The Marketing Strategist leads the development, execution, and evaluation of strategic marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives that strengthen the arboretum’s brand, grow visitation, and support earned and contributed revenue goals. Cultivating a cohesive communication strategy for the entire organization to advance the arboretum’s mission of education, research, and conservation. Ensuring both internal and external constituents are aware of and engaged in the arboretum’s mission and programs. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a creative, fast paced environment and provide innovative and creative ideas to achieve goals.

ABOUT US

In 1924, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) was founded by mining magnate Colonel William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Colonel Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is located in Superior, Arizona. Situated at the base of Picket Post Mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, the Arboretum is located approximately 40 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix. BTA welcomes over 145,000 visitors annually. At 372 acres, BTA is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. BTA's collection comprises 4,030 taxa, 405 rare/endangered species, and over 30,000 individual plants. Along over 5 miles of trails, you will find plant exhibits from 11 of the world's deserts, a native riparian habitat, and colorful specialty gardens displayed alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. As an Audubon Important Bird Area, you will encounter many of the 275 bird species identified at BTA along with other native wildlife. It is not uncommon to see javelinas, bobcats, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds. BTA is an equal-opportunity equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide creative direction and empowerment to achieve innovative strategies as they relate to increasing brand awareness, especially in the digital and social media realms.
• Develop and implement an annual marketing strategy to increase visitation, program participation, revenue, and overall brand awareness.
• Develop, manage, and provide strategic direction for a comprehensive organization-wide communications calendar, collaborating with all pertinent staff, including the Development Team.
• Manage advertising placements and collaborate with partners, including social influencers, to execute the defined strategy.
• Conduct audience research, analyze visitor data, and use insights to guide strategy.
• Coordinate public relations strategy to maximize the reach of arboretum initiatives.
• Oversee website strategy, content updates, and user experience improvements.
• Oversee social media strategy and content creation across all channels.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing team to create content in the digital realm to increase brand awareness and digital engagement.
• Monitor analytics for website, email, and social media, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Define and report on key performance metrics for marketing and communications initiatives.
• Promote programs, exhibits, events, and fundraising initiative.
• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, tourism bureaus, educational institutions, and local businesses.
• Work collaboratively with Development Department to design and implement fund-raising communications and donor engagement campaigns.
• Manage departmental budgets, timelines, and project workflows.
• Provide project management and supervision for the Marketing team.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or significant work experience in related fields.
• 4+ years of experience in marketing or communications (experience in cultural institutions, nonprofits, or environmental organizations is a plus).
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Clean driving record required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Creative thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Collaborative and leads through empowerment and innovation.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of branding, advertising, website design, graphic design, communications and social media best practices.
• Proficiency in marketing tools: Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, CMS, CRM systems, social media management tools, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to interpret data and measure campaign effectiveness.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Outgoing personality with strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Passion for plants, nature, environmental education, or public gardens.
• Flexible, strategic, and proactive.
• Able to work flexible hours, including nights, holidays, and weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Majority of the work associated with this position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in a sedentary position for up to 8 hours at a time.
• Must be able to work on weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds.
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position (prescription lenses are acceptable).