Program Assistant

Position Summary

This role supports the day-to-day activities of the organization’s National Programs and Travel Study programs. Responsibilities include support for program development and administration, data management, assistance with operational processes, coordination of program communications and marketing initiatives, and top-tier customer service to program participants and other internal and external AHS stakeholders.

The Programs Assistant reports to the Director of National Programs and the Director of Travel Studies and provides assistance as needed to the President & CEO. This is an entry level position with opportunities for diverse skill development and for career growth in the organization.

About The American Horticultural Society

Founded in 1922, AHS is a national organization with approximately 22,000 members. Our programs include the Great American Gardeners Awards, the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, an educational travel program, and a Reciprocal Garden Network program, among others. AHS publishes The American Gardener magazine six times per year as a primary membership benefit. The AHS website (www.ahsgardening.org) offers resources to horticulturists, gardeners, and other constituents. AHS maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms.

The National Programs department purview includes Lifelong Learning, the Garden Network, the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, and the Awards for Horticultural Excellence.

AHS Travel Study offers immersive and educational small-group travel programs for everyone, from garden enthusiasts to professional horticulturists.

The Society is headquartered at River Farm, a 25-acre historic garden property overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA. By joining AHS’s outstanding team of professionals, you can help share the critical role of plants, gardens, and green spaces in creating healthy livable communities and a sustainable planet.

Responsibilities

The duties of the Programs Assistant include:

Program Support and Customer Service

• Support development and coordination of programs
• Manage program data in Raiser’s Edge and generate reporting to support program initiatives
• Coordinate processing of program registration and related services internally and in collaboration with program partners to ensure seamless participant experience
• Support processing and tracking of payments and financial reconciliation process
• Assist in preparations and materials for programs
• Maintain professional and service-oriented relations with program participants and monitor related business processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and the highest level of customer service

Communications, Content Development, and Marketing Support

• Assist with communications and engagement efforts with program participants and partners
• Monitor Travel and National Programs email inboxes and assist in fielding inquiries
• Develop curated AHS content for program participants
• With Director of National Programs and Director of Travel Studies, identify opportunities to leverage cross-promotion of programs
• Support development of marketing strategies and initiatives to drive program registration, including development of e-brochures, social media campaigns, e-newsletters, print mailings, and digital and print ads
• Conduct photo research as needed and coordinate the production of high-quality visual content
• Assist with relationship building to develop strong contacts with other horticultural networks and garden-focused communities that may be interested in AHS program offerings
• Assist AHS President and CEO with administrative tasks and communications (10% of role)

General

• Provide general administrative support and other duties as needed
• Coordinate with other staff members to ensure efficient flow of information and processes
• Engage in regular trainings to optimize use of Raiser’s Edge for AHS programs
• Coordinate information for publication in The American Gardener magazine

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or commensurate knowledge gained through work experience
• Exceptional communication and writing skills and demonstrated writing and/or editing experience
• Interest in horticulture, gardening, the environment, and education a must; demonstrated knowledge of horticulture or a related field gained through experience or education a major plus
• Familiarity with geography a plus
• Experience in nonprofit or membership organizations a plus
• Experience with Word, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with Blackbaud software and Raiser’s Edge database a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and manage concurrent tasks with meticulous attention to detail
• Qualities to thrive in this position: Proactive, self-motivated, analytical, adaptable, curious, customer-focused, resourceful, and team-oriented. Possessing excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal communications skills