support of the Board’s securing sponsorships for events and programs, ensuring that relationships with sponsors are nurtured and maintained.
• Regularly engage with the Friends’ Discount Network, checking in personally on an annual basis to foster strong relationships, to include invitations to appropriate events.
• Maintain a database of business supporters and sponsorships, tracking ongoing engagement and identifying opportunities for further collaboration.

Administrative & Operational Support:

• Attend Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings, providing updates on the gift shop, and other business activities as needed.
• Manage paver orders, including acknowledging orders, submitting them to the engraver, coordinating drop-offs and pickups, and collaborating with grounds staff for proper placement.
• Manage communication with members via Wild Apricot (CRM software).
• Manage acknowledgement letters for all donations.
• Provide content to Communication Specialist for social media 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to manage events and coordinate logistics.
• Experience in retail and inventory management.
• Familiarity with CRM software, preferably Wild Apricot, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to engage with business sponsors and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate with various teams.
• Flexibility to work weekends (Saturday) and/or evenings and adapt to changing event schedules.

  
Work Schedule
This position is part time with benefits, 25 hours per week; flexible schedule which may include nights and weekends.  

• Most Saturdays: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, and 3 weekdays (preferably 10:00 am - 4:00 pm) with flexibility for events and Board requirements. Actual work schedule to be determined with the chosen applicant.

Salary Information:
The hiring salary for this position begins at $22.2885/hour.  *This position is grant funded by the Friends of the NHC Arboretum 

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.   

New Hanover County Offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work; 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance many other insurance options; 
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives; 
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.  

• Knowledge, skills, education, training, and experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the functions of the role and successfully perform the essential duties, and 2 years of experience in a similar role or performing similar duties.
• Preferred: Experience in event coordination, relationship building, and nonprofit administration.

Salary : $22