Strategic Horticulture Partnerships Senior Manager and Executive Director, Ecological Landscape Alliance

Job Description

The Strategic Horticulture Partnerships Senior Manager and Executive Director of Ecological Landscape Alliance is a full-time employee of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (NEBG) that plays a key role in stewarding the current management and future growth of the Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA). Duties include administration, educational programming, membership, marketing, finances, and fundraising.

The position is supported in part by NEBG’s Education Registrar and Director of Finance and reports to both the CEO of NEBG and the ELA Board of Directors.

About Us

The Worcester County Horticultural Society, founded in 1842, established New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA as a horticultural resource—a place for people to experience the wonder of plants, learn about the natural world, and make joyful connections. Our doors opened in 1986 and we’ve continued to grow our mission, our footprint, and our role in the community ever since. Today’s Garden sits on nearly 200 acres. It includes conservatories, formal and naturalistic gardens, a café, Garden Shop, walking trails, accessible pathways, and expansive views of the Wachusett Reservoir. A nonprofit organization and AAM-accredited museum, we care for an irreplaceable collection of plants and place sustainability and environmental stewardship at the forefront of our work. A robust, year-round calendar of educational classes, activities, and events engages people of all ages in meaningful experiences with plants.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership, Public Relations, and Community Engagement
o Provide strategic and inspirational leadership to staff, volunteers, and partners.
o Serve as ELA’s spokesperson to the public, media, and stakeholders.
o Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, government agencies, and peer organizations.
o Manage daily operations and support ELA board and committee activities.
• Educational Programming
o Collaborate with the ELA Board and Education Committee to develop, promote, and facilitate programs.
o Build partnerships with mission-aligned organizations to expand educational offerings.
o Evaluate programs for return on investment.
• Membership Management
o Oversee member communications, recruitment, retention, and database management.
o Evaluate and update membership benefits and dues as needed.
o Manage and interpret member data to inform strategic decisions and strengthen engagement and retention.
• Public Relations, Marketing, and Website Administration
o Oversee digital communications, including email marketing, social media, online event management, and publications (e.g., Bulletin, Into the Weeds.
o Lead marketing efforts to grow membership and promote programs.
• Financial Management and Fundraising
o Oversee financial operations and provide regular reports to the ELA Board.
o Ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with tax and legal filings in all operating states.
o Develop and manage the annual budget with fiscal accountability.
o Develop contracts with vendors, speakers, and exhibitors.
o Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities, including sponsorships and expanded membership.
• Technology and Skills
o Leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency and member engagement.
o Quickly learn and effectively utilize association management and digital platforms to streamline processes and integrate systems for a cohesive member experience.
o Support staff in using technology platforms effectively and adopt emerging tools that improve organizational performance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based; occasional walking and standing required for outdoor workshops and ecotours.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours for virtual and/or in-person events or meetings.
• Occasional regional travel is required.
• Must be proficient with standard office and communications technology.
• Works with an awareness of surroundings in accordance with NEBG safety policy.
• Complies with the provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Supporting NEBG’s Mission and Values

• Be welcoming to all staff and the public
• Be respectful of staff differences and preferences
• Use gender neutral communication styles
• Respect everyone’s pronouns
• Attend IDEA workshops and training sessions
• Make efforts to support a diverse work force
• Develop and support a culture within the department that recognizes and supports NEBG at TH’s IDEA initiatives (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility)

Education and Experience

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit, association, or cultural organization.
• Strong skills in financial oversight, budgeting, and operational planning.
• Proven success in fundraising and resource development.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable plans.
• Commitment to the missions of NEBG and ELA.

Application Instructions

Cover letter and resume at https://bit.ly/nebg-jobs or at https://nebg.org/jobs-and-internships/