The Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center is seeking a Business and Marketing Coordinator to support our mission of promoting awareness and conservation of the prairie pothole region. This role will focus on enhancing business operations and expanding our membership base. Join us in making a meaningful impact on environmental education and stewardship!

Position Summary:

The Business and Marketing Assistant is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Bluestem Store during the seasonal open period (April 15 to October 31). This role combines essential retail operations with a focus on marketing and community engagement, ensuring excellent visitor experiences while supporting the outreach efforts of the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. In addition to retail responsibilities, the position includes administrative duties such as managing email communications, updating the website, processing bill payments, handling purchasing, and overseeing membership registrations and renewals. The assistant also plays a key role in volunteer and board recruitment, along with promoting the organization’s mission through social media, events, and fundraising activities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Retail Management – Bluestem Store Operations (Apr. 15-Oct. 31)

• Welcome and assist visitors, providing exceptional customer service and processing retail sales.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise store volunteers.
• Manage inventory levels, including ordering, tracking, and restocking merchandise.
• Oversee shipping and receiving of merchandise and supplies.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and basic maintenance of the store.
• Design, install, and update store merchandise displays to enhance visitor experience and boost sales.

Outreach and Engagement

• Support recruitment of new volunteers and board members for the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
• Identify and develop recruitment leads through social media, community events, festivals, and fundraising activities.
• Assist with planning and participating in outreach events to raise awareness and promote the organization’s mission.
• Collaborate with the board and other partners to strengthen volunteer and member engagement strategies.

Administrative Duties

• Manage email communications, ensuring timely responses and appropriate follow-up.
• Update and maintain the Bluestem Store website with current inventory, events, and promotions.
• Handle bill payments and track expenditures related to store operations.
• Oversee purchasing and procurement of supplies and merchandise.
• Manage donations, membership registration and renewal processes, including tracking membership data and communications.
• Assist in the creation and distribution of the newsletter to engage with members and the community.
• Coordinate and attend monthly board meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in retail, customer service, or volunteer coordination.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Basic knowledge of inventory management and point-of-sale systems.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and event outreach is a plus.
• Interest in nature, conservation, or environmental education is beneficial.