Employment Opportunities at the Foundation

Headquartered in the Graham Visitors Center at beautiful Washington Park Arboretum, the Arboretum Foundation is an exciting place to work. One of Seattle’s oldest non-profit organizations, the Arboretum Foundation is staffed by a small group of dynamic, hard-working individuals who are passionate about our mission to preserve and enhance the crown jewel of the city’s park system.

Volunteer Resources Manager

Position Description

The Volunteer Program Manager reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with key constituencies of the Foundation. This includes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive volunteer program, including certain annual events. This position requires weekend and evening availability several times throughout the year. The volunteer and fundraising program’s growth will provide natural opportunities to learn and grow and the position will require the ability to remain flexible and adaptable in regard to work assignments.

Volunteer Support Key Responsibilities

  • Strengthen and broaden the Foundation’s comprehensive volunteer program.  Responsible for recruitment, cultivation, assignment, orientation, and stewardship of volunteers for programs related to gardening and maintenance programs, plant donations and greenhouse programs, fundraising events, one-time projects, outreach activities, etc. Develop a meaningful recognition program, including facilitating the Annual Volunteer Award and coordinate with our partners in the Arboretum on the annual volunteer recognition event.
  • Manage, support, and strengthen the work of 29 volunteer Units, (volunteer-based groups who support the Arboretum Foundation primarily through volunteer and fundraising activities). Cultivate relationships and regularly communicate with Unit leaders, and assist as needed with Unit special events.  Schedule and facilitate Unit Semi-Annual Meeting.
  • Oversee recruitment and management of volunteers for events and other opportunities.
  • Schedule, train and evaluate volunteers as needed for events and activities
  • Update volunteer job descriptions and training materials, and schedule and staff volunteer orientation events.
  • Actively participate on the Display Garden Committee to coordinate the volunteers and materials to docent the Foundation Display Garden.  With the Stewards Coordinator, recruit, orient, train, supervise, and recognize all Display Garden volunteers. Assist the Stewards coordinator on the Display Garden construction and plant acquisition as needed.
  • Working with the Executive Director and Events Manager, manage and train the volunteers for the Northwest Flower & Garden Show Opening Night Party (Feb), which has over 600 attendees, involves over 50 volunteers, and raises over $120,000.
  • Participate in planning and managing the FlorAbundance Spring Plant Sale in April, in coordination with the Executive Director, Events Manager and Event Chair(s).  Recruit, orient, train, manage, and recognize over 100 volunteers for this event; assist the Event Chair in coordinating with the plant vendors.
  • Serve as liaison to volunteers for Foundation; develop and nurture relationships with volunteers and potential volunteers.
  • Work with University of Washington Botanic Gardens staff to identify volunteer opportunities and coordinate volunteer recruitment for work in maintaining the Arboretum.
  • In consultation with the Major Gifts and Outreach Manager and the Stewards Coordinator, implement an outreach program to publicize volunteer opportunities and recruit new volunteers at the Washington Park Arboretum. Develop and cultivate relationships with schools, colleges, service organizations, private companies, etc., to actively recruit people of all ages to learn and volunteer in the Arboretum.
  • Contribute to the quarterly newsletter.

Other Key Responsibilities

  • Respond to inquiries from volunteers and constituents who visit the office.
  • Serve as a member of office team, assist in coordination and planning Foundation needs, attend meetings as required, and assist in answering office phone.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Compensation

  • Salary is commensurate with experience.
  • Benefits: Group Health Medical Insurance, vacation & sick leave, 11 paid holidays, employee-contributed retirement plan, automatic payroll deposit.
  • Position is full-time (40 hours/week); ability to work flexible hours, including frequent evening and weekends.

Desired Experience Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree and five years of professional work experience.
  • Ability to thrive and work effectively with limited instruction as part of a small team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing program.
  • Demonstrated ability to build rapport and work effectively and professionally with volunteers, staff, Board and committee members, and the general public.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communications skills.
  • Event planning including management skills.
  • The ability to prioritize and organize multiple projects, “think on your feet,” meet deadlines, problem-solve and multi-task.
  • Excellent computer skills, specifically MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher or other design software) and donor management software (Raiser’s Edge preferred). Ability to navigate Internet for recruitment needs.
  • Interest in gardening, horticulture, and/or the environment/open space is required.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Applying

Please send resume with three references, writing sample, and cover letter to Paige Miller, Executive Director, Arboretum Foundation, 2300 Arboretum Dr., Seattle, WA 98112 or pmiller@arboretumfoundation.org. We will begin screening resumes on April 8, 2013.