Arboretum Public Relations and Marketing Specialist (Part-Time)

Working Title: Arboretum Public Relations and Marketing Specialist (Part-Time)

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III

Position Type: Part-time - Wage / Part-time Salaried

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

 

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100119 - Arboretum

 

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $21.25

 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

 

Beginning Review Date: 06/18/2025

 

About JMU:

JMU is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. JMU offers several perks to all employees including:
• A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
• Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
• A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
• Holiday Breaks: The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
• Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.

Visit our Benefits site to learn more about the benefits that James Madison University offers to part-time employees!

 

General Information:

The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a urban forest and public garden on JMU's campus. It's mission is to promote native species, provide opportunities for research and academic use, and educate about the natural and botanical world. The primary purpose of the Public Relations and Marketing Specialist role is to drive increased revenue through sales and fundraising, ensure smooth programmatic operations and high-quality public communications, and enhance the reputation and visibility of the Arboretum. This will necessarily include maintaining clear and accurate records.

This is an in-person, part-time position of up to 1500 hours per year (up to 29 hours per week). Exact schedule to be negotiated, but the vast majority of hours will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evening or (3-4 Saturdays a year) weekend obligations.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Revenue Generation:
Manage the business aspects of the spring and fall plant sales. Coordinate with other staff to maintain an accurate and up-to-date plant sale inventory, run the online plant sale and facilitate customer service in making payments and order accuracy. Ensure accurate financial transactions. Possible future opportunity to facilitate plant ordering and plant vendor communications.
Collaborate with development staff to generate fundraising materials including an annual appeal campaign, membership campaigns, and JMU Giving Day campaigns.
Manage and communicate with public about facility rentals and event reservations including weddings.
Manage inventory of our small gift shop and micro-art gallery for local artists including communicating with current and potential vendors and featured artists.

Visitor Relations:
Present the Arboretum positively to the public through all avenues of outreach to increase visibility and enhance the visitor experience.
Answer phone calls, take messages, and direct calls professionally and courteously.
Assist education center visitors with questions and facilitate purchases with excellent customer service.

Advertising and Engagement:
Serve as Arboretum webmaster.
Oversee a team of interns and marketing assistant to manage the Arboretum’s digital presence including the website, social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) in accordance with University standards.
Produce the public communications of the Arboretum, including a quarterly newsletter, other emails and updates, event registration confirmations, event flyers, maps and kiosk displays, etc.
Effectively advertise Arboretum events for sustain