Executive Director
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
4703 N Crossover Rd
Fayetteville, AR 72764
Celebrating the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is 44 acres of cultivated gardens and untamed landscape adjacent to Lake Fayetteville, minutes away from a vibrant downtown with a state University.
Operating as a public garden since 2007, BGO is a young organization in a culture-rich environment featuring world class museums, a performing arts center, renown theater and symphony companies, and a burgeoning arts community. The region is internationally recognized for its bike trails and attracts nature enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to 12 themed gardens and a Butterfly House, the Garden offers annual events such as Chefs in the Garden, the International Festival, Firefly Fling, Earth Day, and more. Last year 18,000 school children participated in educational events and hundreds of adults attended classes in horticulture and gardening. More than 60,000 visitors enjoyed our grounds and programs, while Membership reached 2,300.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is currently seeking a creative, entrepreneurial, strategic leader to join our team as Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, he or she will oversee a staff of 15 supported by 200 volunteers. As we embark upon the next phase of our growth, the Executive Director will lead fundraising initiatives, grounds expansion planning, staff development, and strategic plan execution. The ideal candidate will assure exemplary management, organizational and fiscal procedures are followed. Resourcefulness, authenticity, adaptability, and integrity are key personal assets required to guide BGO through this next dynamic phase.
Duties and Responsibilities
Working closely with the staff and with the support of the BOD
- Strive to fulfill the mission and vision of the Garden, and implement the strategic plan
- Continue and strengthen community and stakeholder relationships to extend BGO’s influence and visibility in the region
- Increase earned revenue through creative program expansion and development
- Increase philanthropic revenue through diverse fundraising, major gifts, and corporate grant initiatives
- Nurture and grow membership and visitation
- Develop plan to expand grounds under use with the goal of increasing community engagement
- Strengthen the BGO brand using marketing campaigns geared to various and diverse constituencies
- Develop organizational culture, promote transparency and collaboration throughout
- Identify, recruit, and train a talented team of professionals
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
5-10 years senior management experience, non-profit preferred
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Experience developing, cultivating, and sustaining a diverse funding base including private giving, corporate and individual donors, and memberships
Experience managing a complex budget
Preferred
Strong public relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
Persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
This position is a full-time, exempt position. Must be available some weekends and evenings.
Salary commensurate with experience
Application Instructions
Send cover letter and comprehensive resume to searchcommittee@bgozarks.org
3 references required if application is considered
No phone inquiries please
Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2022
Horticulture Supervisor
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, a local non-profit attraction is hiring a Horticulture Supervisor to join our dedicated team. This is a salaried position with partial benefits including life insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan and paid time off. Health insurance is not included at this time. Salary range: $38,000 – $42,000
Job Description Summary:
The Horticulture Supervisor is responsible for the overall stewardship of the garden grounds, greenhouses, as well as horticulture staff, interns and volunteers. This position serves as a key member of the staff by maintaining the health and appearance of the garden, working with all departments for the betterment of the garden and being a liaison to the community of Northwest Arkansas. The optimal candidate is highly organized, adept at planning a year or more in advance, able to balance multiple priorities and projects and enjoys all aspects of horticulture work.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field
- Four years related experience or a comparable combination of education and experience.
- Experience with a wide variety of plant materials including but not limited to annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, tropical and succulents
- Experience with greenhouse management
- Ability to lead and supervise staff and interns and manage volunteers
- Proficient in Excel, Word, Powerpoint or Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous non profit experience
- Interest in offering classes and representing the Garden at outreach opportunities
- Supervisory experience
Work Environment
Must be able to lift 50 pounds
Ability to work in all weather conditions
Use of pesticides on garden and greenhouse. Proper PPE will be provided
Please send cover letter and resume to:
Charlotte Taylor
ctaylor@bgozarks.org
P.O. Box 10407
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Assistant Director of Special Events
Department: Special Events
Reports to: Director of Special Events
Supervises: Custodian and contract workers, and interns
Hours: 35 hours a week, days and times depending on event schedule
Job Description Summary:
This position is a vital part of the Special Events Team. Interest and ability in promoting the Garden, renting the space and working to create exciting events for patrons. Engaging with corporate sponsors and potential sponsors in support of the Garden’s mission.
Required Qualifications:
Two to three years in event management, hospitality, or project management roles
Undergraduate degree in Business, Hospitality, Not for Profit Management or Project Management
Ability to manage time, multiple responsibilities, change direction due to needs
Great attitude and willingness to do an above average job
Ability to have difficult conversations with clients
Strong verbal and writing communication skills
A self-starter who also works well with a team
Preferred Qualifications:
Selling experience specifically rental space; ability to make cold calls
Can work effectively in the office and out of the office
Basic computer skills and knowledge of other office equipment
Ability to work with staff, volunteers and interns
Duties and Responsibilities:
Event Sales/Rental 55%
- Conduct tours of event spaces and respond to emails and calls from perspective clients and follow up on interest and inquiries in a timely manner.
- Negotiate and prepare event agreements and contracts with clients for all events booked using established guidelines & policies. Follow up until documents are signed and add to the BGO Calendar.
- Manage communications with clients during event planning cycle – often over extended periods of time.
- Make certain all payments and other event requirements are satisfied on or before dates specified in the event agreement. Follow up with Accounting.
- Hire, train and staff day of Event Coordinators, using contract labor, interns and volunteers ensuring quality services.
- Interact with appropriate management & facility/event coordinators on event dates and times, preferred caterers, event time-line, vendors, layouts and etc.… Facilitate internal and external communications of all private and special events to ensure client expectations are met and events run smoothly and efficiently.
- Follow up with client after the event to thank, solicit next event or referrals and to request published reviews of our services.
- Track monthly booking pace and sales to continually develop strategies to improve revenue and ensure quarterly sales targets are met. Create & provide monthly reports to be shared with Director and Board.
- Research and investigate other on-site event possibilities and tour promotions and present ideas to management.
- Communicate with Custodian to insure daily cleanliness and event set up. Work with other staff and volunteers who use the building for internal meetings and special events.
Event Management 20%
- Organize and manage all aspects of events, such as Jingle Bell Jog, Terrific Tuesday Nights, and assist with others as determined
- Work with volunteer team leaders and volunteers for each event
- Manage event budgets for each event
Sponsorships: 15%
- Engage potential corporate sponsors with the Garden and present with proposals for support
- Develop relationships with all sponsors to determine interest and motivation
- Follow through with paperwork, fulfilling all agreements
Other 10%
- Other Duties as assigned
- Represent BGO outside of the office by attending tradeshows, conventions, networking or speaking events.
- Work with the Communications Coordinator to create marketing opportunities for rental sales and event participation through the website, Pinterest and social media, etc. Create opportunities to showcase space and events through promotional materials as needed.
- Manage photo permit process, preferred caterer lists and other relationships.
- Keep a keen eye in the building and gardens for things that need to be repaired, eliminated or cleaned and inform the custodian or facilities staff in a timely manner.
Please send cover letter and resume to:
John Berry, Director of Special Events
Jberry@bgozarks.org
P.O. Box 10407
Fayetteville, AR 72703
No phone calls, please
Event Staff
The Event Staff is a hands-on position. The candidate must be able to respond quickly to change, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of an event. The candidate must be able to be professional in every situation ensuring that BGO guests have a satisfied experience.
Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
- Assist in executing special events such as weddings, birthday parties, corporate events & fundraisers
- Enforce BGO rental policies with client, caterer, guests and vendors
- Oversee the dismantling and removal of the event and clear the venue efficiently.
- Secure building and grounds after event has ended
- Co-coordinate with client and Special Event Staff on the day of the event to ensure that all runs smoothly
- Be a good representative of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
- High School diploma or GED
- Possess a strong commitment to customer service
- Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of business
Work Experience
- Previous wedding and/or event experience preferred (may be volunteer)
- On the job training will be provided
Skills and Abilities
- Good communication skills are required as this person will be working directly with clients and outside vendors
- Ability to work independently, with initiative, and as a team player
- Strong ability to work under pressure and with time constraints
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask
- Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
Skills and Abilities
The physical demands and work environment described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Physical demands: In the work environment described below, the position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, and strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds.
- Work Environment: Work will be performed in an inside and outdoor venue. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The position demands a flexible work schedule that will include evenings, and weekends.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Compensation: $13/ hour
Scheduling
Willingness to work evenings and weekends, as determined by the Director of Special Events and Assistant Director of Special Events to meet the demands of Garden.
If interested, please send your cover letter and resume to John Berry at jberry@bgozarks.org.
Job Title: Horticulture Intern
Department: Horticulture
Reports to: Horticulture Supervisor
Hours: Full or part time – BGO will accommodate class schedules to the best of their ability.
Principal Areas of Training Provided
- Care of diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, tropicals, grasses and annuals.
- Hard skills including but not limited to pruning, plant propagation (sexual and asexual), mulching, fertilizer application, Integrated Pest Management and fertigation.
- Use and maintenance of equipment and tools needed to perform daily tasks.
- Hand watering and monitoring irrigation of plantings, especially during time of establishment and drought.
- How to be a good representative of a public garden.
- Various other duties.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits
- Attending a University
- High School diploma or GED
- Possess a strong commitment to horticulture and team work.
- Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of business.
Work Experience
- Previous horticulture experience preferred (may be volunteer). Can include retail nursery, farming, gardening, or other horticulture related fields.
Skills and Abilities
- Good communication skills are required as this person will be working on a small team.
- Ability to work independently, with initiative and as a team player.
- Strong ability to work under pressure and with time constraints.
Physical demands
- This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching and strenuous lifting/moving objects repeatedly up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions – extreme heat and cold.
Compensation
This is an unpaid internship as we are a small non-profit. We will do our best to work around your schedule.
If you’re interested in applying, please send your resume directly to Megan at mlankford@bgozarks.org.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
