Executive Director

Job Description

Humboldt Botanical Garden seeks an accomplished and visionary Executive Director (ED). This is a full-time, exempt position offering the unique opportunity to guide a young Garden’s future while making a lasting impact on a special coastal community.

About Us

Humboldt Botanical Garden (HBG) is a 45-acre public garden perched on the hills opposite the entry to Northern California’s spectacular Humboldt Bay. HBG was founded by a small group of volunteers in 1991, and opened to the public on the campus of the College of the Redwoods in 2010. Today, the Garden has grown to welcome nearly 15,000 visitors each year, including 1,600 individual, family and business members. The Garden has made substantial progress in advancing its imaginative Long Range Site Plan, building a series of initial core gardens of remarkable display quality, a major earthwork sculpture (“All Happy Now”), and immersive trails throughout extensive sections of coastal forest and chapparal.

Duties & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, ensure financial sustainability, and oversee daily operations, all while advancing HBG’s mission and Long Range Site Plan. Key responsibilities include financial management; budgeting; staff and volunteer leadership, recruitment and training; and the creation of a collaborative work and visitor environment that inspires appreciation for the conservation of plants and the environment.

Education and Experience

Experience, Qualifications & Required Skills:

• Degree in a related field preferred
• Proven track record in non-profit management preferred
• Background in horticulture and plants collections a plus
• Passion for the Garden’s mission
• Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with community partners and stakeholders
• Financial and operational acumen, with experience in non-profit financial oversight, program development, human resource management, and executing successful operational plans
• Leadership skills including a successful history of setting clear goals and developing actionable strategies
• Fundraising and operational success including the ability to diversify revenue streams, secure major gifts and grants, and engage community members in fundraising initiatives
• Success in devising marketing strategies for audience development through brand-building activities and relationships
• Humility and approachability – a collaborative leader who approaches work with humility, calmness, humor, and heart, fostering a positive inclusive culture
• Exceptional communication skills with an ability to listen actively and engage authentically

Additional Information

The role is based in Eureka, CA and will require the Executive Director’s presence onsite and sometimes weekend and evening work. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. HBG offers competitive benefits and time off.

Salary range: $90,000 to $100,000 per annum

Application Instructions

How to apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to Krista Molloy, HR Consultant, at krista@experteffect.com