The Garden always welcomes volunteers in a number of capacities. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Director of Special Events

Full time year-round, 40 hours/week, nonexempt

SUMMARY

Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) is a membership-supported educational organization encompassing over 24 acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Its mission is to “provide information, education and inspiration concerning the science, art and joy of gardening and its role in preserving the environment.” The Garden’s Special Events department supports this mission by developing and conducting high quality and creative events that engage and inspire our visitors, members, donors, and the broader community. The Director of Special Events also manages and oversees the Garden’s private event rentals, which help to generate revenue to support the Garden’s operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

BBG’s Director of Special Events will be a key member of the Garden’s management team and will oversee the special events of the Garden, as well as private event rentals. Working with others throughout the organization, including Board members and volunteers, the Director will bring creativity and a sense of innovation to the job and ensure that our portfolio of Special Events are successful and reflective of the Garden’s mission and priorities. The Director will also manage and oversee the private event rental operations of the Garden for the purpose of raising revenue that supports our mission and operations. By collaborating with other departments and volunteers as necessary, the Director will ensure that both Special Events and private event rentals coordinate with and complement other activities of the Garden and that all are reflective of the high standard expected of BBG.

Our current Special Events portfolio includes our signature events, including Harvest Festival (our largest event of the year, which attracts approximately 10,000 visitors over two days), Plant Sale (run in coordination with our Horticulture Department), our annual gala, Holiday Marketplace, the annual Grow Show, and our Spring Hoppening. While many of these are likely to continue in the future, the Director will play a lead role in the development of the annual calendar of special events and in leading the development of new events. The Director also manages and/or assists with periodic art receptions, exhibits, programs, and small gatherings, such as providing support for donor or membership events run in coordination with colleagues, and oversees the seasonal cafe and its staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong organizational skills, comfort with managing deadlines, and high attention to detail.
• Innovative, creative, and intuitive approach to events and audience engagement. 1-3 years of experience preferred.
• Energetic team player who collaborates and communicates effectively with staff, board, volunteers, visitors, and the general public.
• Comfort and experience managing budgets, events staff, and vendors. Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
• A positive, respectful, and customer service-oriented approach when interacting with the public, including a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Ability to work or be on-call on occasional weekends or evenings throughout the year, with particular frequency during the high season between May and October.
• An interest in or knowledge of horticulture or public gardens, parks, or arboreta. (Experience with public gardens, cultural, and/or educational non-profit organizations is preferred.)
• Comfort and aptitude with common productivity software, such as MS Office Suite, Canva, Square or POS software, Salesforce or other CRM applications.
• TIPS and ServSafe certifications will be required (application fees reimbursed by BBG)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

BBG provides a beautiful and stimulating work environment, with each season highlighting its signature character and charm. The staff of 18-30 (depending on the season) works in various shared office spaces as well as on the grounds and shares a common interest in the environment and the visitor/student experience. BBG values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our visitors and our employees and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. BBG is in the early stages of an ambitious master plan that will enhance accessibility and ultimately include a new visitor center and expanded formal and natural gardens.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and includes a full benefits package, including a health care reimbursement plan and paid time off. BBG encourages professional development and will help defray costs for staff to attend conferences and workshops throughout the year. Free enrollment in BBG adult community classes and workshops is offered for programs when space is available.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to mbeck@berkshirebotanical.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Manager of Membership and Development Operations

Full-time, 40 hours/week, year-round

SUMMARY

Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, membership-supported educational organization encompassing over 24 acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Its mission is “to fulfill the community’s need for information, education and inspiration concerning the art and science of gardening and the preservation of our local environment.” Its Membership and Development Department supports this mission through its management of our community of approximately 1,200 members (and growing), by supporting our annual appeals and gift processing, and by assisting the Executive Director and the Board in fundraising and outreach. This year, 2024, marks BBG’s 90th season.

RESPONSIBILITIES

BBG’s Manager of Membership and Development Operations will be a key member of the management team and will oversee the membership program and development operations, including working with our Communications team to promote the value of membership and the importance of giving. They will be instrumental in enhancing and implementing processes for the sales and fulfillment of memberships, managing the membership renewal notice system, and will serve as a chief point of contact for membership inquiries and outreach. In addition, the Manager will support the fundraising operations of the Garden by overseeing the annual appeal, applying for and researching grants, soliciting sponsorships, and by overseeing the gift processing and gift acknowledgement process. The Manager will support development events such as our annual gala and auction by sending sponsorship requests and invitations, developing donation materials, and staffing the event. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with and support members of the Board of Trustees and other volunteers who are involved in development outreach and other activities of BBG. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Intuitive, creative approach to membership and development. 1-3 years of experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong writing and editing abilities, preferably with experience in annual appeals and/or grant writing.
• An interest in or knowledge of horticulture or public gardens, parks, or arboreta. (Experience with public gardens, cultural, and/or educational non-profit organizations is preferred.)
• Comfort and aptitude with the use of client database software (ie. Salesforce preferred) for contact, donor, and gift management, and with record keeping and reporting.
• Energetic team player who collaborates effectively with staff, board, volunteers, and the general public.
• Strong organizational skills, comfort with managing deadlines, and attention to detail.
• Participation in after-hours and weekend events is required throughout the year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

BBG provides a beautiful and stimulating work environment, with each season highlighting its signature character and charm. The staff of 12-20 (depending on the season) works in various shared office spaces as well as on the grounds and shares a common interest in the environment and the visitor/student experience. BBG is in the early stages of an ambitious master plan that ultimately will include a new visitor center and expanded formal and natural gardens.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and includes a full benefits package, including a health care reimbursement plan and paid time off. BBG encourages professional development and will help defray costs for staff to attend conferences and workshops throughout the year. Free enrollment in BBG adult community classes and workshops is offered for programs when space is available.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to tthompson@berkshirebotanical.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Berkshire Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of sex, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.