Communications Coordinator

Position Title: Communications Coordinator

Reports To: Marketing and Communications Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) seeks an energetic, hardworking, collaborative individual to join as Communications Coordinator. This position is responsible for the implementation of a variety of communications vehicles, including social media, newsletters, and merchandise. It also supports programs, events, and developments as needed with signage, communication, and outreach.

ABOUT US

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) is a nonprofit membership organization working to preserve and enhance the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) in Washington D.C. and bring this remarkable resource to life as an important part of the city and region. Founded in 1982, FONA has served as the Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner for over 40 years and funds critical operations, youth education programs, and infrastructure improvements.

FONA’s programs include the Washington Youth Garden, School Garden Support, Green Ambassadors, and Visitor Programs and Events. Founded in 1971, the Washington Youth Garden has provided a space for over 50 years for youth and families to grow food together and experience unique environmental science and nutrition education programming. The mission of FONA’s education programs is to nurture curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth and adults to food, the land, and each other.

ABOUT YOU

You are an organized person who has experience working on and tracking multiple projects and balancing priorities effectively. You keep to your deadlines. You understand that effective initiatives rely upon strong communication and great attention to detail. You like to be embedded in activities, including helping with planning, set up, and program and event support.

The ideal candidate will have experience with the following:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Great attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
• Ability to collaborate closely with others, work independently, and be self-motivated
• Working on and tracking multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Using Google Suite, Constant Contact, and Canva
• Experience with social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Experience using Adobe Suite (InDesign, Lightroom, Illustrator, etc.) is a plus
• Photography skills are a plus

EXPECTED CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Driver’s License
• First Aid is encouraged (can attain through professional development after hire)

Prior to employment, FONA will conduct a background check, including criminal and sexual offender checks, as well as verification of both education and employment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Digital Content Creation
  • Serve as managing editor for the FONA Field Notes (FFN) weekly e-newsletter, with direction from supervisor (25%)
    • Write majority of copy
    • Gather program updates throughout the year that feed into FFN newsletter and fundraising materials
    • Find creative ways to easily add USNA-related content to the newsletter (like plant spotlights, herbarium spotlights, etc.)
  • Serve as contributing editor and support supervisor with the following projects (15%):
    • Membership newsletter (monthly)
    • Program newsletters (quarterly / as-needed)
    • Annual Report
    • Stories from the Field articles
• Program & Event Outreach & Signage (25%)
  • Collaborate across the team to create and post event registrations
  • Regularly update FONA’s website to reflect current events and programs
  • Cross-post upcoming programs/events to FONA social media, USNA website calendar, local community/newspaper calendars, and other targeted outreach
  • Integrate the story of the Arboretum’s mission into FONA’s programs and events, such as through co-branded event merchandise and communications vehicles
  • Design signage that shares about upcoming events and programs with visitors on the Arboretum grounds
  • Create and implement signage plans for the Garden Fair and Dinner Under the Stars
  • Manage the event signage inventory, and design and order new event signage as needed
• Social Media (15%)
  • Manage all social media content for FONA’s and Washington Youth Garden’s feeds (Instagram, Facebook), as well as FONA’s LinkedIn
  • Cross-post upcoming program/event information to social media
• Photography & Image Asset Management (10%)
  • Identify needs for photos for events and programs, and organize staff and contractor support
  • Take high-quality images of the Arboretum for use in digital and printed materials
  • Manage FONA’s image database
• Additional responsibilities (10%)
  • Develop and manage FONA-branded staff merch
  • Develop creative new ways to brand FONA (stickers, t-shirts, bags, pins, etc)\
  • Support larger community events like concerts and fairs approximately 8 times per year
  • Occasionally attend other organizational events, fundraisers, and board meetings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his/her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time, stand, travel up and down stairs, crouch, stoop and reach.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

WORK SCHEDULE

The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, though schedules may shift to support events as needed. Office work at FONA is hybrid, to allow for on-site support, and staff flexibility. Work location will be a mix of both in-office (on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum) and remote as schedule allows.

Salary is subject to FICA and income taxes. Excellent benefits package includes full health, dental and vision care coverage, a matching 401k retirement plan, paid federal holidays, generous accrued paid time off, and travel/cell phone/internet reimbursement.

Compensation: $50-62,000, dependent on experience

Expected start date: September - October, 2025

TRAVEL

This position is based out of the U.S. National Arboretum. A car is not required, but can be helpful at times. Reimbursement of vehicle miles / public transit is available for non-commute travel.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your application to jobs@fona.org and write “Communications Coordinator” in the subject line. Please include the following in your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter that answers two of the following three questions:
  • What about this position interests you?
  • Share how you approach communicating different types of information to the public.
  • What is a story you would want to share about the National Arboretum?
• A short writing sample (no more than 350 words) that is clear, actionable, and sets appropriate expectations for the reader.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after August 20th, and will not be received after September 8th.

All applicants will be required to complete a background check as part of the interview process.

Friends of the National Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer. We believe participation across a broad-spectrum of human experiences and backgrounds is necessary. We value different skills, identities, education levels, and generations on our team, and are committed to creating a just and inclusive environment for all.