Project Overview

Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens seeks an experienced creative team /company to edit and design our quarterly publication, The Gardens magazine. This publication engages and informs our members, donors, volunteers, and the public about our activities, achievements, and events.

The 36-page magazine is published four times per year, aligning with the seasons,

Ideally, this could be managed by a versatile individual editor and designer or another small editorial and design team. Key responsibilities include:

• Image curation: Developing a suite of images.
• Content Management: Overseeing the content and tone of voice.
• Copy Editing: Checking and subediting copy and applying the style guide.
• Design: Crafting the overall design of the magazine.

Whether managed by one multi-talented individual or a collaborative team, these tasks ensure the magazine remains visually appealing, consistently styled, and engaging.

This is a magazine that punches above its weight, bringing the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Foundation and Friends brands to life. It serves not only as a primary communication tool for engaging our audience but also as a platform to highlight the diverse activities and initiatives of the Gardens.

The readership is smart, and the content to reflects that, offering behind-the-scenes insights and in-depth features that cater to their interests and intellect. The magazine plays a crucial role in expressing gratitude to our supporters, providing benefit as well as acquiring a new audience. It promotes the work of the gardens and is instrumental in driving event participation, bookings, and fundraising activities.

By delivering high-quality content and visually appealing designs, the magazine enhances the overall brand experience and grows a deeper connection with our community.

The successful individuals or team will be supported by a project management team at Foundation & Friends.

We welcome proposals that address either specific parts of this brief or provide a comprehensive solution. We encourage submissions that focus on either design or editorial aspects individually, as well as those that offer an integrated approach covering both editorial and design.

Note: The Gardens Magazine is a quarterly publication requiring coordination of content from a diverse range of contributors, including but not limited to volunteers, scientists, horticulturists, and botanists. We seek a team or individual capable of seamlessly integrating these varied inputs into a cohesive tone of voice. If needed, we can provide data on approximate contact hours.

The editor will receive support from Foundation & Friends project team for specific content requests related to the Botanic Gardens and our organisation. While Foundation & Friends will manage final approval and proofing, we encourage and support editorial freedom wherever possible.

The editor will work directly with both the contributors and the communications team at Botanic Gardens of Sydney. They will also collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Manager at Foundation & Friends, who will serve as the key contact, to facilitate each issue.

Applicants should read the full creative brief attached to this job posting.

About Foundation & Friends

We aim to build a thriving, connected community that leads philanthropy and fundraising to help the Gardens realise its vision. A not-for-profit organisation, Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens is the principal fundraising body for the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Foundation & Friends translates supporter contributions into tangible outcomes that promote and support The Gardens. Since 1983, Foundation & Friends has raised over $21 million for the cultural institution that is the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. This has funded garden development, scientific research, educational scholarships, and contributions to infrastructure.

About Botanic Gardens of Sydney

“The Gardens” whilst also being the name of our publication, is the collective name of four assets under management by Botanic Gardens of Sydney (BGoS): Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan, Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, and The Domain Sydney. More than just three gardens, BGoS includes the Australian Institute of Botanical Science: Australia’s premier botanical research institute encompassing the education, science, conservation and collections of the Botanic Gardens, as well as The Australian Plant Bank and Herbarium.

Objectives for The Gardens magazine

• Engage and Inform: Provide compelling content that highlights Foundation & Friends’ efforts, achievements, and upcoming events.
• Promote Donations and Membership: Encourage readers to donate, become members, and volunteer to support Foundation & Friends’ mission.
• Enhance Visual Appeal: Ensure the magazine has a professional, attractive design that reflects Foundation & Friends’ brand and values.
• Align with Foundation & Friends Strategy Ensure that the magazine aligns with the strategy, supporting the vision to build a thriving, connected community, and help realise a vision of sustainability and impact.
• Primary Communication Tool: Use the magazine as the primary tool for retention, thanking, and engagement with current supporters, while also acquiring a new audience.

For any questions, please contact Ted Rose at [email protected], using the subject line: Creative Company - The Gardens Magazine enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applicants are encouraged to review The Gardens magazine here: botanicgardens.org.au/discover-and-learn/watch-listen-read/gardens-magazine.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

Further back-issues and hard copies are available on request.

A position description is attached.