About This Role

The Program Coordinator for the K-State Gardens plays a key role in advancing the Gardens’ mission through community engagement, volunteer management, education, and public outreach. Reporting to the Director of the Gardens, this position oversees daily operations, builds strategic partnerships, and leads programming that supports the educational, environmental, and aesthetic goals of the Gardens. The coordinator helps connect the campus and broader community to the Gardens, enhancing their visibility and impact.

About Us

The Program Coordinator for the K-State Gardens is a key member of Kansas State University's External Engagement team, which works to position K-State as a forward-looking land-grant institution. The team builds strategic partnerships that extend the university’s reach beyond campus, creating relationships that are both meaningful and mutually beneficial.

External Engagement has a dual mission: to connect K-State’s academic and research strengths with community needs, and to bring outside perspectives and resources back to campus. This two-way exchange fosters collaboration and innovation, helping the university fulfill its land-grant mission in modern, relevant ways.

The team is driven by a clear vision: when we do good in Kansas, we do good for the world. That belief guides efforts to create local impact with global significance.

The K-State Gardens have been part of the university since 1875, offering cultural and educational experiences to the campus and surrounding community. Serving as both a living classroom and a peaceful retreat, the Gardens support teaching, research, and public engagement. Originally developed as an outdoor lab for students and faculty, they’ve grown into a vibrant horticultural display garden that welcomes visitors from near and far to enjoy beauty, learning, and connection.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, education, environmental studies, communications, nonprofit management or a related field.
• Experience in volunteer coordination, event planning or program management.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, website management and marketing tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with a variety of stakeholders.
• Passion for sustainability, education and community engagement.
• Experience working in a university or nonprofit setting.
• Graphic design or marketing experience.
• Knowledge of horticulture or landscape management.
• Proven success with implementing, assessing and improving public programs.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Application Window

Applications close on: December 5th, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$23 - $26 per hour