Full-Time Openings

Associate Director of Advancement

Job Description

The Associate Director of Advancement will collaborate on all aspects of the Garden’s development initiatives. S/he will develop and execute Annual Fund and Membership strategies to provide steady and significant growth in both.  Membership personnel will report directly to the Associate Director of Advancement. The Associate Director of Advancement will identify Annual Giving donors for greater engagement with Lewis Ginter. S/he will manage a portfolio of 50-75 individuals through a moves management-style process and develop a comprehensive program of focused solicitation strategies to convincingly present the Garden’s priorities and cases for support. The Associate Director of Advancement will develop engagement, fundraising and personalized stewardship plans for donors of $5,000+ and will be responsible for securing major gifts to the Garden.

The successful candidate will be a development professional with broad-based knowledge of all development functions. S/he will possess a thorough knowledge of best practice in development and will have experience in multiple development functions.  The successful candidate will have a work history that demonstrates creative, innovative approaches to Annual Fund design and donor cultivation with a proven record of success in securing lead annual fund gifts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and execute AF and Membership campaigns meeting revenue and donor/member target goals
• Supervise Membership personnel
• Oversight of all financial reconciliation with the Finance Department, including the annual audit
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned for the Advancement Director
• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 prospects including the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts with written engagement and focused solicitation strategies for the core 33% of constituents in the portfolio
• Actively engage in the greater Richmond Community to identify new prospects and expand the Garden’s donor community while continually building the portfolio
• Using a moves management-style platform, continually monitor the portfolio to ensure healthy segments in all stages
• Work independently and creatively to match donor interests with Garden priorities
• Develop written funding proposals as appropriate
• Engage existing and new donors in discussions regarding gift opportunities that align with Garden priorities
• Work with Garden colleagues to strengthen the donors’ ties to the Garden
• Maintain detailed records of all donor contact and information in our Raiser’s Edge database

To apply, please see the full Associate Director of Advancement job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume and two annual fund appeals to Advancement Director Alice Baker at: [email protected]

Operations Housekeeping Supervisor

Job Description
The Housekeeping Supervisor is a working supervisory position overseeing the Operations Housekeeping team and performing daily operations tasks. The successful candidate must be able to work alongside those he/she manages, appropriately delegate tasks, and provide guidance and training as needed. He/she will be able to coordinate all activities with affected staff within the Operations Department. The Operations Department is responsible for all custodial and housekeeping services, assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden, and preparation and coordination for private and public events, including the annual event Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.

To apply, please see the full Operations Housekeeping Supervisor Job Description  (PDF) and submit a resume, cover letter and Lewis Ginter Employment Application (PDF) to Justin Brown at [email protected]

Operations Assistant

Job Description
The Operations Assistant is responsible for assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden, preparation and coordination for private and public events and exhibits, as well as custodial and housekeeping duties under the supervision of the Operations Team Leader.  A successful candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively with staff of all levels and interact with Garden visitors and volunteers in a cheerful and positive manner. They must be able to work independently without supervision as well as alongside other members of the Operations team.

To apply, please see the full Operations Assistant Job Description (PDF) and submit a resume, cover letter and Lewis Ginter Employment Application to Justin Brown at [email protected]

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

Butterfly Curator

Job Description

As a member of the Butterflies LIVE! team, this position assists with the daily operation of the butterfly display, including butterfly rearing and release, plant care, volunteer supervision, and providing an excellent interactive visitor experience while interpreting the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit.

Responsibilities

Managing daily operations of the butterfly wing of the conservatory and the emergence room. Tasks include:

• Tracking emergence data on an electronic spreadsheet
• Preparing, cleaning, and maintaining enclosures
• Daily cleaning of the emergence room and exhibit space
• Releasing butterflies into the exhibit
• Preparing and maintaining nectar stations within the exhibit
• Maintaining inventory of all necessary supplies

Works with the Exhibitions Manager to ensure USDA approved standard operating procedures of the facility are met.

Leads interpretive efforts within the exhibition:

• Warmly welcomes visitors while reviewing “butterfly etiquette” with students, teachers and general Garden visitors.
• Works with Butterflies LIVE! team, volunteers, and Exhibitions Manager to prepare and present informal programs and interpret the exhibition for Garden visitors.
• Ensures that all necessary supplies are in stock for all programs.
• Updates interpretive signage, including butterfly ID labels, as necessary.

Assists with training and daily supervision of volunteers working in the exhibit and the entry/exit vestibule.

Assists the Conservatory Horticulturist with basic plant care and pest control.

• Contributes to PR/Marketing efforts to educate and inform. This may include:
• Creating content (photos and descriptions) and posting to Facebook
• Writing and publishing blog posts using the WordPress platform.
• Participating in interviews for Facebook Live, media requests, etc.

Education and Experience

Student or graduate in education, entomology, horticulture, environmental sciences, botany, biology, agriculture, or related field is required. Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

To apply, please see the full Butterfly Curator job description (PDF) and submit a resume, cover letter and Lewis Ginter Employment Application to Ellyn Parker, Exhibitions Manager at [email protected]

EDUCATOR
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Responsibilities
• Embraces the Garden’s educational mission and commitment to excellence in guest services.
• Assists with development, teaching, maintaining supplies, set-up and breakdown for:
o Pre-school, primary and secondary field trips
o Summer camps (ages 4-12)
o Special interest programming (after-school, homeschool and scout programs)
o Birthday parties
o Family programs in the Children’s Garden and/or related to temporary exhibits such as ButterfliesLIVE! and Origami in the Garden
o Service Learning Program (ages 13-18)
o Professional Development for Educators
• Assist with group arrival and daily orientation
• Aids with daily operations and serves as manager on duty for the Children’s Garden as scheduled.
• Must be familiar with Garden campus and daily event schedule
• Works closely with other Children’s Garden staff, youth volunteers and adult volunteers to prepare and present programs.
• Offers input and support on departmental policies and procedures and pre-visit and post-visit information as they relate to all programs.
• Ensures that guest’s fundamental needs for safety, security and comfort are met at all times in the Children’s Garden.
• Other duties as assigned, including Children’s Garden team projects, special events, and horticultural maintenance.

Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of formal and informal education principles and developmentally appropriate practices for children of all ages.
• Prior experience teaching children of all ages.
• Demonstrated understanding of the delivery of high-quality, interactive educational programming for children and adults.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage goals and productivity.
• Energetic, personable, and self-motivated.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• Embodies strong team orientation with flexible attitude; an innovative and creative thinker.
• Beginner to intermediate experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must be willing and able to work predictable nights and weekends.
• Must be willing and able to successfully complete American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and Anaphylaxis/Epinephrine training.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in education, horticulture, environmental sciences, botany, biology, agriculture, or related field is required.
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered.
• Prior experience in a botanical garden or museum setting is preferred.

To apply, please see the full Childrens Educator Job Description (PDF) and submit a resume, cover letter and Lewis Ginter Employment Application to Kelly Riley, Children’s Education Manager at [email protected]

INTERNSHIP
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Responsibilities
Work closely with Educators to:
• Implement nature-based activities, crafts, story time, and games; adapt activities based on the needs of the participants, the weather, and available spaces
• Facilitate group management, especially during times of transition (snack, bathroom breaks, check-in and check-out)
• Act as a mentor that thoughtfully engages participants interests and encourages inquiry
• Model positive and respectful interactions with plants, animals, and other people in the Garden
• Set-up and break-down of indoor and outdoor education areas
• Provide a safe and respectful learning environment
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some weekends
• Experience working with children, preferably in an informal education setting
• An interest in education, natural sciences, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, and/or the natural world
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, especially with children and young adults
• Strong team orientation with a flexible and positive attitude
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions; able to bend, squat, kneel, run and keep up with young children
• Ability to pass a background check

Education and Experience
• Course work in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Outdoor Education, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science or related fields
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the internship will be considered

Each Employee of Lewis Ginter
• Must comply with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements of their individual job descriptions
• Must perform all duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multigenerational families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures
• Must be aware of surroundings, and vigilant to any possible threat to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to their property and ensures all concerns are reported promptly
• Must report all mishaps, injuries and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s) and to the Executive Director
• Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Physical Demands/Working Conditions
• Must be able to walk the Garden’s Campus in most weather conditions daily
• Must be able to lift objects up to 25lbs repeatedly

To apply, please see the full Internship Childrens Education Job Description (PDF) and submit a resume, cover letter and Lewis Ginter Employment Application to Kelly Riley, Children’s Education Manager at [email protected]

Public Relations & Marketing Intern (Social Media)

The PR department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand through all communication and concentrates efforts on publicity or “free” exposure for the Garden.  By supporting all areas of the Garden, public relations and marketing works to entice people to visit, and to engage them in a relationship with the Garden.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden connects people through plants to improve communities.

General job duties of Public Relations Interns:

• Work with director of public relations and public relations coordinator to help meet needs of reporters and photographers.
• Help update calendar events on the Garden’s website
• Post Garden info to websites such as tourism sites and media calendars
• Research and write basic news releases
• Take and upload digital photos of the Garden
• Assist with events as needed
• Provide general office and project support for the PR & Marketing Dept.
• Assist in supporting the Garden’s social media efforts as needed, including filming and edit movies.
• Write blog posts and tell stories for the Garden’s blog.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing & communication skills
• Ability to work on computers and use a digital camera
• Some simple graphic design skills and the ability to use or to learn PhotoShop & WordPress
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment
• Ability to work on deadline
• Should be able to work alone and as part of a team
• Experience using Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, blogging is helpful

Internship training includes:

• Press release formats and AP style
• How to write to encourage news coverage and create public interest
• The opportunity to learn more about social media and using it to connect with the community & to pitch stories

This internship is offered year-round. Hours are flexible but require a minimum of 150 hours per semester and 10-15 hours per week. We also welcome interns and volunteers who are not students. This is an unpaid internship. As an intern, you will be eligible to earn volunteer benefits.

To apply please send the following to Ms. Jonah Holland, PR & Marketing Coordinator at [email protected].

• Resume
• 2 writing samples
• Cover letter detailing your interest in the specific internship and how this experience will help you reach your educational and career goals, and your scheduling availability (start/end dates, day/times available).
• 2 recommendations (preferably on LinkedIn)

Deadlines for applications (somewhat flexible):

Fall Semester/August 25
Spring Semester/November 30
Summer/March 15