The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the nonprofit, mission-driven membership
organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens,
seeks a dynamic Director of Communications and Marketing to join our dedicated, energetic team.
As a direct report to the Executive Director and a key member of the Friends’ senior leadership team,
the Director of Communications and Marketing is responsible for the creation and implementation of a
multi-faceted and results-driven program that advances the Friends’ mission in support of the Gardens’
continued growth. Building on many successful activities, this position represents an exciting
opportunity to shape the organization’s future in a way that attracts and serves diverse audiences; is a
part of the Gardens’ longstanding tradition of being a place where visitors of all ages and with many
varied interests are welcomed; and complements the Gardens’ positioning as a community resource
and destination of botanical, horticultural, and regional significance.

About Birmingham Botanical Gardens
A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result
of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of
Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama—in one of the United
States’ most biodiverse regions—this urban oasis encompasses 67 acres featuring two dozen garden
spaces that reflect the region’s rich and varied terrain and showcase the many plants that thrive in
Southern gardens. Each year, the Gardens welcomes more than 300,000 visitors from across the region
and around the world, providing both a meaningful connection to nature and a vibrant source of plant,
gardening, wellness, and environmental education.

About the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Guided by its mission—to protect, nurture, and share the Gardens’ countless wonders—the nonprofit
Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is dedicated to serving the Gardens; serving the community;
serving our visitors; and inspiring a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment. Because funding
from the City of Birmingham covers only part of the Gardens’ core, day-to-day operating expenses, the
Friends plays a critical role in raising funds to supplement the Gardens’ operational needs. Annual
memberships and donor support also enable the Friends to provide impactful educational programs and
outreach, to tell the Gardens’ story, and to ensure the ongoing stewardship and enhancement of this
beloved community treasure.

For more information, visit bbgardens.org.

Key areas of focus for the Director of Communications and Marketing include:
• Strategic Direction and Planning—in concert with appropriate stakeholders, spearhead the
creation of strategic goals and objectives that expand the Friends’ reach and impact through
participation in programs and events, growing membership and support, increased garden
visitation, and enhanced public awareness
• Communications—direct, manage, and provide oversight for all communications and public
relations efforts—internal and external, print and digital—ensuring professionalism,
consistency, creativity, and adherence to brand
• Marketing—lead work to promote and drive participation in educational programs and
fundraising activities, in addition to bringing visibility to the Gardens as a destination and the
Friends as a cause-oriented nonprofit
• Membership—champion an interdepartmental team that is charged with a multi-channel
program that drives membership growth, encourages member engagement and renewals, and
provides outstanding member service
• Brand and Identity—effectively articulate the Friends’ identity, strategic messaging, and
quality standards; ensure consistent communication of brand identity, mission, and values
• Department Leadership and Administration—develop work calendars, ensure that multiple
projects are executed on time, on budget, and effectively meet goals; foster interdepartmental
collaboration and communication; prepare and manage departmental budget; provide
supervision and mentoring for Communications and Marketing Associate and manage other
full-time and part-time staff in addition to contracted consultants, interns, and volunteers as
required.

This position requires a high level of effectiveness in embracing diverse audiences and in interacting
with a wide range of partners and stakeholders. The Director of Communications and Marketing will
work closely with other Friends staff members, Friends Board and committee members, City of
Birmingham garden staff, volunteers, content specialists, media, and other stakeholders in order to
carry out his/her duties. Other responsibilities may include leading tours, presenting programs to
community groups, assisting with volunteer workdays, staff training, and serving as part of the Friends
team in support of major activities such as Antiques at the Gardens, the Spring Plant Sale and other
seasonal events.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or equivalent related
experience. Minimum of five years’ related experience in communications, marketing, or public
relations, preferably in the nonprofit/cultural sector. Demonstrated experience to include:
• skills, knowledge, and success in the design and execution of communications, marketing, and
public relations activities
• leadership of a high performance team, setting priorities, and managing concurrent tasks with
meticulous attention to detail
• overseeing the design, editing, and production of print and digital communications
• proficiency in writing press releases and content for web sites and social media
• developing and managing budgets
• building relationships and negotiating with vendors and media

We are seeking a creative, self-starting, entrepreneurial leader who is well organized, strategic, and
analytical. Desirable qualities and strengths include:
• a passion for the power of gardens and gardening as a means to improving people’s lives,
creating healthy communities, and making the world a better place
• excellent written and verbal communication skills for both internal and external audiences
• innovative, out-of-the-box thinker and creative problem solver
• commitment to forging constructive partnerships and working collaboratively with cross
functional teams
• ability to excel in both strategic and tactical work
• results driven, comfortable with setting and meeting aggressive deadlines and stretch goals
• commitment to working collaboratively with varied constituent groups including staff, board
members, donors, volunteers, consultants, program participants, and other stakeholders
• tech savvy with excellent computer skills, including content management systems, social
media, and e-communications platforms

Some evening and weekend work, depending on operational needs and work in inclement weather is
required. Occasional travel may be required.

Please email letters of interest with a resume, two writing samples, and additional examples of creative
work (videos, photos, graphic design, website, e-newsletter, social campaigns, etc.) in one pdf to
careers@bbgardens.org. Position will be open until filled.