Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in the heart of Los Angeles. The public and community gardens are dedicated to connecting people with plants, advancing horticultural education, and preserving native ecosystems. Each year we welcome over 500,000 visitors, members, and students to explore our collections, public programs, and events. We are looking for a creative, strategic marketer, communicator and storyteller to help bring more Angelenos, as well as visitors from around the world, to discover one of Southern California's most beautiful places to connect with science, nature and culture

The Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications serves as the Arboretum's lead marketing and communications professional, responsible for advancing the organization's brand, storytelling, public visibility, audience engagement, membership growth, earned revenue, philanthropic support, and community impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications develops and implements integrated marketing, communications, public relations, and audience development strategies that strengthen the Arboretum's position as one of Southern California's premier public gardens, museums, and cultural destinations.

Working collaboratively across all departments, the Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications oversees digital communications, media relations, website strategy, social media, digital marketing, publications, visitor communications, community outreach, and organizational storytelling. The position plays a critical role in promoting educational programs, conservation initiatives, special events, fundraising efforts, and major capital projects while ensuring consistent messaging and meaningful engagement with members, donors, visitors, volunteers, community partners, and the public.

The successful candidate is an innovative and data-informed communications professional who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution and is passionate about connecting people with nature, history, culture, and lifelong learning.

• Develop and execute an annual marketing and communications plan aligned with the Garden's goals for attendance, membership, and fundraising.
• Build seasonal campaigns around blooms, exhibitions, festivals, and programs.
• Set goals, track performance, and report results to leadership and the board.

• Manage the website, including content updates, SEO, and accessibility.
• Plan and produce content for Instagram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other channels.
• Write and send email newsletters and membership campaigns.
• Coordinate photography and video that showcase the Garden's beauty year-round.

• Write press releases/media alerts and pitch stories to local, regional, and trade media.
• Serve as a spokesperson or media contact, as needed
• Prepare communications for milestones, new exhibits, and any crisis or closure situations.

• Build relationships with tourism organizations, neighborhood groups, schools, cultural institutions, and influencers
• Manage advertising, sponsorship promotions, and cross-marketing opportunities
• Ensure outreach reflects and welcomes LA's diverse communities

• Maintain brand standards across signage, brochures, maps, and program materials.
• Oversee freelancers, designers, printers, and external agencies.
• Manage the marketing budget.

• Work closely with Development, Education, Special Events, and Horticulture teams to promote programs and fundraising efforts.
• Support member and donor communications, including annual reports and appeals.

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience, in marketing or communications, ideally in a nonprofit, cultural, hospitality, or tourism setting
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Proven experience managing social media, email marketing, and website content
• Experience with tools such as a CMS (WordPress or similar), email platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar), and Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines
• Comfort analyzing data (Google Analytics, social insights) to guide decisions
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events

• Experience with a botanical garden, museum, zoo, or other visitor attraction
• Knowledge of horticulture, sustainability, or environmental education
• Familiarity with the Los Angeles media landscape and tourism market
• Experience with CRM or ticketing systems (Tessitura, Altru, Salesforce, or similar)
• Basic photo and video skills
• Bilingual in English and Spanish; Chinese preferred.

• Creative and detail-oriented, with a strong eye for visual quality
• Collaborative and personable, with the ability to work across departments
• Self-directed and resourceful, especially in a small-team environment
• A genuine enthusiasm for plants, nature, and community

Work is split between office and outdoor garden settings. The role may involve walking on uneven terrain, spending time outdoors in varying weather, and occasionally lifting up to twenty-five [25] pounds for event setup. May require occasional early morning, after hours or weekend events/programs.

Health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; paid time off and holidays; free Garden membership and reciprocal admission benefits.

$70,000 - $80,000 yearly

Send your resume and cover letter to Christine Oliva in Human Resources at christine.oliva@arboretum.org

LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.