Job description

Harry P. Leu Gardens is an expansive 50-acre botanical oasis featuring 40 horticultural collections and the Leu House Museum, built in the 1880’s, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Situated on Lake Rowena approximately two miles from downtown Orlando, Leu Gardens is managed by the City of Orlando, through the Orlando Venues department. It has an annual operating budget of $2.6M, a total annual attendance of 245,000 and 25 full- and part-time staff members.

Each year, Leu Gardens hosts Dazzling Nights, a wildly popular holiday-themed light festival where over 60,000 visitors explore an immersive winter wonderland complete with over one million lights, a 40’ diameter snow dome with swirling snow, a 70' long candy cane vortex light tunnel, a light show with live singers and live-action characters. Other featured events and exhibitions included a spring Dragons & Fairies live-action experience, a fall-themed Haunted Tales event, Movie Night at Leu, Jazz ‘n Blues Concerts, among many others. The gardens also host numerous wedding ceremonies, receptions, and engagements throughout the year.

The Executive Director of Leu Botanical Gardens has the opportunity to shape an already successful horticultural and historic site into a leading visitation venue for residents of Central Florida and visitors to the greater Orlando area. Through a partnership with Memoir Event Management, the gardens have hosted very successful seasonal and special events. Orlando Venues desires to significantly expand the type and frequency of signature events and exhibitions that will drive future engagement and visitation to Leu Gardens.

The Executive Director will provide oversight and leadership in the strategic direction of Leu Gardens, maximizing its ability to engage new audiences through the development of new experiences and events. A strong management leader, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing and directing the gardens including administration, the proper maintenance of grounds and buildings, collections, labeling and display of various plant species, educational programming, membership development, marketing/public relations, budgeting, sponsorships, grants, fundraising, strategic plans and preservation of Historic Landmarks on site. This individual reports to the Chief Venues Officer of Orlando Venues and interacts with an appointed Board of Trustees.

This individual will possess both a willingness to passionately program the gardens as an event destination while preserving and promoting environmental enjoyment, stewardship and sustainability through education, creative arts and interaction with nature. The Executive Director will bring leadership characterized by an ability to garner broad community support, increase visibility of the organization and carry forward major new projects and programs. The ideal leader will have a demonstrated track record of success in conceptualizing, developing, and executing new programs, events, and experiences that have garnered greater awareness as well as reputational and financial success.

A proven ability to manage and lead an organization is required. This includes experience in hiring, coaching and delegating which results in a high-quality team of tightly-coordinated, professional and accountable staff members. Experience hiring and working with a diverse team required. Strategic and business-principled decision-making experience must be evident. Experience in project management, from basic infrastructure improvements to large-scale capital construction projects, is ideal. Solid, demonstrated skills in budgeting, operations and business management are expected.

Specific experience with public gardens is not a requirement but desired. An affinity and passion for the mission of public gardens must be demonstrated. Senior-level leadership in a destination-type venue that aspires to deliver an extraordinary visitor experience is highly desirable.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field, including at least three years of management or leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of educational training and experience. Valid State of Florida driver’s license required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Orlando, FL 32803: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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