Director of Horticulture

Job Description

The Director of Horticulture, a member of the Senior Leadership Team, will assume a strategic role in the overall management of the organization. Leading a team of 20+ employees and the strategic objective to Develop A Sustainable Garden That Supports Excellence in Display, Education and Conservation, the Director is responsible for managing the themed gardens, display design and execution, production, curation of the collection, management of natural resources at Powell Gardens and Ona’s Prairie, as well as a liaison to the Midwest Center of Regenerative Agriculture. The Director must have a solid understanding of the nature, role and operation of botanic gardens and their collections, associated best practices and display. An appreciation for native plants and conservation are stressed. He/she will collaborate with other senior leaders to facilitate an integrated approach among the Gardens’ priorities in horticulture, maintenance, education, fundraising, public programs and the visitor experience. Of particular focus for the Director of Horticulture will be attention to operations management and technical execution. The Director of Horticulture reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is an integral part of a team-focused approach developing and achieving ambitious goals. The Director must embrace a challenge, have a strong work ethic, understand how horticulture goals affect the bottom line, be a strategic thinker with a “can-do” attitude and respond well under pressure. Additionally, the ideal candidate is a natural mentor and is passionate about developing a team of horticulture leaders for both professional and organizational development. As a key public face of Powell Gardens, the Director will build relationships both externally and internally with multiple stakeholders and be a passionate advocate mobilizing others to move the Gardens to the next level.

About Us

As Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens plays a vital role in the community as a space for release, rejuvenation, and the celebration of the fleeting nature of nature itself. Visitors enjoy themed display gardens, a three-mile nature trail, seasonal festivals, rotating exhibitions, and exceptional architecture. Established in 1988, Powell Gardens is a public garden, maintaining 970 acres of lush, rolling hills and windswept meadows, with more than 175 acres and a large collection of plants open to the public for education, exploration, and recreation. We at Powell believe that our team members are our most important asset. By building strong relationships with each other, we can ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. If you love to work in a fast-paced environment and enjoy a challenging yet rewarding role, we would like to meet you. Come experience our beautiful gardens and join our team of experts as we bring the Midwest Spirit of Place to Kansas City.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: Provide leadership to develop a strategic direction for the horticulture division ensuring cutting edge, innovative solutions and practices with regional impact.

Gardens, Production and Display Facilities: Oversee the development, implementation and assessment of the 970-acre site including gardens, trails, prairies, greenhouses and horticultural operations.

Horticultural Leadership: Emphasizing the primary mission as a botanical garden, balance the direction of the Gardens related to preservation, conservation, restoration and sustainability issues.
Strategically identify and develop relationships/partnerships resulting in financial, operational and community leverage anchoring Powell Gardens at the heart of the Greater Kansas City community.

Education & Interpretation: Consult, teach and train locally, nationally and internationally to support horticulture skill development. Develop and encourage other horticulture division staff to participate in these activities.
Provide insight, content and editorial support for various publications, interpretative planning and marketing as required.

Stewardship: Work as a liaison to the Regenerative Center of Agriculture at Powell Gardens to ensure aligned goals and processes related to use of land, education and horticulture collections.
Oversee the stewardship and land management of Ona’s Prairie per the guidelines set forth by Ona’s Trust related to conservation and preservation.

Education and Experience

Education
• Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent experience in horticulture, botany, biology, plant science, science, landscape architecture/design or related field.

Knowledge/Experience:

The successful candidate will be a critical partner and leader with a proven track record inside of high growth organizations and be a key partner in executing Master Plan initiatives related to the gardens. They will understand how to successfully build and address internal and external constituents’ needs to achieve success. Internally, this individual will serve as an enabling force to constantly raise the bar and keep the team focused on growing the business. They will have an eye toward innovation and creativity. An excellent project manager, problem solver, determined and dedicated to reaching the organization’s goals.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of 5+ years relevant and increasingly responsible horticulture management experience inclusive of developed strategies, executed business plans, staff supervision and managing a variety of horticulture operations
• Living collection curation, development and management
• Understands relevant ethical and legal considerations when developing living plant collections • Thorough understanding of plant collection policies and procedures
• Plant care production techniques
• Conservatory display
• Landscape design and installation
• Landscape maintenance best practices
• Widely versed in the current horticultural field including pollinators, plants native to the Midwest flora and fauna, invasive plants, Integrated Pest Management, and plant disease
• Construction management and creation/renovation of gardens

Additional Information

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision
403b Retirement Plan
Employer Paid Life Insurance
Employer Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Generous PTO Plan
HRA
FSA
Paid Holidays

Application Instructions

To Apply

Applicants interested in this position must submit the following to hr@powellgardens.org.

• Cover letter addressing the following:

o Discuss your experience as it related to this role

o Why are you interested in this role and why you would be a great fit

• Resume

• Three references: professional, academic, and/or personal

The full job description can be found at https://powellgardens.org/careers-at-powell-gardens/ .