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.

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

Operations Assistant (Seasonal, Part-time)

Job Description

This position provides operational support for the installation and maintenance of lighting displays for Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. As the region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza, this tradition features more than a half-million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. This position assists with all components related to the setup and installation of related fixtures, lights, and displays.  Additionally, this position assists with physical preparations for related events and programming.

Responsibilities

·       Prepares outdoor Garden areas for Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights to include: light installation, display set up, form placement, construction for securing displays, electrical testing, running extension cords, etc.

·       Understands elementary electrical functions

·       Able to work from an elevated level on ladders, roofs and in trees

·       Prepares site for related seasonal events and activities – setting up tables, chairs, coat racks, patio heaters, and similar special event equipment

·       Possesses a friendly and welcoming attitude towards visitors, coworkers and volunteers

·       Communicates effectively with Garden staff on issues, needs and emergencies

To apply, please see the full Seasonal 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]

Horticulture Research Intern

Job Description

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Team is seeking an inquisitive, dynamic, hard-working and enthusiastic research intern, who is excited about spending the summer learning the art and craft of horticulture while supporting a plant-based research project. The intern will work in all Garden areas, assisting staff and volunteers with the challenging hands-on tasks of managing and curating a wide variety of seasonal displays, garden areas, plant collections and departmental initiatives. When not scheduled for research, the intern can expect to weed, rake, groom, prune, plant, mulch and haul debris in seasonal extremes and all weather conditions. See “Responsibilities” for more information.

Responsibilities

Work with the Director of Horticulture and supervising Horticulturists to execute a research project designed to address a challenge currently faced by the Horticulture staff – the control and/or suppression of invasive plant populations. This internship will last 18  37.5-hour weeks, with time divided into approximately 25% research tasks and 75% horticulture tasks.

Research Tasks

As applicable, and under the guidance of supervising Horticulturist(s), the intern will research and apply various control, remediation or eradication strategies to manage invasive or noxious plant populations throughout the Garden
·       Prepare and present a report of experience, procedures and findings to Garden staff and guests

·       Of note, past research topics have included planting strategies for habitat value, pollinator and benthic macroinvertebrate population surveys, southern blight pathology and management, water quality monitoring, food crop production and medicinal plants

Horticulture Tasks

·       Assist horticulturists in all areas of the Garden with a wide variety of primary garden care tasks, including planting, mulching, grooming, watering, fertilizing, weeding, etc., using best horticulture practices in accordance with established Garden standards

·       Participate in routine group tasks such as leaf blowing walkways and string trimming weeds

·       Perform routine maintenance on Garden power tools and equipment such as filling gas cans, re-stringing trimmers, cleaning and sanitizing tools, and keeping equipment organized and tidy

To apply, please see the full Horticulture Research Intern Job Description (PDF) and submit a cover letter, resume, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Job Application (PDF) to Laurel Matthew, Senior Horticulturist, 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