Employment

The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a community-supported public garden inspiring curiosity, discovery, and appreciation of the natural landscape. It strives to be a leading botanical, educational, and recreational destination fostering the value and enjoyment of nature. Employment opportunities are listed below:

Emploment at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Membership Coordinator (Part-Time)

Summary

The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a community-supported public garden dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and appreciation of the natural landscape. We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Membership Coordinator to oversee all aspects of the Arboretum’s membership program. This position plays a vital role in cultivating strong relationships with members, supporting donor stewardship, and helping grow the organization’s membership base.

Job Description

The Membership Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens membership program. This position oversees membership records, renewals, communications, and donor data while helping grow and retain the Arboretum’s membership base. The Membership Coordinator plays a key role in building strong relationships with members and supporting the organization’s mission through excellent customer service, accurate recordkeeping, and effective member engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the membership database, including new memberships, renewals, and membership records.
Coordinate membership renewal campaigns and recruitment efforts.
Develop and implement membership benefits and engagement opportunities.
Track and analyze membership retention, growth, and participation metrics.
Coordinate member communications, including newsletters, renewal notices, and special announcements.
Assist with planning and coordinating member events and recognition activities.
Maintain accurate donor and membership records.
Process memberships, donations, and perform basic financial procedures, including preparing deposits and maintaining records.
Provide excellent customer service by responding to member inquiries in person, by phone, and by email.
Collaborate with staff to support fundraising and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management software.
Experience with membership or donor management software is preferred.
Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a collaborative team.
Customer service experience and a passion for nonprofit organizations, public gardens, or environmental education are desirable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
Ability to assist with member events, which may involve setting up tables, chairs, displays, and materials.
Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for special events.

Schedule

Part-time, year-round position with a flexible work schedule.

Compensation

Compensation is based on qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to:

Mark Schneider
Executive Director
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
mark.schneider@iowaarboretum.org

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Customer Service & Gift Shop Manager (Seasonal Position)

Position Summary

The Customer Service & Gift Shop Manager is responsible for providing a welcoming and positive experience for guests visiting the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. This position serves as an important first point of contact for visitors, assisting guests with admission, answering questions, providing information about Arboretum programs and experiences, and processing gift shop purchases. The position also manages the day-to-day operation of the gift shop, custodial services, and opening and closing of the Visitor Center.

Essential Responsibilities

Customer Service & Visitor Experience

Greet guests warmly and provide friendly, helpful customer service.
Check guests in using the Arboretum’s ticketing and admission system.
Provide accurate information about the Arboretum’s gardens, trails, Treehouse Village, programs, events, memberships, and other visitor experiences.
Answer visitor questions and assist guests in making the most of their visit.
Provide information about membership opportunities and other ways to support the Arboretum.
Respond to visitor concerns or questions professionally and courteously.
Help maintain a welcoming, clean, and organized visitor center and guest service area.

Gift Shop Operations

Operate the gift shop and provide friendly, efficient service to customers.
Process sales accurately using the point-of-sale (POS) system.
Handle cash, credit card, and other forms of payment according to Arboretum procedures.
Open and close the gift shop and complete daily sales and cash-handling procedures.
Order merchandise and supplies for the gift shop based on inventory levels, sales, seasonal needs, and visitor interests.
Receive, unpack, price, and stock merchandise.
Maintain accurate inventory records.
Monitor merchandise levels and identify products that need to be reordered.
Organize and merchandise displays to create an attractive and inviting shopping environment.
Keep the gift shop clean, organized, and well stocked.
Monitor sales trends and make recommendations for new or replacement merchandise.
Work with vendors and suppliers as needed to place and manage orders.

Building Operations & Custodial Services

Open and close the Visitor Center each day according to established procedures.
Ensure the building is ready for guests at opening and properly secured at closing.
Monitor the cleanliness and appearance of the Visitor Center and other assigned public areas.
Coordinate and manage custodial services, including scheduling and overseeing custodial staff or service providers.
Ensure restrooms and public areas are clean, stocked, and ready for guests.
Monitor custodial supplies and order supplies as needed.
Report maintenance, repair, or safety concerns to the appropriate staff member.
Help ensure the Visitor Center provides a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for guests.

General Responsibilities

Work cooperatively with other Arboretum staff and volunteers.
Assist with special events and programs as needed.
Follow Arboretum policies and procedures for customer service, cash handling, purchasing, building operations, and inventory management.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling customer and financial information.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

Previous customer service, retail, gift shop, or related experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Friendly, welcoming, and comfortable interacting with a wide variety of visitors.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to accurately handle cash, sales transactions, and inventory.
Comfortable learning and using POS, ticketing, and inventory systems.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
Ability to coordinate custodial services and maintain building standards.
Ability to lift and move boxes and merchandise as needed.
Interest in gardens, nature, education, or the mission of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a plus.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in the Visitor Center and Gift Shop and involves frequent interaction with visitors, members, volunteers, and staff. The position requires standing for periods, moving merchandise, and occasional lifting of boxes and supplies.

Schedule

The position requires regular availability during the Arboretum’s public hours, including weekends and occasional evenings for special events. The schedule may vary seasonally based on visitation, programs, and events.

Compensation

Compensation is based on qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to:

Mark Schneider
Executive Director
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
mark.schneider@iowaarboretum.org

Interested in volunteering?

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