Are you a creative marketing professional looking for an opportunity to build a brand and highlight an industry? This might be the role for you! We are looking for a creative, detailed, and experienced marketing profession to join our team as Marketing and Communications Manager. In this role, you will take the lead on a rebranding initiative that will allow you to create and uphold the new identity of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA).

The Marketing and Communications Manager will be responsible for brand management across APGA’s website and social media channels, newsletters and member communications, and onsite event design. This role also provides oversight for APGA’s print journal, Public Garden, and oversees a volunteer Editorial Advisory Group. You will report to the CEO, and will supervise a part-time Communications Assistant, while working closely with all departments to represent and promote APGA programs and events.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with consultant on rebrand campaign in alignment with 2030 Strategic Plan
• Create and uphold brand guidelines, both internally and externally
• Work with contracted graphic designer to create marketing and promotional materials
• Maintain branding aspects of website and company communications
• Monitor company and industry news for relevant communications content
• Create and manage annual communications schedule and marketing strategy in partnership with other departments
• Design, schedule, and oversee all communications sent by APGA, including newsletters, announcements, and event marketing utilizing an email communications suite (currently Constant Contact)
• Maintain website content and social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X)
• Work with external web developer on regular updates and development; manage website domains, plugins, and bridges to other software systems
• Maintain Association Digital Assets (photos, videos, logos, etc.)
• Work with Professional Development team to create branded materials for conference including conference logo creation, “APGA Hub” presence, sponsor recognition, presentation templates, etc.
• Create or edit videos and slides for conference awards, marketing, and presentations
• Oversee contracted conference photographer; process and sort photos for use in social media and marketing
• Oversee APGA’s print journal, Public Garden; oversee a volunteer Editorial Advisory Group responsible for magazine content, author communications, production oversight, and general editing
• Work with contracted graphic designer responsible for design and layout
• Communicate with magazine publisher and subscription houses regarding printing, mailing, and pricing
• Supervise the part-time Communications Assistant position, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes excellence and supports staff development
• Collaborate with the CEO and Associate Director of Operations to develop the department budget
• Act as staff liaison to the Marketing & Communications Professional Community

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Attend professional development and other team building activities, when available 
• Other duties as assigned, including contribution to additional projects to support the broader efforts of the APGA team

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 6 years of experience working in marketing, brand management, or creative design roles
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory position
• Copy editing experience
• Graphic design, photo and video editing experience using programs such as Adobe creative suite, Canva, Biteable, etc.
• Experience working with communication tools such as Constant Contact
• Familiarity with WordPress or similar website host
• Experience managing social media platforms and using relevant content scheduling tools (i.e. Hootsuite)
• Experience creating and upholding brand guidelines; experience with a full company rebranding process a plus
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
• Familiarity with an Association Management System (AMS) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database; iMIS a plus
• Self-motivated and organized with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Proficient with Microsoft365 software including Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams apps
• Proficient with video conferencing systems such as Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams

Additional Information

This position will operate remotely; the employee’s home address will be used as their official work location for tax and benefit purposes. This position may require the employee to undergo appropriate background checks as a condition of employment. This role may require travel to national events which may take place multiple times throughout the year. The employee is frequently required to sit, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be requested to lift up to 35 pounds.  

About American Public Gardens Association

The American Public Gardens Association is the leading professional organization for the field of public horticulture. We champion and advance public gardens as leaders, advocates, and innovators in the conservation and appreciation of plants. We're growing and evolving our staff's capacity to engage our national network of 10,000 garden professionals and we want you to join us. This work will reward your desire to serve our field, growing with the Association, as we fulfill our vision of a world where public gardens are indispensable. Our Core Values: CULTIVATE PASSION We meet all opportunities and challenges with courage, creativity, teamwork, and mutual respect. By celebrating the diversity of the people, plants, and public gardens we represent, we all grow; ELEVATE OUR VOICE We champion public gardens by using our collective voice to advance public horticulture and gardens through policy, awareness, advocacy, and facilitating change. Through reaching out and welcoming in, we all grow; COLLABORATE AUTHENTICALLY We believe sustainable collaborations require transparency, empowerment, and accountability as we challenge one another and ask hard questions. Through inclusive, diver...se, equitable, and accessible interactions, we all grow; GROW THOUGHTFULLY We believe in the pursuit of individual and collective fulfillment through connection, learning, leading, sharing, and problem-solving. By modeling the many ways to advance with intention and equity, we all grow.

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Connections working at American Public Gardens Association