Volunteer Programs Manager

Job Description

The Arboretum Foundation promotes, protects and enhances the Washington Park Arboretum for current and future generations by strengthening and building a diverse and engaged community of donors, volunteers and advocates.

Organization Description

The Arboretum Foundation has provided stewardship and financial support for the Washington Park Arboretum since 1935. Since 2016, the Foundation has also managed fundraising, cultural programing, and volunteer recruitment for the Seattle Japanese Garden at the south end of the Arboretum. The Washington Park Arboretum is managed through a decades-long partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG), which owns the collection of plants in the Arboretum. The Arboretum Foundation provides significant funding for horticulture care and educational programs managed by the UWBG. The Foundation also raises funds for stewardship and capital improvements, such as the recent renovation of Rhododendron Glen.

The Opportunity

For some time, the Arboretum Foundation has been looking to evolve its partnership with the University of Washington. The two organizations have a shared history and a shared mission to connect people and plants. They now have before them the opportunity to reimagine these connections by consolidating into an expanded organization that provides stewardship and public programming along the full length of the Washington Park Arboretum, from the Japanese Garden in the south to the Montlake Cut in the north and beyond across Union Bay to the Center for Urban Horticulture. The Volunteer Programs Manager will play an important part in developing a volunteer base to support this expanded footprint. The position will support long-standing volunteer groups within the Arboretum and current UWBG programs, while developing opportunities to engage the broader community in an expanded range of events and programs.

The Position

The Volunteer Programs Manager position is responsible for recruitment, orientation, engagement and recognition of volunteers across multiple programs of the Arboretum Foundation and UW Botanic Gardens, including the Graham Visitors Center gift shop, horticultural programs, greenhouses and special events. The Volunteer Manager has a passion for connecting people to plants and is often an important first contact between the Arboretum community and its programs. This position helps ensure a welcoming environment for volunteers and serves as a liaison with program managers to ensure that volunteers are able to contribute meaningfully to the stewardship of the Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. The Volunteer Program Manager reports to the Executive Director and manages a part-time, seasonal Garden Steward Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Volunteer Recruitment, Training and Stewardship

● Serve as primary contact for Arboretum Foundation volunteers. Develop and nurture relationships with volunteers and potential volunteers.

● Match volunteers with opportunities that meet their interests and skills. Provide training and orientation to ensure confidence, satisfaction and connection to mission.

● Develop and cultivate relationships with schools, colleges, service organizations, private companies, etc., to introduce new community members to the Arboretum.

● Work with Communications Team to promote volunteer opportunities and develop a strong base of volunteer support for the Arboretum

● Provide recognition to volunteers and steward an ongoing relationship, creating lifelong advocates for the Arboretum.

● Work with Foundation and UWBG staff to ensure they have the training and support to provide a rewarding volunteer experience across the entire organization.

Supporting Programs and Special Events

● Manage volunteer coverage in the Mary Ellen Mulder Gift Shop at the Graham Visitors Center. Recruit and train new cashiers. Assist with the semi-annual inventory.

● With the Operations Manager, plan and implement semi-annual plant sales and ensure volunteer support for the Gifts and Greens Holiday Galore Sale.

● Work with UW Botanic Gardens and Seattle Parks staff to plan and coordinate service projects for groups in the Arboretum, including corporate events and large-scale volunteer events such as Earth Day in the Arboretum.

● Work with the Advancement Team to manage and train volunteers for Botanical Bash and other events.

● Support Japanese Garden staff in recruiting and training volunteers, database administration, and volunteer management for special events, including Moon Viewing.

● Support volunteer groups at the Pat Calvert Greenhouse and the Cloney-Harris Plant Nursery

Advance Communications and Fundraising Goals

● Work with Communications and Advancement Teams to ensure the volunteer program delivers coordinated and targeted messaging about the mission and programs of the Foundation that is on brand and aligned with Foundation priorities.

● Coordinate with the Advancement Team to identify corporate prospects, cultivate corporate giving opportunities and manage relationships.

● Contribute to Foundation’s monthly e-newsletter and social media posts, in addition to other targeted volunteer communications.

Program Development and Administration

● Develop programs that support a strong base of volunteers across multiple programs, meeting diverse program needs.

● Develop management and tracking systems that work across a variety of use cases, including with garden staff who may not have regular access to computers or other office systems

● Participate in the Foundation/UWBG Equity and Justice Committee; incorporate best practices into volunteer programs, including volunteer trainings.

● Ensure volunteer job descriptions and training materials are up-to-date.

● Schedule and manage volunteer recognition events.

● Hire and manage Garden Steward Coordinator. Ensure volunteer recruitment matches garden needs and capacity of horticultural staff.

● Manage and develop the Foundation’s volunteer online database (Bloomerang). Track and enter volunteer hours. Prepare summary reports for Advancement and Communications Teams as required.

Front-of-House Support

● Provide support to the Foundation’s front-of-house Office Team, answering phones and public inquiries.

● Ensure that volunteer opportunities are centered in front-of-house communications

● Serve as ambassador to the public, providing visitor information and educating community members about the mission and programs of the Arboretum Foundation. Ensure that volunteers are also equipped to serve in this role.

Requirements

● Five years of professional experience with volunteer programs and event management.

● Demonstrated ability to authentically engage, build rapport and work professionally with volunteers, staff, board members, and the general public.

● Ability to organize and manage tasks across multiple projects and priorities. Motivated to adapt and problem solve as required to achieve required outcomes.

● Excellent interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence. Passion for developing and managing positive relationships with volunteers, partners, and co-workers.

● Cultural competency and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, welcoming and anti-racist workplace for volunteers, partners, and co-workers.

● Self-starter. Ability to thrive and work effectively as part of a small team in a fast-paced office.

● Excellent computer skills, specifically MS Office Products and CRM platforms, including Raiser’s Edge and Bloomerang/InitLive.

● Passion for mission and the importance of connecting people to plants and natural spaces.

Compensation

Salary range is $70,000 to $72,000, based on experience. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with up to 3% employer match.

Other Requirements

This position requires occasional weekend and evening availability. This position’s primary work location is at the Graham Visitors Center in the Arboretum, with some telework available as workflow allows. The role requires mobility in a three-story building without elevators. The Foundation’s offices involve open format or shared spaces; the noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. This position requires being able to operate a computer and remain stationary at a computer for extended periods of time. Employees must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and drive an electric cart.

How to Apply

Priority Application Deadline: January 15, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Submit resume and cover letter electronically to:

Arboretum Foundation

2300 Arboretum Drive East

Seattle WA 98112-2300

Email: jobs@arboretumfoundation.org

Arboretum Foundation

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Arboretum Foundation | Volunteer Programs Manager