President and Chief Executive Officer

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is actively seeking a President and Chief Executive Officer. See full position guide; excerpts below.

Position Summary

The President and Chief Executive Officer embraces the vision of the Garden as established by the Board; oversees the day-to-day operations of the Garden; coalesces support around the Garden’s direction and priorities among Board, staff and other key stakeholders; secures funding for priority initiatives; provides effective supervision, delegation and accountability of staff; serves as an active and visible liaison to the community; and collaborates with the public garden community nationally and globally regarding best practices in horticulture, education, sustainability, and conservation.

Candidate Profile

She/he/they will approach the work in an inspirational, visionary, passionate manner that is authentic, trustworthy, innovative and resilient. Driven by relationships and building meaningful connections across multiple groups, including Garden staff, volunteers, donors, partners, businesses, civic groups, public officials, visitors, members, and other stakeholders, the ideal candidate will have an effective, transparent and direct communication style with a culturally sensitive, equity mindset.

We seek a leader who is an exceptional communicator whose passion is evident by their ability to energetically and enthusiastically articulate the vision and aspirations of the Garden. Experience at a high-level in fundraising and donor engagement is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in obtaining major individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and government grants. Successful experience in leading a capital campaign is a plus.

A proven ability to manage and lead an organization is required. This includes experience in hiring, coaching and delegating resulting in a high-quality team of tightly coordinated, professional and accountable staff members. Of critical importance is the candidate’s ability to transform ideas into specific, goal-driven project outcomes. Strategic and business-principled decision-making experience, including expertise in crisis management, must be evident. Experience in project management, from basic infrastructure improvements to large-scale capital construction projects, is ideal. Solid, demonstrated skills in operations, finance and business management are expected.

Leading with respect and being an active listener, the ideal candidate will be a dynamic, high-energy partner. A confident leader who is also flexible and humble, and views all involved in the organization through an asset/strengths-based lens, will be important. She/he/they will be a strong strategic thinker with a collaborative, engaging approach to decision making that reflects the core values of the communities the Garden serves. The ideal candidate should also have a desire to improve diversity and inclusion in hiring, garden access and programs. The ideal candidate is a responsive and accessible leader, capable of connecting with all aspects of the organization through strong interpersonal skills.

Specific experience with public gardens is preferred but not a requirement, however, an affinity and passion for the mission of public gardens must be demonstrated. Senior-level leadership in a similar venue that aspires to deliver an extraordinary visitor experience is highly desirable. Experience in nonprofit management and governance is preferred. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Affiliation with local, state, or national professional or trade associations related to the Garden’s mission would be a plus.

To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC.

Operations Assistant

Job Description

The Operations Assistant is responsible for assisting in day-to-day functions of the Garden, preparation and coordination for private and public events and exhibits, as well as custodial and housekeeping duties under the supervision of the Operations Team Leader.  A successful candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively with staff of all levels and interact with Garden visitors and volunteers in a cheerful and positive manner. They must be able to work independently without supervision as well as alongside other members of the Operations team.

COVID 19 – After completing its most successful year ever the COVID-19 pandemic and concern over the health of our neighbors closed the Garden to public visitation.  It has been a disorienting time, when each of us individually and corporately has had to face and overcome an uninterrupted stream of change and challenge. We will continue to follow guidance from elected and health officials as we move forward and prepare for the reopening of the Garden. The safety of staff, guests, members and volunteers will continue to be the Garden’s top priority.

Responsibilities

• Set-up of tents, tables, chairs, etc., for all ongoing Garden events, including rental events and in-house functions
• Collect and remove all trash and litter from the buildings and grounds on a daily basis
• Clean and maintain the appearance of the interior of all buildings and grounds on a daily basis including housekeeping responsibilities
• Respond to requests of all departments/staff members for Operations assistance, as directed by supervisor
• Organize and maintain equipment and storage areas
• Assist with all components of the operations of the Garden
• Provide information and directions to visitors and guests of the Garden or appropriately direct them to the Robins Visitors Center for assistance
• General repair and maintenance of all structures, vehicles, equipment, and utilities
• Maintain accurate maintenance records
• Assist with special construction and maintenance projects
• Use departmental communication tools effectively and correctly including set-up sheets, scheduling task lists, clock-in computers and radios
• Installation and deinstallation of outside garden areas and inside facilities for Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights to include: light installation, display set up, construction for securing displays, electrical testing, running extension cords, etc.

To apply, please see the full Operations Assistant job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to Ken Myers, Director of Facilities at [email protected]

Visitors Center Supervisor

Job Description

Responsibilities
 During this uncertain time, the Visitors Center staff will be required to provide ground support in the Atrium and elsewhere in the Visitors Center as needed in order to implement the new entry process which ensures members and visitors are practicing social distancing. With new safeguards in place, it will be imperative for the VC staff to sanitize work areas on a regular basis throughout the day.
 Oversees general guest admission and membership functions, including handling money, sales and promotions and interaction with visiting public; ensures Visitors Center is ready for each
day’s business at POS locations – all signage and communications are accurate and office areas, work stations and Visitors Center common areas are organized, neat and clean
 Ensures guests have a positive first and last impression of the Garden and staff promote the Garden to guests (organization, mission, philosophy, seasonal displays, events, education programs and services, as well as opportunities to volunteer and donate) using all available electronic and printed means
 Ensures guests, volunteers, vendors, deliveries, mail, phone calls, radio messages, emails and
voicemail messages are received courteously and professionally and routed correctly
 Embraces the Garden’s commitment to excellence in all departments, willingly and cheerfully integrating work with the efforts of all other departments
 Other duties as assigned by supervisor

To apply, please see the full Visitors Center Supervisor job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to Robin Gregson, Visitors Center Manager at [email protected]

Part-Time & Seasonal Openings & Internships

Visitors Center Associate

Job Description

·       Handles payment in exchange for admission fees and membership dues, event tickets and classes

·       Responsible for all cash and credit card transactions; following established procedures for opening and closing assigned register

·       Able to efficiently use TAM database to perform ticket sales, register guests for classes, run reports, check daily schedule of events, look up events for guests needing information (date and location confirmation, etc.)

·       Able to use Outlook and Microsoft office products to check Admissions emails, respond via email to Garden staff on admissions-related matters if needed and check shared calendar for staffing schedule updates

·       Able to efficiently and accurately use Raiser’s Edge database to look up memberships and issue temporary membership cards, sell new memberships and renew existing or lapsed memberships

·       Able to recruit membership sales, appropriately recommend upgrades and provide special membership services

·       Assists with handling membership mailings, promotions and specials

·       Participates in strategies that grow the membership base and retain current members

·       Keeps working area organized, is ready to conduct business and keeps area tidy for following day’s shift

·       Provides departmental support as requested and needed to handle exceptionally busy processing seasons

·       Makes use of slow periods by performing administrative duties like assembling member packets, restocking Garden materials and seasonal rack cards, etc.

·       Ensures areas of visitor entry in Visitors Center are ready for the day’s business to include turning monitors on, ensuring all signage is accurate, checking for accurate signage on exteriors doors as verified by ActiveNet schedule of events each day

·       Able to create and print new signage if needed to alert guests of time-sensitive issues like closings, limited access to certain areas of the Garden, safety alerts, special event information, etc.

COVID 19 – After completing its most successful year ever the COVID-19 pandemic and concern over the health of our neighbors closed the Garden to public visitation.  It has been a disorienting time, when each of us individually and corporately has had to face and overcome an uninterrupted stream of change and challenge. We will continue to follow guidance from elected and health officials as we move forward and prepare for the reopening of the Garden. The safety of staff, guests, members and volunteers will continue to be the Garden’s top priority.

Responsibilities

·       During this uncertain time, the Visitors Center staff will be required to provide ground support in the Atrium and elsewhere in the Visitors Center as needed in order to implement the new entry process which ensures members and visitors are practicing social distancing.  With new safeguards in place, it will be imperative for the VC staff to sanitize work areas on a regular basis throughout the day.

·       Provides excellent customer service to guests, visitors, members, volunteers, event and program attendees coming through the Visitors Center

·       Acts as the “face of the Garden” by genuinely welcoming each visitor with knowledge of the Garden, helpfulness, empathy and eagerness to be of service

·       Stays informed of all Garden events, classes and activities and is able to provide information to visitors regarding special events, Garden Shop hours, Café and Tea House hours and menus, by efficiently and quickly being able to use all available electronic and printed means including ActiveNet, the Garden’s Website, etc.

·       Is proactive in assessing visitor’s needs quickly, ie: offering assistance or directions, locating wheelchairs or strollers, offering help if visitor appears in need of help

·       Answers the Garden’s general delivery phone line and responds, expedites calls to appropriate departments or staff members, as well as returns calls appropriately and in a timely fashion

·       Efficiently and correctly handles deliveries made to the front desk

·       Is able to handle difficult situations with tact and respect and reports issues to supervisor in a timely manner and with accurate details

·       Is readily able to identify a situation that requires the attention of a supervisor or Director

·       Acts as a contact person in case of emergencies and reports situation to appropriate parties, using required reporting procedures, as well as contacting 911 for assistance when needed

·       Presents oneself with a professional and friendly attitude and appearance

·       Other duties as assigned by supervisor

To apply, please see the full part-time, seasonal Visitors Center Associate job description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to Robin Gregson, Visitors Center Manager at [email protected]

Public Relations & Marketing Intern (Social Media)

The PR department strives to build the Lewis Ginter Botanical brand through all communication and concentrates efforts on publicity or “free” exposure for the Garden.  By supporting all areas of the Garden, public relations and marketing work to entice people to visit and to engage them in a relationship with the Garden.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden connects people through plants to improve communities.

General job duties of Public Relations Interns:

• Work with the director of public relations and public relations coordinator to help meet the needs of reporters and photographers.
• Help update calendar events on the Garden’s website
• Post Garden info to websites such as tourism sites and media calendars
• Research and write basic news releases
• Take and upload digital photos of the Garden
• Assist with events as needed
• Provide general office and project support for the PR & Marketing Dept.
• Assist in supporting the Garden’s social media efforts as needed, including filming and edit movies.
• Write blog posts and tell stories for the Garden’s blog.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing & communication skills
• Ability to work on computers and use a digital camera
• Some simple graphic design skills and the ability to use or to learn PhotoShop & WordPress
• Should be prepared to work in a business environment
• Ability to work on a deadline
• Should be able to work alone and as part of a team
• Experience using Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, blogging is helpful

Internship training includes:

• Press release formats and AP style
• How to write to encourage news coverage and create public interest
• The opportunity to learn more about social media and using it to connect with the community & to pitch stories

This internship is offered year-round. Hours are flexible but require a minimum of 150 hours per semester and 10-15 hours per week. We also welcome interns and volunteers who are not students. This is an unpaid internship. As an intern, you will be eligible to earn volunteer benefits.

To apply please send the following to Ms. Jonah Holland, Digital Content Manager at [email protected].

• Resume
• 2 writing samples
• Cover letter detailing your interest in the specific internship and how this experience will help you reach your educational and career goals, and your scheduling availability (start/end dates, day/times available).
• 2 recommendations (preferably on LinkedIn)

Deadlines for applications (somewhat flexible):

Fall Semester/August 25
Spring Semester/November 30
Summer/March 15