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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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.