South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of curated gardens and natural landscapes built atop a reclaimed landfill, serving as a powerful example of environmental renewal.
From the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden to the Dorothy and Allen Lay Staghorn Fern Collection and immersive seasonal exhibits, the Garden offers guests unique opportunities to engage with nature. With continued growth and exciting new developments ahead, this is an exciting time to join a dynamic and evolving organization.
South Coast Botanic Garden fosters a workplace culture where strategic focus and cultural health go hand in hand. Team members are collaborative, adaptable and committed to supporting the Garden’s mission and guest experience.
POSITION TITLE:
Development Events Manager
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Director of Membership
POSITION SUMMARY
The Development Events Manager develops creative, mission-aligned relationship-building experiences that connect members, donors, and supporters to the wonders of nature. This position oversees all stages of planning and production for Development events and partners closely with Development leadership to translate event objectives into well-executed experiences that advance membership, cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising goals.
Events range from intimate salon-style gatherings to large stewardship events serving more than 200 members and supporters. From planning through breakdown, the Manager is responsible for consistently delivering high-quality guest experiences, while protecting the Garden’s facilities, reputation, and operational integrity. The position develops creative themes, identifies meaningful connections to nature, and manages the details that elevate each event from ordinary to extraordinary. This role is ideal for an events professional who is eager to deepen their skills while making a meaningful impact at a dynamic cultural institution.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE WILL BE FUELED BY
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A passion for mission-driven nonprofit work.
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Curiosity about- or a love for- public gardens, nature, cultural attractions, or community-based programming.
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Strong organizational and critical-thinking skills.
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A collaborative spirit and comfort working across departments.
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The ability to manage multiple deadlines while building thoughtful, values-based relationships
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The ability to make timely decisions, identify problems, and implement solutions while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor.
This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to grow within the Development and events fields, contribute to a flourishing cultural institution, and help shape the next chapter of the Garden’s impact in the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Development Event Planning & Project Management
Develop and manage comprehensive timelines for Development events, including planning meetings, invitations, marketing deadlines, staffing, and operational requirements.
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Coordinate invitation production, printing, mailing, and distribution.
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Research, vet, negotiate with, and engage external event vendors in accordance with Garden contracting and purchasing procedures; coordinate invoice processing.
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Schedule, organize, and lead cross-functional planning meetings, clearly documenting responsibilities, decisions, and deadlines.
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Monitor project plans and follow up with stakeholders to ensure production deadlines are met.
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Develop and monitor event budgets, track expenses, and escalate anticipated variances.
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Determine food and beverage needs and coordinate catering.
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Coordinate necessary rental equipment, supplies, and event décor.
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Create functional, safe, accessible, and visually appealing event floor plans.
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Coordinate across departments to develop detailed event run-of-show documents.
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Determine on-site staffing and volunteer needs in partnership with appropriate department leaders.
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Prepare name tags, seating charts, guest lists, check-in materials, and other event collateral.
Cross-Departmental Coordination
Serve as the primary Development department planner for assigned member, donor, cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
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Partner with Event Operations, Sales, Public Programs, Visitor Experience, Horticulture, Facilities, Food & Beverage, Marketing, and other departments, as appropriate, to coordinate event requirements and responsibilities.
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Clarify roles, handoffs, and decision-making authority among participating departments before each event.
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Communicate event plans, changes, and operational impacts clearly and in a timely manner.
Event Production & Execution
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Preferred
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Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
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Three to five years of experience in special events or a related high-volume field, such as nonprofit development, entertainment production, hospitality management, cultural attractions, or corporate events.
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Experience with contract and vendor management.
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Experience planning member, donor, cultivation, stewardship, fundraising, or other nonprofit events.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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Ability to work in a collaborative office environment with regular interaction among team members.
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During events, programs, donor visits, and sponsor activations, ability to remain stationary, move throughout event spaces and Garden grounds, and bend or position oneself for extended periods.
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Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
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Ability to safely operate golf carts and other authorized transport vehicles to move supplies, signage, and equipment across event spaces and Garden grounds, following required training.
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Ability and willingness to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
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Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
COMPENSATION, CLASSIFICATION & SCHEDULE
This is a full-time, nonexempt, hourly position that works on-site at the Garden. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday; however, the position must be available to work weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events. The pay range is $25.00 to $31.00 per hour. Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and completed application.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
South Coast Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and celebrate the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each employee brings to our organization. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
