Marketing & Communications Specialist

Job Description

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization managed by the Memphis Botanic Garden Foundation, Inc. for the benefit of the City of Memphis. Hosting over 260,000 visitors each year, Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment.

Why this role matters
This role helps tell the story of three of Memphis’ most recognizable destinations: Memphis Botanic Garden, Live at the Garden, and Radians Amphitheater.

From family programs and educational classes to nationally touring concerts and signature fundraising events, you’ll help connect hundreds of thousands of people with experiences they won’t find anywhere else. Every email, social media post, website update, and digital campaign plays a role in inspiring someone to visit, attend, or support the Garden’s mission.

Overview
Working across three distinct brands, Memphis Botanic Garden, Live at the Garden, and Radians Amphitheater, the Marketing & Communications Specialist helps connect hundreds of thousands of guests with botanical experiences, nationally touring concerts, educational programs, venue rentals, fundraising events, and community celebrations throughout the year.

Type: Full Time / Hourly
Pay Rate: $23-25/hour
Reports to: Marketing & Communications Manager

About Us

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. Serving over 40,000 school-aged children annually, and hosting over 260,000 visitors each year, Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment. The 96-acre property includes 30 specialty gardens, a TUFC Level 4 & ArbNet Level 2 Arboretum, a 2.5-acre children’s garden, and an outdoor event amphitheater.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:
Digital Communications
Owns email marketing.
Builds, tests, schedules, and deploys email campaigns.
Manages the Garden’s SMS communications platform.
Maintains all websites and digital marketing platforms, ensuring visitor information remains accurate and current.
Updates event pages, ticket information, visitor information, digital signage, and online calendars.
Coordinates monthly event information for internal departments and ticketing.
Social Media & Content Creation
Owns day-to-day execution of social media across all organizational brands.
Creates engaging written, photo, and video content for social media and digital marketing.
Captures content during programs, special events, and Live at the Garden concerts.
Schedules and publishes content across multiple platforms.
Monitors comments, messages, and community engagement.
Tracks performance and prepares regular analytics reports.
Marketing Operations
Coordinates marketing deliverables with internal departments, vendors, sponsors, and community partners.
Maintains marketing calendars and project workflows.
Distributes event information to community calendars and tourism partners.
Coordinates commercial photography and video requests.
Assists with media visits and promotional opportunities.
Oversees rack card distribution.
Writing & Communications
Writes and edits website copy, email content, social media posts, event descriptions, advertisements, and promotional materials.
Ensures messaging remains consistent with organizational brand standards.
Supports organization-wide communications and promotional initiatives.
Writes and copyedits articles, descriptions, and other copy for various outlets on behalf of the Garden or a staff member.
Events
Provides marketing support during Garden events, fundraising events, and auctions.
Serves as part of the communications team during Live at the Garden concerts, including real-time updates, emergency communications, and social media monitoring.
Assists with additional marketing initiatives as assigned.
Team Collaboration
As a nonprofit organization, teamwork is essential. All staff are expected to support organization-wide initiatives and assist other departments as needed to ensure a positive visitor experience.
Participates in all-hands-on-deck events, including evenings, weekends, and special events throughout the year.
Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to contribute wherever needed to support the Garden’s mission.

Education and Experience

Qualifications & Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field preferred.
2-5 years of experience in marketing, communications, or digital content management.
Demonstrated experience managing social media for a business or nonprofit organization.
Experience building and deploying email campaigns using platforms such as Mailchimp or similar.
Working knowledge of content management systems such as WordPress.
Strong photography and short-form video skills using mobile devices.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Experience managing multiple deadlines and maintaining organized workflows.
Ability to follow established brand guidelines and messaging frameworks.
Strong understanding of digital marketing best practices.
Comfortable learning and managing multiple digital platforms.
Experience using analytics to evaluate marketing performance.
Availability to work evenings and weekends for events throughout the year.

Additional Information

Attributes:
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and consistency
Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Self-motivated with excellent follow-through.
Strong writer with an eye for compelling storytelling.
Comfortable working independently while collaborating across departments.
Proactive and responsive, able to anticipate needs and keep projects moving
Calm under pressure during fast-paced events.
Positive attitude with a willingness to jump in where needed
Adaptable and eager to learn new technology.

Special Requirements:
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Hours & schedule for this position are primarily between Monday & Friday from 9 am-5 pm including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Position is primarily on-site at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Must have reliable transportation.
Ability to work outdoors as needed for events, installations, and activations.
Position requires walking, standing, and occasional lifting of materials and signage.

Full benefits package offered including health, dental, and vision insurance plans, paid sick leave and paid vacation, 12 paid holidays annually, and a 401K match program.

Application Instructions

How to Apply:
Please email your application to Celene.Clark@membg.org

Subject line must read: Marketing & Communications Specialist Application – [Your Name]
Applications without this subject line will not be considered.
NO PHONE CALLS.

Include the following:
Resume
Cover letter describing why you’re interested in this position and highlighting relevant experience
2–3 examples of work, which may include email campaigns, website pages, or written content (links or PDFs)
3 professional references