What are the responsibilities and job description for the Philanthropy and Membership Assistant position at Brookgreen Gardens?
Philanthropy and Membership Assistant
Development • Part-Time • Murrells Inlet, SC
About Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a nonprofit cultural institution and National Historic Landmark located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Established in 1931, our mission is to preserve and display American sculpture and regional plants, animals, and historical sites for the education and enjoyment of the public. Spanning over 9,100 acres, Brookgreen includes a renowned sculpture garden, wildlife preserve, botanical gardens, and a rich historical landscape — offering a dynamic and inspiring experience for every visitor.
Position Overview
As the first point of contact for many of our members and donors, the Philanthropy and Membership Assistant plays an essential role in creating a welcoming and responsive experience that reflects the mission of Brookgreen Gardens. This position balances thoughtful customer care with a wide range of daily administrative responsibilities, requiring flexibility, organization, and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting the people who make Brookgreen’s work possible.
Key Responsibilities
- Answer phone, email, and in-person inquiries regarding membership benefits, policies, renewals, and account changes; manage the membership@brookgreen.org and giving@brookgreen.org inboxes
- Add philanthropy and membership events to the Brookgreen calendar; track RSVPs and assist with event preparation including nametags and related logistics
- Manage the internal Development team calendar, office supply inventory, medals, and marketing materials; handle incoming and outgoing mail for the Development House
- Enter data related to events, actions, and contact reports for members and donors in the CRM database
- Maintain supply inventory throughout the garden for the Development team, including support for membership ambassadors, donation boxes, and membership and donation materials in key locations
- Support membership and philanthropy team members on projects as they arise, such as grant research or development of mailing lists
- Participate in Brookgreen Gardens staff meetings and required trainings
- Provides necessary support and undertakes other appropriate tasks as it relates to the operations of Brookgreen Gardens
Minimum Qualifications
- 2–3 years of experience in a customer service or administrative support role
- Associate’s degree or coursework in a related field preferred; nonprofit experience a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, and CRM software
- Exceptional customer service skills and a genuine enthusiasm for interacting with people
- Strong attention to detail and written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting needs in a fast-paced environment
- High level of professionalism when working with Brookgreen stakeholders and handling confidential information
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend hours for events
Work Environment
This is an office-based position located in the Development House at Brookgreen Gardens. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required for events. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Why Brookgreen?
Brookgreen Gardens offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance, 9 paid holidays, paid time off starting at 15 days annually (prorated upon hire and growing with tenure), a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Employees also enjoy a complimentary household membership, complimentary guest tickets, free daily access to Huntington Beach State Park, employee discounts on food and retail, and an Employee Assistance Program — all while working in one of South Carolina’s most treasured destinations.
To Apply
Apply by clicking the Apply Now button, or submit your cover letter, resume, and a completed Brookgreen Gardens application (available at brookgreen.org/careers) by any of the following:
- Email: humanresources@brookgreen.org
- Fax: 843-235-6039
- Mail: Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 3368, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- In person: Drop off at the Gardeners Cottage Ticket and Information Center at the garden entrance
No phone calls, please.
Brookgreen Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Philanthropy and Membership Assistant | Development | 08.2026