Valtas
Seattle Botanic Gardens* – President & CEO
Join
Valtas
as the inaugural
President & CEO
of Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG), a prestigious non‑profit botanical institution. The role reports to the Board of Directors, manages approximately 50 staff, and oversees an annual operating budget of about $9 million (FY 2026).
SBG is the result of merging the University of Washington Botanic Garden and The Arboretum Foundation. This leadership will unite a national‑significance institution that includes:
The 230‑acre Washington Park Arboretum with more than 40,000 plants from 107 countries
The Center for Urban Horticulture with research facilities, a Rare Care plant conservation program, and a seed vault
The 74‑acre Union Bay Natural Area, a top bird‑watching spot on Lake Washington
The Seattle Japanese Garden, a 3.5‑acre traditional stroll garden
An upcoming 28‑acre Montlake Peninsula site planned for 2031
Leadership Profile The new CEO will inspire, unite people, and lead strategic. They will:
Guide integration of the two organizations into a single entity and promote national influence
Advance ambitious capital projects, including raising $100 – 150 million for the Montlake Peninsula expansion
Build partnerships and secure fundraising to sustain and grow programs and plant collections
Foster a culture of inclusivity and equity while caring for staff and community stakeholders
Qualifications We seek visionary leaders who:
Have extensive experience in nonprofit executive leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning
Demonstrate a record of inspiring others and building collaborative teams
Have a deep passion for botany, science, and public education
Hold strong communication and relationship‑building skills with diverse constituencies
Applicants who do not meet every listed qualification are encouraged to apply.
Total Compensation & Benefits Annual salary range: $250,000 – $290,000, depending on experience.
Benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Generous paid time off
Professional development support
Application Process The position remains open until filled, with a priority deadline of
January 9, 2025 . To apply, please submit:
A cover letter (two pages or fewer) addressed to the President & CEO Search Committee
Your resume
Cover Letter Focus:
Why you are interested in this role?
How your experience aligns with our mission and values?
What would you bring to this moment in our organization’s history?
Questions may be directed to Ed Rogan (ed@valtasgroup.com) or Chris Cannon (chris@valtasgroup.com).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Valtas
as the inaugural
President & CEO
of Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG), a prestigious non‑profit botanical institution. The role reports to the Board of Directors, manages approximately 50 staff, and oversees an annual operating budget of about $9 million (FY 2026).
SBG is the result of merging the University of Washington Botanic Garden and The Arboretum Foundation. This leadership will unite a national‑significance institution that includes:
The 230‑acre Washington Park Arboretum with more than 40,000 plants from 107 countries
The Center for Urban Horticulture with research facilities, a Rare Care plant conservation program, and a seed vault
The 74‑acre Union Bay Natural Area, a top bird‑watching spot on Lake Washington
The Seattle Japanese Garden, a 3.5‑acre traditional stroll garden
An upcoming 28‑acre Montlake Peninsula site planned for 2031
Leadership Profile The new CEO will inspire, unite people, and lead strategic. They will:
Guide integration of the two organizations into a single entity and promote national influence
Advance ambitious capital projects, including raising $100 – 150 million for the Montlake Peninsula expansion
Build partnerships and secure fundraising to sustain and grow programs and plant collections
Foster a culture of inclusivity and equity while caring for staff and community stakeholders
Qualifications We seek visionary leaders who:
Have extensive experience in nonprofit executive leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning
Demonstrate a record of inspiring others and building collaborative teams
Have a deep passion for botany, science, and public education
Hold strong communication and relationship‑building skills with diverse constituencies
Applicants who do not meet every listed qualification are encouraged to apply.
Total Compensation & Benefits Annual salary range: $250,000 – $290,000, depending on experience.
Benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Generous paid time off
Professional development support
Application Process The position remains open until filled, with a priority deadline of
January 9, 2025 . To apply, please submit:
A cover letter (two pages or fewer) addressed to the President & CEO Search Committee
Your resume
Cover Letter Focus:
Why you are interested in this role?
How your experience aligns with our mission and values?
What would you bring to this moment in our organization’s history?
Questions may be directed to Ed Rogan (ed@valtasgroup.com) or Chris Cannon (chris@valtasgroup.com).
#J-18808-Ljbffr