Marketing and Communications Manager
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Marketing & Communications
Job Description
Position Title: Marketing and Communications Manager
Reports To: Assistant Director
Supervises: Marketing and Event Coordinator and Graphic Designer and Multi-Media Specialist
Job Category: Full-time; Exempt
Location: On-Site
Salary: $70,000/ year; Full benefits
The Marketing and Communications Manager leads the development, execution, and evaluation of strategic marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives that strengthen the arboretum’s brand, grow visitation, and support earned and contributed revenue goals. Cultivating a cohesive communication strategy for the entire organization to advance the arboretum’s mission of education, research, and conservation. Ensuring both internal and external constituents are aware of and engaged in the arboretum’s mission and programs.
About Us
In 1924, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) was founded by mining magnate Colonel William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Colonel Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.
This mission continues today, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is located in Superior, Arizona. Situated at the base of Picket Post Mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, the Arboretum is located approximately 40 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix. BTA welcomes over 145,000 visitors annually. At 372 acres, BTA is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. BTA’s collection comprises 4,030 taxa, 405 rare/endangered species, and over 30,000 individual plants. Along over 5 miles of trails, you will find plant exhibits from 11 of the world’s deserts, a native riparian habitat, and colorful specialty gardens displayed alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. As an Audubon Important Bird Area, you will encounter many of the 275 bird species identified at BTA along with other native wildlife. It is not uncommon to see javelinas, bobcats, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds. BTA is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop, manage, and provide strategic direction for a comprehensive organization-wide communications calendar, collaborating with all pertinent staff, including the Development Team.
Develop and implement annual marketing plan to increase visitation, program participation, revenue, and overall brand awareness.
Conduct audience research, analyze visitor data, and use insights to guide strategy.
Partner with the Marketing agency and the Assistant Director to deploy advertising campaigns.
Coordinate public relations strategy with PR contractor to maximize reach of arboretum initiatives.
Oversee website strategy, content updates, and user experience improvements.
Oversee social media strategy and content creation across all channels.
Plan and oversee the execution of social media advertising strategy and budget.
Oversee the creation, organization, and use of photo/video assets.
Produce newsletters, email campaigns, blogs, and other digital content.
Monitor analytics for website, email, and social media and adjust strategies accordingly.
Define and report on key performance metrics for marketing and communications initiatives.
Promote programs, exhibits, events, and fundraising initiatives.
Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, tourism bureaus, educational institutions, and local businesses.
Support development communications and donor engagement campaigns.
Supervise marketing and communications staff and volunteers.
Manage departmental budgets, timelines, and project workflows.
Collaborate closely with horticulture, education, visitor center, and development departments.
Perform Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or significant work experience in related fields
4–7+ years of experience in marketing or communications (experience in cultural institutions, nonprofits, or environmental organizations is a plus).
Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Clean driving record required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Proficiency in marketing tools: Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, CMS, CRM systems, social media management tools, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to interpret data and measure campaign effectiveness.
Comfortable working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
High level of organization and attention to detail.
Outgoing personality with strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Passion for plants, nature, environmental education, or public gardens.
Creative thinker with strong attention to detail.
Flexible, strategic, and proactive.
Able to work flexible hours, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to operate computers and phones.
Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
Ability to work at a workstation for 8 hours a day.
Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F.
Must be able to work on weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Ability to lift 50 lbs and traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions.
Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk, and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, or controls.
Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable).
BENEFITS
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance
PTO, 11 Paid Floating Holidays
401k, Paid Parental Leave
Free BTA membership and employee discount in gift shop
Employee options for Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. Different eligibility requirements must be met, and employer contributions are generous, but contribution rates vary among different plan/benefits options.
