Seattle Botanic Gardens
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3 Dec
2025 Full-Time President and CEO
Seattle Botanic Gardens – Posted by jobelephant – Seattle , Washington, United States Job Description
Seattle Botanic Gardens
President & CEO
Salary range:
$250,000 – $290,000 Location:
Seattle, WA Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG) is conducting a nationwide search for its inaugural President & CEO to guide the integration of two closely aligned organizations—the University of Washington Botanic Garden (UWBG) and The Arboretum Foundation—into a single entity positioned to take full advantage of their extraordinary shared resources. For the past 90 years, the Arboretum Foundation has stewarded the Washington Park Arboretum, both as a freely accessible public park and as one of the finest collections of woody plants in the world. For the past 50 years, the UWBG has managed that collection, conducted extensive botanical and environmental research, and provided educational opportunities for toddlers, schoolchildren, and adults. Together, we will be a single institution of national significance—capable of furthering our mission and executing ambitious capital projects. Our new leader will need to be an inspirational builder, though the foundations are firmly in place. Fast Facts
Seattle Botanic Gardens welcomes more than 600,000 visitors annually. The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum houses more than 40,000 plants from 107 countries. The Center for Urban Horticulture includes gardens, research facilities, and the Rare Care plant conservation program and seed vault. The 74-acre Union Bay Natural Area is the second-largest natural system on Lake Washington and a premier bird-watching site. The 3.5-acre Seattle Japanese Garden is a traditional stroll garden. A future 28-acre Montlake Peninsula site is anticipated in ~2031. In 2026, the Arboretum Foundation and UWBG are combining into one organization. The Washington Park Arboretum was founded in 1934. The Center for Urban Horticulture opened in 1984 as a hub for plant research. Seattle is known for natural beauty, innovation, outdoor recreation, and environmental leadership. The Organization
The Arboretum Foundation and UWBG are joining forces to create one unified organization. This combination brings together: Public park spaces loved by visitors from around the world World-class plant collections used for research and conservation Educational programs that connect thousands of people with nature Gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms and peaceful gathering spaces The new organization will manage public use, plant care, science education, and community programs across multiple sites. Once unified, SBG will have more resources, stronger programs, and greater impact than either organization alone. A major opportunity ahead is developing the 28-acre Montlake Peninsula, returning to the Arboretum in 2031. This once-in-a-generation project will require raising $100–$150 million and creating a new vision for welcoming visitors and serving the community. Opportunities for Impact
Organizational Integration
The President & CEO will unite two organizations with different histories and cultures into one strong, cohesive team. This includes key hires, building systems for 50+ staff, and cultivating a workplace culture grounded in learning, collaboration, inclusion, and respect. Vision & Strategic Leadership
Develop a clear, inspiring vision that communicates why this organization matters to Seattle’s future. Guide strategic planning, involve staff and partners, and strengthen SBG’s reputation as a world-class botanic garden. Community Engagement & Partnerships
Strengthen relationships with key partners including Seattle Parks and Recreation, elected officials, tribal leadership, and the Japanese American community. Engage diverse communities and position SBG as essential to Seattle’s identity. Lead efforts to raise $100–$150 million for the Montlake Peninsula project and grow annual fundraising. Build donor relationships, support development staff, and establish long-term fundraising systems. Programs & Operations
Support exceptional plant care, conservation work, research partnerships, and expanded educational programs. Help SBG prepare for climate change impacts while ensuring financial sustainability and operational excellence. Leadership Profile
If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every listed qualification, please apply anyway. We welcome a broad range of experience, including professional, volunteer, lived, direct, and transferable skills. We’re seeking candidates with successes in some or all of the following areas: Qualifications
Leadership
Experience managing organizational change during mergers or major transitions Collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and builds trust Proven senior leadership experience (President, CEO, COO, or similar) Ability to create an inclusive, respectful workplace Commitment to listening to staff, board, partners, and community voices Financial management experience (budgets, fundraising, sustainability) Strategic thinking plus operational oversight Strong partnership with boards of directors Partnerships / External Relations
Experience working with government agencies, universities, or complex institutions Consultation with tribal governments and Indigenous partnerships Experience with diverse communities and equity-focused practices Success in major gifts, capital campaigns, and donor engagement Capital campaign leadership of $25M or more Knowledge of the region’s philanthropic community Mission Alignment
Commitment to public gardens, plant conservation, and connecting people with nature Experience in botanic gardens, zoos, aquariums, museums, or similar institutions Understanding of university culture and academic research Horticultural, botanical, or landscape design knowledge Personal Qualities
Emotional intelligence and ability to navigate sensitive situations Understanding of nonprofit governance, strategy, finances, and operations Ability to balance many interests and move the organization forward Skill in uniting people around a shared vision Clear written, spoken, and interpersonal communication Resilience and positivity during challenges Ability to represent the organization publicly and in the media The annual salary range is $250,000 – $290,000, depending on experience. Seattle Botanic Gardens offers competitive salaries and benefits, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan with employer contribution Generous paid time off The position is open until filled, with priority deadline January 9, 2025. Please submit: A cover letter (two pages or less), addressed to the President & CEO Search Committee Your resume Why are you interested in this role? How does your experience align with our mission and values? What would you bring to this moment in our organization’s history? Human communities and ecosystems both thrive through diversity. Seattle Botanic Gardens welcomes candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, identities, religions, and ages with diverse viewpoints and lived experience. Seattle Botanic Gardens will be an inspiring place to work. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to bring some of Seattle’s most beloved places together under one dynamic, diverse, engaged organization. *The name Seattle Botanic Gardens has not been formally adopted. greenjobsearch.org is a job board for sustainability, climate, and environmental careers. It is produced by Green Jobs Network. For questions, send an e-mail to hello [at] greenjobs.net or call (650) 776-8621.
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2025 Full-Time President and CEO
Seattle Botanic Gardens – Posted by jobelephant – Seattle , Washington, United States Job Description
Seattle Botanic Gardens
President & CEO
Salary range:
$250,000 – $290,000 Location:
Seattle, WA Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG) is conducting a nationwide search for its inaugural President & CEO to guide the integration of two closely aligned organizations—the University of Washington Botanic Garden (UWBG) and The Arboretum Foundation—into a single entity positioned to take full advantage of their extraordinary shared resources. For the past 90 years, the Arboretum Foundation has stewarded the Washington Park Arboretum, both as a freely accessible public park and as one of the finest collections of woody plants in the world. For the past 50 years, the UWBG has managed that collection, conducted extensive botanical and environmental research, and provided educational opportunities for toddlers, schoolchildren, and adults. Together, we will be a single institution of national significance—capable of furthering our mission and executing ambitious capital projects. Our new leader will need to be an inspirational builder, though the foundations are firmly in place. Fast Facts
Seattle Botanic Gardens welcomes more than 600,000 visitors annually. The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum houses more than 40,000 plants from 107 countries. The Center for Urban Horticulture includes gardens, research facilities, and the Rare Care plant conservation program and seed vault. The 74-acre Union Bay Natural Area is the second-largest natural system on Lake Washington and a premier bird-watching site. The 3.5-acre Seattle Japanese Garden is a traditional stroll garden. A future 28-acre Montlake Peninsula site is anticipated in ~2031. In 2026, the Arboretum Foundation and UWBG are combining into one organization. The Washington Park Arboretum was founded in 1934. The Center for Urban Horticulture opened in 1984 as a hub for plant research. Seattle is known for natural beauty, innovation, outdoor recreation, and environmental leadership. The Organization
The Arboretum Foundation and UWBG are joining forces to create one unified organization. This combination brings together: Public park spaces loved by visitors from around the world World-class plant collections used for research and conservation Educational programs that connect thousands of people with nature Gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms and peaceful gathering spaces The new organization will manage public use, plant care, science education, and community programs across multiple sites. Once unified, SBG will have more resources, stronger programs, and greater impact than either organization alone. A major opportunity ahead is developing the 28-acre Montlake Peninsula, returning to the Arboretum in 2031. This once-in-a-generation project will require raising $100–$150 million and creating a new vision for welcoming visitors and serving the community. Opportunities for Impact
Organizational Integration
The President & CEO will unite two organizations with different histories and cultures into one strong, cohesive team. This includes key hires, building systems for 50+ staff, and cultivating a workplace culture grounded in learning, collaboration, inclusion, and respect. Vision & Strategic Leadership
Develop a clear, inspiring vision that communicates why this organization matters to Seattle’s future. Guide strategic planning, involve staff and partners, and strengthen SBG’s reputation as a world-class botanic garden. Community Engagement & Partnerships
Strengthen relationships with key partners including Seattle Parks and Recreation, elected officials, tribal leadership, and the Japanese American community. Engage diverse communities and position SBG as essential to Seattle’s identity. Lead efforts to raise $100–$150 million for the Montlake Peninsula project and grow annual fundraising. Build donor relationships, support development staff, and establish long-term fundraising systems. Programs & Operations
Support exceptional plant care, conservation work, research partnerships, and expanded educational programs. Help SBG prepare for climate change impacts while ensuring financial sustainability and operational excellence. Leadership Profile
If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every listed qualification, please apply anyway. We welcome a broad range of experience, including professional, volunteer, lived, direct, and transferable skills. We’re seeking candidates with successes in some or all of the following areas: Qualifications
Leadership
Experience managing organizational change during mergers or major transitions Collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and builds trust Proven senior leadership experience (President, CEO, COO, or similar) Ability to create an inclusive, respectful workplace Commitment to listening to staff, board, partners, and community voices Financial management experience (budgets, fundraising, sustainability) Strategic thinking plus operational oversight Strong partnership with boards of directors Partnerships / External Relations
Experience working with government agencies, universities, or complex institutions Consultation with tribal governments and Indigenous partnerships Experience with diverse communities and equity-focused practices Success in major gifts, capital campaigns, and donor engagement Capital campaign leadership of $25M or more Knowledge of the region’s philanthropic community Mission Alignment
Commitment to public gardens, plant conservation, and connecting people with nature Experience in botanic gardens, zoos, aquariums, museums, or similar institutions Understanding of university culture and academic research Horticultural, botanical, or landscape design knowledge Personal Qualities
Emotional intelligence and ability to navigate sensitive situations Understanding of nonprofit governance, strategy, finances, and operations Ability to balance many interests and move the organization forward Skill in uniting people around a shared vision Clear written, spoken, and interpersonal communication Resilience and positivity during challenges Ability to represent the organization publicly and in the media The annual salary range is $250,000 – $290,000, depending on experience. Seattle Botanic Gardens offers competitive salaries and benefits, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan with employer contribution Generous paid time off The position is open until filled, with priority deadline January 9, 2025. Please submit: A cover letter (two pages or less), addressed to the President & CEO Search Committee Your resume Why are you interested in this role? How does your experience align with our mission and values? What would you bring to this moment in our organization’s history? Human communities and ecosystems both thrive through diversity. Seattle Botanic Gardens welcomes candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, identities, religions, and ages with diverse viewpoints and lived experience. Seattle Botanic Gardens will be an inspiring place to work. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to bring some of Seattle’s most beloved places together under one dynamic, diverse, engaged organization. *The name Seattle Botanic Gardens has not been formally adopted. greenjobsearch.org is a job board for sustainability, climate, and environmental careers. It is produced by Green Jobs Network. For questions, send an e-mail to hello [at] greenjobs.net or call (650) 776-8621.
#J-18808-Ljbffr