Front of House Coordinator

Gardens are an essential part of the human experience. We visit gardens to find peace and healing, to be with friends and family and to better understand and connect with the natural world. Plants shape how we live, what we notice, and how we care for one another.

Right now, we are building something extraordinary in Seattle: an exceptional organization that brings together the unique strengths of the Arboretum Foundation and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens. We are joining forces to become a destination garden, exemplifying leadership in scientific research, public engagement, and inclusive access. Our vision is to be a home for discovery, a force for sustainability, and a gateway to wonder. In every visit and through every season, we’ll help people of all ages meaningfully connect with the living world of plants and how they shape our lives and our shared future.

The Arboretum Foundation seeks aFront of House Coordinator to serve as an ambassador for the Arboretum Foundation and front-line contact at the Graham Visitor Center (GVC). This position provides a public-facing welcome to the front desk and gift shop, directing inquiries and ensuring that visitors looking to explore the Arboretum have the information and direction they need. The Front of House Coordinator supports and coordinates a cohort of volunteers who work at the information desk and in the gift shop.

This position works on-site at the Graham Visitor Center. The schedule of this position is Wednesday through Sunday, with hours that provide coverage to GVC’s regular opening hours (10:00 to 4:00). The position will work with the Foundation’s Operations Manager to ensure additional support for volunteers working outside of the Front of House Coordinator’s regular schedule, including Tuesdays and during special events for the Arboretum Foundation.

This position reports to the Operations Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Visitor Experience

• Create a welcoming environment for the public at Graham Visitor Center
• Provide general information to visitors as needed, including basic orientation to the Arboretum, suggested walks and points of interest, and wayfinding.
• Serve as ambassador and representative of the Arboretum Foundation, advancing the organization’s mission, vision and brand through each interaction.
• Route inquiries and concerns through appropriate channels. Handle complaints and provide appropriate solutions, where possible.
• Primary phone response and manager for Arboretum Foundation’s general email inquiry account.
• Stay informed about current horticultural collections, exhibits, programs, and events in order to share accurate and helpful information with visitors.
• Support reception and registration components of special events.

Building Support and Security

• Manage opening and closing of Graham Visitor Center, including building security and restroom access.
• Serve as a first response contact for security issues and visitor incidents; work with Operations Manager to implement emergency management protocols and safety guidelines.
• Ensure public restrooms are in serviceable condition; restock and order supplies as needed.
• Work with Operations Manager to submit work orders or address maintenance issues directly, as appropriate.
• Monitor walkie-talkie traffic and respond to calls to/from grounds staff

Gift Shop Support

• Assist with orientation and scheduling of Gift Shop volunteers using volunteer database (InitLive, Bloomerang) to ensure sufficient coverage during regular GVC hours.
• Manage the back-end inventory database and related updates for the Gift Shop and other retail-facing programs and events.
• Support Operations Team to maintain, develop and order inventory according to established plans, including working and corresponding with established vendors and artists.
• Support Operations Team and Gift Shop volunteers to coordinate and establish merchandise displays, signage, and retail integrations.
• Support seasonal plant sales, holiday sales, and other special events as needed.
• Help collect, enter, and organize data related to income from plant sales and other special events, including occasional special events held by our partners such as the Miller Library Book Sale.

Volunteer Coordination

• Build and maintain positive relationships with Foundation volunteers who support the front desk and Gift Shop
• Using volunteer database, assist with scheduling and communicating with volunteers to help ensure coverage during regular and high-traffic days.
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Programs Manager to support volunteer training and onboarding efforts, including sharing basic information and orientation materials related to visitor services and Arboretum programs.
• Coordinate with Volunteer Programs Manager to include and support volunteer plant programs in front-of-house efforts.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Friendly and clear communicator, demonstrated experience with public engagement and communication.
• Ability to build rapport and work effectively and professionally with volunteers, staff and the general public.
• Ability to follow policies and handle difficult situations while remaining poised, respectful, and diplomatic.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to use computers, specifically MS Office products and Outlook email, as well as point of sale and inventory applications.
• Ability to thrive and work effectively as part of a small team in a growing program with limited instruction.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Gardening, horticulture, or parks education experience preferred.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Three to five years of experience working in a professional environment with public-facing responsibilities.
• Experience working with and managing volunteers.
• Experience working in a nonprofit setting preferred.
• Experience with retail operations preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Graham Visitor Center is three stories without an elevator. The role requires the ability to lift heavy objects (up to 40 lbs), drive an electric cart, and climb stairs to access office equipment, kitchen area and work stations. We understand that these may not comply with every individual’s ability and encourage applicants to inform us of any accommodations needed to create a welcoming, safe environment for the employee. We are committed to working with the successful applicant on making necessary accommodations for the role when an offer is presented.

BENEFITS

• Generous paid vacation, sick time and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Matching retirement contribution
• Office located in the heart of a beautiful park!

TO APPLY

Please electronically send application materials, including resume and

cover letter, to the Arboretum Foundation: jobs@arboretumfoundation.org.

Please, no calls or in-person visits without an appointment. Position open

until filled, with a priority deadline of October 15.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their typical responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

EEO Statement:

The Arboretum Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at the Arboretum Foundation are based on one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity; honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or, any other characteristic protected by law.

This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment.

• Generous paid vacation, sick time and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Matching retirement contribution
• Office located in the heart of a beautiful park!