Seattle Japanese Garden

Programs Assistant

Effective Date of Job Description: June 29th, 2024
Work Location: Seattle

Position: Seattle Japanese Garden Programs Assistant
Department: Seattle Japanese Garden Programs
Reports to: Programs Manager
FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-exempt

The Arboretum Foundation, a non-profit membership organization, has provided stewardship for the Washington Park Arboretum since 1935. The Foundation manages membership and volunteer programs, raises capital and operating funds, and advocates for the Arboretum. In 2016, the Foundation expanded its role to include programming for the Seattle Japanese Garden, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation. Essential Arboretum operations and activities funded include arboriculture, garden maintenance, volunteer management, and cultural and environmental education programs, with a focus on expanding community access. As an environmental leader in the community, our current priorities are based on the Arboretum’s Earth Day 2020 platform: modeling sustainability; building climate resilience, and cultivating a new generation of environmental stewards. The Arboretum Foundation values diversity in all forms and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Programs Assistant reports directly to the Seattle Japanese Garden Programs Manager and assists the Events Coordinator. The Programs Assistant is a full time position responsible for providing event and marketing support for the Seattle Japanese Garden based on its annual events cycle. The ideal candidate has a background in event coordination, a flexible schedule, experience in traditional and social media marketing, strong writing skills, and Japanese cultural competency. This job does require semi-regular night and weekend work, and schedule flexibility. Remote work is possible 1-3 days per week, depending on events schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

o Supporting the cycle of large and small events in the Seattle Japanese Garden.
o Providing logistical support for cultural events during daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
o Recruiting and managing volunteers for monthly, annual and special events.
o Actively participating in all aspects of the operation of events from setup to teardown.
o Assisting vendors, artists and performers for certain programs and events.
o Basic invoicing, tracking, and budgeting for events.
o Social media updates and marketing outreach.
o Updating information on organization website and local events calendars.
o Communication and coordination with Seattle Parks’ Japanese Garden Staff.
o Assistance with other Arboretum Foundation events as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Required knowledge, experience, skill, and/or ability
• Position requires a highly energetic person with a positive attitude who is driven, creative, and results-oriented.
• Exceptional attention to detail; with the ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects. Ability to anticipate needs, meet deadlines, problem-solve and multi-task.
• Ability to work independently and productively under pressure, adept at handling change.
• Experience tracking/delivering budgets and timelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience with social media marketing for business purposes, including Facebook, X, and Instagram.
• Excellent writing skills, ability to write short blog or newspaper articles.
• Ability to work as part of a small team and liaise effectively with various external and internal audiences, including vendors, contractors, professional peers, and employees.
• Ability to build rapport with donors, volunteers and the public, with diplomacy, discretion, and customer-service orientation.
• Japanese cultural competency.
Preferred knowledge, experience, skill, and/or ability
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certificate.
• Interest in gardening, horticulture, open space, and/or the environment.
• Experience working with committees in an administrative capacity.
• Familiarity with Constant Contact communication management program.
• Experience with graphics software such as InDesign.
• Experience with Bloomerang or similar volunteer management software.
• Japanese language competency.
Computer Skills
• 2 years of experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required
• Basic blog management competency
• Advanced social media competency
Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to be on your feet for multiple hours.
• Must have a current driver’s license and access to a car.

Compensation

• Hourly pay starts at $27, with increase possible after 6 months.
• Benefits: Company-paid medical and dental, and 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contribution up to 3%. Generous holidays, vacation, and sick time. Office located in a beautiful 230-acre park; free parking, central Seattle close to UW.

How to apply:

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to info@arboretumfoundation.org. Please do not send hard copies.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Screening of resumes will begin June 17th, 2024; first interviews will be scheduled shortly thereafter.