Operations and Outreach Assistant

The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park invites applications for the position of Operations and Outreach Assistant.

Applications due: July 15, 2025

Responsibilities of this position include the following:

  • Manage scheduling, outreach and selected communications on behalf of the Executive Director
  • Provide logistical and planning support for programming and special events
  • Participate in the marketing team, providing support for the newsletter, press releases, emails, and promotion of community outreach initiatives
  • Serve as a point of contact between the Executive Director and the volunteer coordinator and volunteers
  • Participate in selected on-site and community activities, events, and initiatives
  • Coordinate the distribution of information from the American Public Garden
  • Association to board members, volunteers, community partners, and selected friends of The Garden

Requirements for the Position:

  • The ability to work well with the wide range of people who bring diverse interests, talents, and requests to The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Prior successful experience with non-profit work, teaching, promotion and outreach, and/or event management is desirable
  • A background in horticulture is NOT required
  • A bachelor’s degree or substantial progress toward completion of a post-secondary degree is desired and/or minimum of 6-years of experience in a supporting or management role
  • The ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekend and evening events
  • Skill in office productivity software is essential, including in calendar management, Microsoft Suite, and basic spreadsheet development; publishing skills in Adobe and Canva desirable

To apply for this position, submit a hard copy application by July 15th that includes the following:

  • A cover letter that describes your interest in the position, your professional goals, and how your experience and skills contribute to your ability to carry out
    the responsibilities of the position
  • A resume that includes all postsecondary education, including continuing education, and all prior professional experiences
  • Three letters of reference, along with the contact information for each person serving as a reference
  • Any additional information you may wish to share that will help us understand what you can bring to the position and The Garden

    Mail or deliver the application to the attention of Matthew Ross, Executive Director, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI  49684.

    About The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
    The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is a living sanctuary for all visitors. In 2008, The Botanic Garden was granted management rights to 26-acres of Historic Barns Park, thus launching the beginning of a public garden for Northwest Michigan. This park preserves two large dairy barns that were part of a farm (1886-1957) that supported the region’s former state psychiatric hospital. The nationally recognized landscape design firm Nelson Byrd Woltz developed the master site plan for The Botanic Garden, and many features of this plan have been established. Much of the early work to clear
    and restore land that had lain fallow for over 60 years was carried out by enthusiastic volunteers, and volunteers remain a key part of The Garden’s development and maintenance today.

    Thirteen feature gardens have now been developed, and they are open daily without charge for the public’s enjoyment. A broad array of classes, workshops, and demonstrations are offered to people of all ages and abilities, and the renovation of a large dairy barn is underway to create an education and conference center for The Botanic Garden, a setting that will support significantly expanded programming and events throughout the year.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan, Inc. (BGSNM) is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. BGSNM believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches work experiences.

BGSNM views, evaluates, and treats all persons in any organization related activity or circumstance in which they may be involved, solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. BGSNM prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a veteran.