Position Description: Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale and Events Coordinator

Overview

Friends of the Arboretum builds positive relationships between people and the land through support of the
UW–Madison Arboretum. To accomplish this, Friends of the Arboretum (FOA) hosts events that raise funds and
build relationships to support the UW-Madison Arboretum. The events include annual sales of native plants,
luncheon lecture events, and trips. Proceeds help FOA support educational programming and special projects at
the Arboretum.

Each year, FOA holds an online native plant sale and an in-person sale in May. The sales provide local gardeners
with a reliable source of native plants and expert gardening advice. Together, the two sales are FOA’s largest
fundraising events.

FOA’s luncheon lectures occur approximately monthly between September and June. FOA also typically hosts
several trips locally and regionally.

Position Summary

The Native Plant Sale and Events Coordinator is responsible for working with the plant sale committee and
volunteers to ensure the success of the annual FOA Native Plant Sales, including the online sale in January
through March and a sale on the grounds of the Arboretum in May. Responsibilities for the sales include publicity;
volunteer recruitment, training and supervision; communication with suppliers and vendors about plant orders and
other materials; collaboration with the FOA business manager, FOA board members, and Arboretum staff;
overseeing set-up and operations the week of the sale; and supervision of a paid assistant during the spring plant
sale.

The coordinator also supports luncheon lectures and trips. Responsibilities for these events include coordinating
with committee members; collecting and disseminating information about the events; and handling event
registration and communication with attendees.

Additional responsibilities include contributing to the FOA monthly electronic newsletter; routine maintenance and
updating of the FOA website in collaboration with the FOA business manager; and collaboration with FOA board
members, Arboretum staff and volunteers, and the FOA business manager.

This part-time employee position reports directly to the FOA board president. The coordinator attends FOA board
and committee meetings as appropriate. The position will average 20 to 30 hours per month, with a higher-than-
average number of hours around the plant sale in May.

Qualifications and Skills

The coordinator position requires excellent organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. In addition,
the position benefits from knowledge and ability in the following areas:

  • Office Productivity Software: Knowledge of the Microsoft 365 Office Suite, including Word, Excel,
    PowerPoint, Outlook, and the Access database tool or an alternative database solution for Apple products.
    Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat and Google file sharing a plus.
  • Event Management Software: Knowledge of registration and other event management tools including
    tools for event registration, attendee management, and volunteer signups such as SignUpGenius.
    Website Tools: Knowledge of WordPress or experience with other website content management tools.
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop newsletter articles,                                   instructions for customers and volunteers, publicity materials, and record-keeping.
  • Communication Tools: Knowledge of email newsletter tools such as Mailchimp.
  • Relationship Management Skills: Ability to recruit, train and schedule volunteers; collaborate withvendors; consult and                              coordinate with staff and board members; and provide excellent customer service.
  • Logistical Skills: Manage timelines, schedule deliveries, plan physical spaces for deliveries and sales, and delegate tasks.
  • Horticultural Knowledge: Ability to assess plant health for deliveries and maintain plant health prior to sale; familiarity with                               native species and a willingness to learn more; and a basic understanding of plant naming systems.

Physical Requirements

Ability to drive, carry heavy items (hoses, potted plants, boxes of supplies), go up and down stairs, and stand and
walk for three to four hours at a time.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jennifer Sereno at president@foamadison.org, no later than 5 p.m.
Aug. 10, 2026. Questions about the position also may be directed to president@foamadison.org.