Executive Director

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation is looking to hire an Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the Garden and property. This will include supervision of garden and educational program staff. The ED develops goals 
aligned with a strategic plan that requires fundraising for operational funds. The ED will be the face of the Garden with the community, donors, and key partners such as the City of Shoreline, as well as local nonprofits and horticultural organizations.
 

Primary Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the board and staff to identify, prioritize, and successfully accomplish strategic goals, meet operational needs, maintain the budget, and fulfill the Foundation’s mission.

Lead all aspects of the Foundation's day-to-day operations, including supervising the staff and volunteers.

Develop and implement strategies for sustainable revenue development and fundraising, and foster and maintain major donor relationships.

Work with the City of Shoreline to support the Garden’s infrastructure needs and major projects that advance the vision of the Garden. 

Manage the onsite MsK rare plant nursery to maintain inventory and merchandise, including identifying and maintaining relationships with local wholesale nurseries. 

Oversee the Program Manager and adult and children’s educational programming at the garden.

Organizational Leadership

Implement strategies, policies, and practices with the board, staff, and volunteers ensuring organizational effectiveness. 

Manage a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Ensure they have the necessary tools, skills, and information. Create a collaborative and supportive environment where teams work well together.

Work collaboratively with the City of Shoreline to best utilize the resources of the Foundation and City of Shoreline to maintain, expand, and develop the Garden. 

Manage the overall financial systems and controls.

Provide excellent customer service and act as an ambassador for Foundation and Garden to visitors, donors, board, staff, volunteers, and partners.

Be active and visible in the community to increase awareness of the organization and its mission. 

Garden Management

Supervise garden staff and volunteers in the care and maintenance of the grounds and plant collection using sustainable/organic horticultural practices

Enhance the aesthetics of the garden that include permanent sculptures

Manage the curated plant collection with documentation in IrisBG database 

Partner with the City of Shoreline in the maintenance and updating of garden facilities including the construction of an ADA accessible ramp in 2023

Lead Garden tours 

Children and Adult Educational Programming

Oversee the Program Manager’s yearly plan for children’s programming, which includes curriculum, scheduled classes, field trips, and camps.

Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop adult programming.

Fund Development

Increase revenue from annual fundraising events and activities to align with the Foundation’s strategic plan.

Develop and foster relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.

Develop and grow the Foundation’s membership base.

Oversee the onsite “MsK Nursery” operation and mission. Ensure that pricing and markups are within scope. 

Human Resources

Manage payroll, including reviewing and approving payroll and timesheets.

Manage employee relations, including reviews, issues, and resolutions. 

Oversee employee handbook updates as needed.

Implement morale-boosting activities for employees.

Financial Management

Manage the Foundation’s operating budget of $200,000 within the budget and policies established by the board and current federal and local laws and regulations.

Review and implement financial policies and procedures in coordination with the Foundation’s Finance Committee.

Oversee bookkeeping and revenue procedures. 

Recommend an annual budget to the Foundation’s Finance Committee and board Treasurer for review and adoption by the board of directors. 

Coordinate with the contracted bookkeeper for annual tax return preparation.

Event Coordination

Manage the Garden’s Community events, including Solstice Stroll and Concert in the Park series. 

Coordinate with staff, board members, and the City of Shoreline for assistance. 

REQUIREMENTS:    

Bachelor’s or graduate degree, or a combination of education and experience, in a field related to the Foundation’s mission

Five years of horticulture, botany, environmental education, or another garden-related discipline 

At least five years of development experience, particularly with major donors

At least five years or equivalent, administrative experience working for a non-profit organization, two of which shall have been in a supervisory position. 

Experience working with a board of directors, developing and managing budgets, and implementing strategic plans

Strong communication, writing, marketing, and social media skills

Entrepreneurial inclination and creativity

Proficiency in computer and software programs including MicrosoftOffice/Google Drive, WordPress, database/systems

Ability to work in all weather conditions, lift and carry heavy objects (minimum of 30 lbs), navigate the topography of the garden, and climb stairs regularly. 

SUPERVISION:     The Executive Director reports directly to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation Board of Directors.

How to apply:

Email a letter of interest and resume to Katie Schielke, President of the Board of Directors: katie@kruckeberg.org

Salary $65,000-67,000 DOE

Application due date: July 13th

Visit kruckeberg.org to learn more about the Kruckeberg Garden.