Events and Communications Officer

The Gardeners’ Company is a Livery Company – a membership organisation with a long history and close ties to the City of London. Today, our several hundred members come from a wide range of backgrounds; all are united by a passion for horticulture, gardens and the natural world.

The Gardeners’ Company plays an increasingly important role in the horticultural industry, working with partners to get new initiatives off the ground. In recent years we’ve helped to establish: a horticultural training programme (Future Gardeners); the habitat-development and advocacy work of Pollinating London Together; and the Livery Climate Action Group. 

We also work to establish and shape a number of our own educational and charitable projects, such as an active Schools Outreach programme. And we put on a varied programme of functions and events for our members. 

We’re seeking a creative, energetic and highly-organised individual to become part of a two-person staff team (both of whom will be working part time and mostly remotely).

The key duties and responsibilities include:

Events

Working with the Master, Chief Executive and members to facilitate a varied programme of functions and events. These include formal dinners and lunches at historic City of London venues; lectures, talks and presentations by eminent horticulturalists; outings to explore beautiful gardens and landscapes; and other social and cultural activities. 

Communications

Using exceptional writing skills to promote Company (and external) functions, visits, Events and initiatives to the membership.

Governance, administration and organisational development

Undertaking a range of tasks to support the good governance and effective administration of the organisation. This will include: attending committee meetings; assisting with the onboarding process for new members; and maintaining diaries, databases and filing systems.

Who we're looking for

The right candidate will be highly reliable, organised and efficient, capable of their managing their time, juggling multiple tasks and reacting to changing priorities. They'll be capable of using their initiative and working independently without close supervision.

They will need to have a flair for verbal communication, with exceptional writing skills. And they'll be warm, friendly and personable, able quickly to build strong working relationships with a range of people.

Hours of work: part time: sixteen hours (two days) a week. Additional hours, including evening work, may occasionally be required, for which time off in lieu will be offered

The successful candidate will be expected to commit to a regular working pattern, although occasional flexibility will be offered. It is hoped that this would comprise two full days, but one full day and two half days could also be offered. The 16 hours/week will generally need to be worked some time between Monday morning and Thursday lunchtime.

Start date: as soon as possible

Location: generally working remotely (from home), with some in-person office days, meetings and events, predominantly in the City of London

Application deadline: 09.00 on Monday 11 March 2024

Interviews: week beginning Monday 18 March 2024 (in-person in the City of London)

The full job description (including person specification) is attached.