Cornell University
Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director - Cornell Botanic Gardens
Cornell University, Northeast Ithaca, New York, United States
Overview
Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Ithaca, New York. Cornell Botanic Gardens is an organization whose mission is inspiring people — through cultivation, conservation, and education — to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The Gardens support research and instruction across Cornell University, with a mission aligned to advancing biocultural diversity and climate resilience. The Gardens operate academic programs, horticultural collections, natural areas, and public engagement activities, with a budget and staff described in the posting. Our College and unit work across disciplines to tackle challenges of our time through research, education, and outreach and pursue strategic goals through 2025–2030 focused on conservation, climate resilience, health, collaboration, and university impact. What You Will Do
The Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens serves as the chief officer for planning, operations, fundraising, and public relations. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership to promote growth in key areas: horticulture, natural areas conservation and management, education and public engagement. Responsibilities include implementing the botanic gardens’ 2025–2030 Strategic Plan; developing new programmatic or capital initiatives; managing an engaged Advisory Council; cultivating and soliciting donors; pursuing grants and funding opportunities; communicating with stakeholders such as faculty, students, University administration, donors, visitors, and the public; and maintaining liaisons with diverse constituencies. The Executive Director develops and implements long-range financial and business plans and oversees fiscal operations. The role also establishes fundraising and alumni relations direction in collaboration with the Director of Development, travels to meet donors, and ensures administration of University policies and procedures in partnership with the Administrative Manager. The Executive Director leads organizational operations, supervises staff, fosters an inclusive workplace culture, and works with senior leaders to develop and monitor annual plans and action items. The Executive Director advances the overall vision for Cornell Botanic Gardens and acts as the primary public spokesperson. The role collaborates with faculty and academic unit leaders to integrate the Gardens into education, research, and outreach, and contributes to the University’s academic program as an adjunct in an appropriate department. The Director represents the Gardens in national and international public garden sectors and pursues meaningful partnerships to support Cornell and CALS programs. The position ensures operations meet public garden and museum standards globally. The Executive Director leads a team of senior leaders and staff, mentors staff, and promotes professional development and a positive, inclusive workplace. Responsibilities include strategic planning, performance management, compensation and staffing in consultation with CALS Human Resources, and ensuring adherence to University policies in collaboration with the Administrative Manager. The Executive Director works with senior leaders to advance the mission, engage with senior academic and College leadership, and serve as the Garden’s chief external representative and fundraiser. The role includes collaboration with faculty and academic unit leaders to integrate the Gardens with university programs and to contribute to the academic program as applicable. What We Need
Ph.D. in plant science, horticulture, landscape architecture, education, conservation biology, or a related field. 5+ years of successful management experience in a senior leadership role at a public garden, museum, non-profit cultural organization, environmental conservation organization, or related field. Professional qualifications appropriate for adjunct academic appointment in an appropriate Cornell University department or School. Excitement for the vision and mission of Cornell Botanic Gardens and its 2025–2030 strategic goals. An outstanding cultural and aesthetic guide who is passionate about public gardens, conservation, education, and engagement, capable of inspiring support for the organization’s mission. Strong ethics and integrity; demonstrated ability to understand cultural differences. Track record of strategic vision setting and implementation, organizational leadership, and experience with a diverse workforce. Energetic, creative, and strategic thinker with prudent risk-taking. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues and staff at all levels. Leadership experience in a complex organization with attention to staff needs, including manual labor workforce. Ability to listen effectively, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and empower staff and advisors to advance the Gardens’ mission. In-depth knowledge of public gardens, plant and natural areas conservation, or museum directorship experience. Excellent public speaking and writing skills; ability to serve as spokesperson and ambassador for a university public garden. Ability to cultivate relationships and fundraise from a variety of sources, including individual donors. Proven success in obtaining grants and/or contracts and in serving as Principal Investigator when appropriate. Commitment to scholarly activities including publishing, mentoring, and professional engagement. Ability to foster a positive, inclusive work environment where staff are valued and trusted. High creativity, strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and visionary leadership. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; strong customer service and communication skills. Attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to drive efficiency and manage multiple priorities under pressure. Note: Additional helpful qualifications include experience in a university leadership role or 10+ years leading and managing a public garden or related organization, and proven university relationship development. Starting date
Starting date anticipated between November 1, 2025 and January 2, 2026. Visa sponsorship
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Rewards and Benefits
Cornell offers a comprehensive total rewards program. More information on benefits is available, including a link to the total rewards resources. How to Apply
You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter. Apply via the institution’s online system, uploading documents using the designated interface. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, please refer to the How We Hire information on the HR site. Internal employees should log in to Workday to view jobs. Candidate materials will remain confidential within the search committee. Review begins August 15, 2025. Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit the EEO page. Note: University job title and pay range are provided in the posting. Salary range: 176,486.00 – 215,705.00. This posting is for a non-union staff position with onsite work. For further pay structure details, see the posting materials. notices
Notice to Applicants and EEO statements are included in this posting as required by policy. Current employees should follow internal processes to apply. For general questions, contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
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Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Ithaca, New York. Cornell Botanic Gardens is an organization whose mission is inspiring people — through cultivation, conservation, and education — to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The Gardens support research and instruction across Cornell University, with a mission aligned to advancing biocultural diversity and climate resilience. The Gardens operate academic programs, horticultural collections, natural areas, and public engagement activities, with a budget and staff described in the posting. Our College and unit work across disciplines to tackle challenges of our time through research, education, and outreach and pursue strategic goals through 2025–2030 focused on conservation, climate resilience, health, collaboration, and university impact. What You Will Do
The Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens serves as the chief officer for planning, operations, fundraising, and public relations. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership to promote growth in key areas: horticulture, natural areas conservation and management, education and public engagement. Responsibilities include implementing the botanic gardens’ 2025–2030 Strategic Plan; developing new programmatic or capital initiatives; managing an engaged Advisory Council; cultivating and soliciting donors; pursuing grants and funding opportunities; communicating with stakeholders such as faculty, students, University administration, donors, visitors, and the public; and maintaining liaisons with diverse constituencies. The Executive Director develops and implements long-range financial and business plans and oversees fiscal operations. The role also establishes fundraising and alumni relations direction in collaboration with the Director of Development, travels to meet donors, and ensures administration of University policies and procedures in partnership with the Administrative Manager. The Executive Director leads organizational operations, supervises staff, fosters an inclusive workplace culture, and works with senior leaders to develop and monitor annual plans and action items. The Executive Director advances the overall vision for Cornell Botanic Gardens and acts as the primary public spokesperson. The role collaborates with faculty and academic unit leaders to integrate the Gardens into education, research, and outreach, and contributes to the University’s academic program as an adjunct in an appropriate department. The Director represents the Gardens in national and international public garden sectors and pursues meaningful partnerships to support Cornell and CALS programs. The position ensures operations meet public garden and museum standards globally. The Executive Director leads a team of senior leaders and staff, mentors staff, and promotes professional development and a positive, inclusive workplace. Responsibilities include strategic planning, performance management, compensation and staffing in consultation with CALS Human Resources, and ensuring adherence to University policies in collaboration with the Administrative Manager. The Executive Director works with senior leaders to advance the mission, engage with senior academic and College leadership, and serve as the Garden’s chief external representative and fundraiser. The role includes collaboration with faculty and academic unit leaders to integrate the Gardens with university programs and to contribute to the academic program as applicable. What We Need
Ph.D. in plant science, horticulture, landscape architecture, education, conservation biology, or a related field. 5+ years of successful management experience in a senior leadership role at a public garden, museum, non-profit cultural organization, environmental conservation organization, or related field. Professional qualifications appropriate for adjunct academic appointment in an appropriate Cornell University department or School. Excitement for the vision and mission of Cornell Botanic Gardens and its 2025–2030 strategic goals. An outstanding cultural and aesthetic guide who is passionate about public gardens, conservation, education, and engagement, capable of inspiring support for the organization’s mission. Strong ethics and integrity; demonstrated ability to understand cultural differences. Track record of strategic vision setting and implementation, organizational leadership, and experience with a diverse workforce. Energetic, creative, and strategic thinker with prudent risk-taking. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues and staff at all levels. Leadership experience in a complex organization with attention to staff needs, including manual labor workforce. Ability to listen effectively, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and empower staff and advisors to advance the Gardens’ mission. In-depth knowledge of public gardens, plant and natural areas conservation, or museum directorship experience. Excellent public speaking and writing skills; ability to serve as spokesperson and ambassador for a university public garden. Ability to cultivate relationships and fundraise from a variety of sources, including individual donors. Proven success in obtaining grants and/or contracts and in serving as Principal Investigator when appropriate. Commitment to scholarly activities including publishing, mentoring, and professional engagement. Ability to foster a positive, inclusive work environment where staff are valued and trusted. High creativity, strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and visionary leadership. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; strong customer service and communication skills. Attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to drive efficiency and manage multiple priorities under pressure. Note: Additional helpful qualifications include experience in a university leadership role or 10+ years leading and managing a public garden or related organization, and proven university relationship development. Starting date
Starting date anticipated between November 1, 2025 and January 2, 2026. Visa sponsorship
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Rewards and Benefits
Cornell offers a comprehensive total rewards program. More information on benefits is available, including a link to the total rewards resources. How to Apply
You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter. Apply via the institution’s online system, uploading documents using the designated interface. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, please refer to the How We Hire information on the HR site. Internal employees should log in to Workday to view jobs. Candidate materials will remain confidential within the search committee. Review begins August 15, 2025. Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit the EEO page. Note: University job title and pay range are provided in the posting. Salary range: 176,486.00 – 215,705.00. This posting is for a non-union staff position with onsite work. For further pay structure details, see the posting materials. notices
Notice to Applicants and EEO statements are included in this posting as required by policy. Current employees should follow internal processes to apply. For general questions, contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
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