Horticultural Communicator
Part-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Horticultural Communicator will serve as a horticultural content specialist to enhance the impact of the American Horticultural Society for AHS members and others interested in horticulture and gardening. The Horticultural Communicator will work 20 hours per week on a variety of tasks including individual initiatives, as well as collaborative efforts with other AHS team members. One initial focus will be creating a campaign to inspire, encourage, and support people who are new to gardening.
About The American Horticultural Society
Founded in 1922, the AHS is a national organization with 22,000 members. Our national programs include Lifelong Learning educational sessions, the Great American Gardeners Awards, the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, a Travel Study program, and a Reciprocal Garden Network. The AHS website (www.ahsgardening.org), which will be re-launched in the summer of 2024, offers resources to horticulturists, gardeners, and other constituents. AHS maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms.
The Society is headquartered at River Farm, a 26-acre garden property overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA. By joining AHS’ outstanding team of professionals, the Editor will support AHS’ mission of inspiring a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that sustains healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet.
Responsibilities
The Horticultural Communicator will play an instrumental part in building AHS’ brand as the welcoming and trusted resource for home gardeners. The Horticultural Communicator will seek opportunities to link AHS’ four pillars (beauty, community, environmental stewardship, and health) to regional and national initiatives. This role will rely on professional experience and science-based resources to answer garden, lawn, landscape, pest and disease, and plant questions for AHS team members who create content for various audiences. Topics may include plant recommendations, identifying plants, and best practices for sustainable gardens and landscapes.
Specific tasks may include:
- Planning and launching a new organization-wide initiative to support beginning gardeners.
- Utilizing horticultural expertise and knowledge of the field to create strategic communications that increase AHS’ national brand and engage new audiences.
- Identifying opportunities through different media platforms that support efforts to acquire, retain, and engage members.
- Writing, preparing, and distributing gardening information through the AHS’ social media channels, videos, and other outlets.
- Collaborating with other AHS staff members including:
- Membership team – Enhance efforts to acquire and retain members by communicating about AHS’ impact.
- Communications team – Creating and editing horticultural content on the AHS website, social media and other platforms.
- Programs team – Providing and reviewing information for education and outreach programs.
- Development team – Offering horticultural expertise to engage individual donors, attract corporations, and augment grant proposals and reports.
- Fostering substantive initiatives through partnerships, content creation, and horticultural networks.
- Maintaining an awareness of and sharing current trends in horticulture with staff and members.
- Representing AHS at select horticultural industry events.
- Responding to horticultural inquiries from the media.
- Building industry partnerships in close coordination with the programs and communications teams.
- As needed, contributing to the development of interpretive programming, exhibits, and horticultural information at the AHS’ headquarters at River Farm.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field required.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in gardening or horticulture positions.
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable horticulture.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Broad connections with other experts in the American horticultural industry.
- Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills.
- Familiarity with communicating gardening information via social media platforms.
- Strong computer technology skills, including Microsoft Office and Zoom. Comfort with Mac environment a plus.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities.
Preferences
- Degree disciplines preferred in plant sciences, horticulture, botany, ecology, environmental sciences, entomology, biology, or related field.
- Work experience practicing, teaching, or writing about plants.
- Master Gardener certification helpful, but not required.
- Position may be remote with occasional visits to AHS headquarters.
Compensation
The Horticultural Communicator is a part-time (20 hours per week), salaried position that includes vacation, holidays, and 403b benefits. This is a grant-funded position. Compensation will range from $35,000 – $40,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Hours are flexible. This position can be in-person at the AHS headquarters in Alexandria, VA or remote if located elsewhere in the country or a hybrid.
To Apply
Qualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter that describes your experience and interest in AHS to Suzanne Laporte, President & CEO at slaporte@ahsgardening.org with the subject: Communicator. Please submit all materials in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word only. Deadline for submitting materials is May 15, 2024. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and are encouraged to apply early.
AHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or disability.
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.