Coordinator, Public Programs

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation; Palos Verdes Peninsula (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability insurance

PTO

Paid holidays

Job summary

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation is seeking a Coordinator for Public Programs to plan and coordinate a portfolio of large-scale public experiences, including festivals and concerts. The role partners with multiple departments to ensure engaging, mission-driven programming within brand standards and guest-experience goals.

The coordinator oversees timelines, logistics, staff, vendors, budgets, and post-program evaluations, ensuring operational soundness and financial responsibility while

Qualifications

• Three+ years of experience in public programming, event coordination or related field.
• Experience coordinating multiple programs, timelines, vendors, and deadlines.
• Ability to interpret contracts, budgets and operational plans.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute a portfolio of public programs (festivals, concerts, seasonal celebrations).
• Collaborate across departments to ensure programs align with brand and guest experience objectives.
• Lead on-site event activities, staffing, vendors, and post-event evaluations.

Skills

Public programming

Event coordination

Project coordination

Community engagement

Education programming

Nonprofit experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Blackbaud Altru

Paycom

Slack

Job description

Job Location: Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $20.00 - $24.00 Hourly

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

Coordinator, Public Programs

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to Senior Director, Marketing, Impact & Experiences

JOB SUMMARY

The Coordinator, Public Programs is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of South Coast Botanic Garden's public programming. This role assists with a diverse portfolio of large-scale public experiences, including festivals, concerts, seasonal celebrations, and audience development experiences that engage guests, support the Garden's mission, and contribute to organizational goals.

Working collaboratively across departments, the Coordinator ensures public programs are engaging, mission-driven, operationally sound, financially responsible, and aligned with brand standards and guest experience objectives. The position serves as the project coordinator for public programs from concept through execution, overseeing timelines, logistics, staffing, vendors, budgets, day-of execution, and post-program evaluation.

Program Planning & Project Management

• Help project manage a portfolio of public programs, including Sunset Series, Dogtoberfest, Lunar New Year Celebration, Spiked: A Celebration of Agave, Dog Walking Hours and more.
• Coordinate detailed project plans, timelines and implementation strategies for assigned programs.
• Coordinate all program logistics, including locations, staffing, equipment and supply needs, and operational requirements.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals, brand standards and guest experience objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop new program concepts and enhance existing offerings.
• Coordinate and Facilitate program planning meetings and ensure timely completion of deliverables.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between Public Programs and departments, including:
  • Operations
  • Horticulture
  • Development
  • Guest Services
  • Food & Beverage
• Communicate program requirements and timelines to ensure successful implementation.
• Coordinate with Marketing on promotional needs, content collection and program launches.
• Work with Operations to ensure venue readiness, guest flow and logistical support.
• Partner with Guest Services and other guest-facing teams to support a consistent and positive guest experience.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Identify, recruit and manage instructors, performers, speakers, facilitators and program partners.
• Coordinate contracts, agreements, insurance requirements and program logistics.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program vendors and partners.
• Ensure all external partners meet Garden standards and expectations.

Budget & Program Administration

• Assist in developing and managing public program budgets.
• Track program expenses and revenue performance.
• Process invoices and maintain accurate program records.
• Prepare post-program evaluations and recommendations for future improvements.

On-Site Event Leadership

• Provide real-time, hands-on leadership and decision-making during:
  • Event setup
  • Live execution
  • Load-in and load-out
• Welcome vendors and ensure smooth event execution and a positive guest experience.
• Act as the primary liaison for vendors.
• Oversee on-site day-of execution of all contracted services, including:
  • Staffing
  • Parking
  • Rentals
  • Food & Beverage
  • Volunteers
• Vendor management and guest experience support
• Ensure venue readiness, safety, and protection of Garden assets.
• Monitor event activities to ensure adherence to agreed-upon plans and venue policies.
• Monitor overlapping events to ensure seamless operations.
• Minimize disruption to general Garden visitors and address guest, client, and vendor questions or concerns in real time.
• Coordinate with Event Operations and other departments to resolve issues as they arise.
• Complete post-event reporting and documentation.
• Escalate complex issues as needed.

Success in this role

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• The ability to balance creativity with operational excellence.
• A commitment to providing outstanding guest experiences.
• Flexibility and composure in a dynamic public environment.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in public programming, event coordination, education programming, community engagement, project coordination, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple programs, timelines, vendors, and competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience providing work direction or on-site coordination to staff, volunteers, vendors, or temporary event teams.
• Ability to interpret and follow contracts, budgets, operational plans, and organizational policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and the ability to learn applicable events, ticketing, HR, and communication systems.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and composure when responding to changing circumstances during live programs.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit, cultural institution, botanic garden, museum, zoo or similar guest-focused organization.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience tracking program budgets, expenses, revenue, attendance, and other performance metrics.
• Familiarity with systems such as Blackbaud Altru, Paycom and Slack.
• Passion for environmental education, public engagement, cultural programming, or mission-driven guest experiences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Significant weekends and some evening work may be required during festival months.
• Ability to work in a public-facing, fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and overlapping activities.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPENSATION & CLASSIFICATION

• Full-time non-exempt classification to be confirmed based on final duties, salary level, and organizational structure.
• Hourly range: $20-$24 per hour
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, disability, PTO and holidays.

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.