Marketing and Outreach Manager

Title: Marketing and Outreach Manager

Reports to: Executive Director of Business Operations

Status: Full-Time, Hourly

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm with some evenings and weekends.

Wages: $28-32/hour depending on experience.

Benefits: Full Benefits including health insurance covered 100% by employer, retirement plan, and employee discounts.

Job Description:

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG) is seeking an energetic and creative professional to lead our marketing and outreach efforts. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives that raise the visibility of the organization, engage diverse audiences, and support mission-driven goals such as membership growth, event attendance, and community impact.

The Marketing and Outreach Manager will oversee content creation for the RSBG website, social media channels, and email communications. They will also manage our membership and volunteer programs, coordinate events, and support other outreach activities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential Functions:

· Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies and event plans.

· Organize, promote, and conduct Garden events.

· Plan and implement outreach strategies to increase community visibility and engagement.

· Develop and manage a social media plan; produce, post, and monitor content across all platforms.

· Produce web content and coordinate with our webmaster.

· Collaborate with horticultural staff to develop educational and promotional content.

· Coordinate production of printed and digital materials (e.g., newsletters, catalogs, tourism materials)

· Draft press releases, media kits, and outreach materials.

· Respond to media inquiries and manage public communications.

· Manage the membership program and activities to sustain and grow membership.

· Oversee the volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, tracking, recognition, and volunteer events.

· Represent RSBG at public events, community meetings, and promotional opportunities.

· Build and maintain partnerships with other horticulture organizations, media contacts, and local groups.

· Serve as liaison to the City of Federal Way, City Council, and Chamber of Commerce.

· Collaborate closely with Visitor Services staff to support attendance, events, and public initiatives.

· Support daily office operations as needed.

Required Qualifications:

· Minimum 3 years of experience in marketing, communications, or outreach, preferably in a nonprofit setting

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong eye for design

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

· Experience with digital tools such as Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Meta Business Suite, and social media platforms

· Strong skills in digital content creation (image and video)

· Graphic design experience

· Highly organized and detail oriented

· Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

· Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

· Outstanding customer service and interpersonal communication

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience with WordPress and Google Analytics

· Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Public Relations, or a related field

· Experience in event planning and execution

· Previous experience working in a nonprofit, botanical garden, museum, or similar institution

To Apply:

Please send your resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio of your previous work to:

Grace@RhodyGarden.org

About the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden:

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is a 22-acre woodland garden that is home to the largest collection of Rhododendron species in the world. Education is a cornerstone of the RSBG’s mission – the garden offers workshops, tours, classes, and public events that promote an understanding of and appreciation for biodiversity and conservation.

As a living museum, the RSBG conserves and shares its international collection with both the scientific community and the general public. Known worldwide for the garden’s contributions to scholarship and research, the RSBG’s educational and scientific offerings include the annual Rhododendron Species Symposium, seed and pollen distribution, and twice-yearly catalog with a huge selection of rare and beautiful plants offered for purchase.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Marketing, communications, or outreach: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Federal Way, WA 98003 (Required)

Work Location: In person