Manager, Marketing and Communications

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job Summary

The Manager, Marketing and Communications Manager supports the day-to-day operations of the Dallas Arboretum's Marketing team and serves as a key partner to the VP, Marketing and Guest Experience on press relations and communications. This role manages project flow across the department and the executional side of public relations, including press release writing, media list management, distribution, press kit creation, and media prep.

This person can also assist with light design using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, and a strong writer who thrives in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.

The Manager, Marketing and Communications supports the day-to-day execution, organization, and flow of projects within the Dallas Arboretum’s Marketing team. This role serves as the central hub for workflow management while also driving executional communications, including but not limited to press releases and media materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Project & Workflow Management

• Manage marketing calendar, daily project flow across the Marketing team using Monday.com, ensuring all tasks, timelines, and deliverables are current and clearly defined across campaigns, events, and seasonal programming
• Intake, assign, and track all internal marketing requests while keeping stakeholders informed and accountable to deadlines and final delivery
• Route projects through review, approval, and final delivery with no breakdowns in process
• Track budgets, invoices, and vendor coordination as projects move through production
• Partner across departments including Advancement, Education, Membership, Events, Horticulture, Operations, and Public Events to collect inputs and secure approvals
• Coordinate printing, production timelines, and delivery of materials across the property
• Assist with reporting and compiling data for campaign recaps and impact reports for sponsors and other supporters as needed

Press & Communications Execution

• Write, manage, and deploy press releases, media alerts, and event communications from draft through distribution
• Build and maintain targeted media lists across local, regional, and relevant vertical outlets
• Manage media outreach and distribution, ensuring communications reach the right audiences
• Track earned media placements and maintained reporting on coverage, impressions, and share of voice through TruTrade
• Maintain a press calendar tied to exhibition openings, seasonal programming, and institutional milestones, ensuring proactive media planning rather than reactive response
• Support the VP, Marketing and Guest Experience in developing talking points, briefing documents, interview and presentation prep for spokespeople
• Draft executive communications and internal announcements as assigned
• Maintain press kits, image libraries, and B-roll resources for media requests
• Support reactive media handling including holding statements, weather closure communications, and incident response under VP, Marketing and Guest Experience direction

Creative & Content Management

• Gather assets including copy, photography, vendor materials, and event details required for execution
• Build templated assets including social graphics, signage updates, email headers, and one-pagers from established brand systems
• Assist in day-to-day project coordination for external agency, contractor partners and media outlets, managing asset handoffs, timeline tracking, and internal feedback consolidation under the direction of the VP, Marketing and Guest Experience
• Manage trafficking of assets to vendors, partners, and media outlets
• Ensure campaign creative is properly adapted, versioned, and delivered across all channels
• Maintain organized asset libraries, naming conventions, and shared systems

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience

• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with at least one year in a role involving press writing or media relations
• Agency or in-house experience a plus
• Experience managing timelines, production calendars, and creative workflows preferred

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in project management tools, Monday.com required
• Strong writing, proofreading, and AP Style command
• Working knowledge of earned media, creative production, and print processes
• Working proficiency in Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), able to adapt and version creative against established brand systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Other Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be willing to attend major events, exhibition openings, and press events outside of standard business hours
• Ability to pass all pre-employment requirements including drug screening and background check
• Portfolio submission required with the job application, including writing samples and applicable design samples

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Ownership: Takes responsibility for keeping projects moving without being asked
• Organization: Manages details, timelines, and systems with precision
• Communication: Keeps stakeholders informed and aligned
• Judgment: Knows what to escalate and raise the flag for support or guidance
• Discretion: Handles donor information, internal personnel matters, and executive communications with appropriate confidentiality
• Coachability: Open to direct feedback and iterates quickly
• Adaptability: Handles shifting priorities in a seasonal, event-driven environment
• Execution: Delivers clean and accurate work on time

BENEFITS & STATEMENT OF INCLUSION

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment.

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or disability unrelated to job performance.