Botanical Garden Director

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Botanical Garden Director is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for New Orleans City Park’s historic Botanical Garden. This role encompasses the management of all aspects of the Botanical Garden and Pelican Greenhouse, including ensuring the highest level of plant displays and visitor experience, education, community outreach, programming and data collection, to ensure its continued excellence, growth, and to expand our contribution to botanical research and conservation.  

The Botanical Garden Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the Garden's future, ensuring its continued success as it moves from a notable regional garden to a leader in botanical research, education, and conservation in the Gulf South. As part of a larger park ecosystem, the Director is expected to lead with a collaborative “One Park” mentality, building strong partnerships across departments and contributing to shared organizational goals and a unified guest experience. This position requires a dynamic and visionary leader who is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Botanical Garden and enhancing its impact on the community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a five-year strategic plan for the Botanical Garden/Pelican Greenhouse, to include tactical actions with milestone dates.
• Provide leadership and direction with a direct role in the Garden’s participation and execution of forthcoming City Park 2050 plan projects.
• Set clear goals and objectives in alignment with the Park’s mission and values.
• Foster innovation and sustainability in all aspects of Garden operations.
• Work closely with Chief Philanthropy and Chief External Relations Officers and other City Park Conservancy staff to secure and leverage funding opportunities and to develop communications for the public.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of Garden facilities, including botanical collections, greenhouses, outdoor kitchen, Garden Study Center, Train Garden, and other visitor amenities.
• Ensure that the Garden remains aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all.
• Manage and closely coordinate the Garden staff’s participation in the preparation and execution of Celebration in the Oaks, a multi-week holiday event that takes place throughout the Park and collaborate with other key Celebration in the Oaks personnel.

Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including horticultural practices, maintenance, and visitor services.
• Manage budgets, financial planning, earned income opportunities, volunteer activities, and contribute to fundraising efforts to ensure fiscal health and high levels of cost recovery.
• Responsible for operations and maintenance of all greenhouses and Conservatory systems, automation controls, following an established maintenance program.
• Implement, promote, and refine policies, procedures, and safety protocols in conjunction with executive leadership.
• Recruit, train, and manage a team of professionals, including horticulturists, educators, and researchers.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Work directly with third-party contractors for work in the Garden, as well as third-party catering providers.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities for staff.

Program Development:

• Curate and coordinate a diverse range of botanical and cultural programs and events that align with the Park's mission that will attract a broad audience across the age and ability spectrum.
• Oversee execution of current programming, including Evenings with Enrique, Thursdays at Twilight,Pelican Greenhouse plant sales, Fall and Spring Garden Shows, and Master Naturalists partnerships.
• Foster artistic and cultural collaborations that enhance the Garden's appeal and increase visitation.
• Protect and curate historical components of the Garden, such as the WPA-era rose garden and associated buildings and greenhouses, and the Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden.
• Develop educational programs for diverse audiences, including schools, seniors, community groups, visitors, and the general public.
• Manage and closely coordinate the Garden staff’s participation in the preparation and execution of Celebration in the Oaks, a multi-week holiday event that takes place throughout the Park.

Botanical Research and Conservation:

• Oversee botanical research activities, including plant collections, taxonomy, and conservation efforts.
• Collaborate with research institutions, universities, and conservation organizations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive data collections and records related to plant collections and research projects.

Community Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with the local community, stakeholders, and partners.
• Represent the Botanical Garden at public events, conferences, and with the media as requested.
• Advocate for the Garden's importance in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Volunteer Services to continue and grow a vibrant volunteer program throughout the Park.
• Ensure ongoing engagement with the Botanical Garden Advisory Council and other organized volunteer groups and garden clubs.

Other Responsibilities (5%):

• Other duties may be assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.
• Other venues and positions may be assigned to this position as required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in botanical gardens, public gardens, or public park spaces, with at least 5years of experience in a senior leadership role with an operational level of responsibility.
• Prior Regional Facility or Program management experience and/or leadership preferred.
• Proven track record of fundraising preferred.
• Strong understanding of botanical research, conservation, and education.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of best practices in horticulture, facility operations, and sustainability.
• Passion for environmental conservation and biodiversity.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as required.
• Valid driver's license that is maintained throughout employment.
• Strong computer literacy and software utilization.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to view challenges and problems as opportunities for growth and transformation.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems using a high degree of independent judgment and personal initiative.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are those that should be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear (with or without assistance of aids). The physical requirements for this job fall between sedentary and light work, including exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move objects from time to time. Visual acuity (with or without assistance of glasses or visual impairment aids) is needed. Working weekends, some evenings, and holidays is mandatory. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule. Certain physical conditions may be present at City Park from time to time, including extreme temperatures, wet or humid conditions, and inclement weather. Certain atmospheric conditions may exist which are not uncommon to botanical gardens including fumes, odors, and dust. Hazards may include mechanical and electrical equipment and chemicals, not uncommon to botanical gardens.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; explosives and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

City Park offers a competitive compensation and benefits package!

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