Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the Alaska Botanical Garden (ABG), providing overall leadership for strategy, operations, fundraising, financial management, and external relations. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors to advance the Garden’s mission, strengthen organizational sustainability, and guide continued growth as a leading public garden and community asset in Alaska.
At a pivotal moment in its history, ABG has outgrown its existing facilities. The ED will play a central role in advancing the Garden Expansion Project, working in partnership with the Board and campaign
counsel to plan and implement a successful capital campaign. Currently in the planning and pre-campaign development phase, the Expansion Project represents a major strategic priority for the organization over the next 3–5 years. This effort will support expansion of the Garden’s physical
footprint, enhance visitor and program experiences, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
This is an opportunity to lead a beloved and growing community institution in one of the most distinctive natural settings in North America.
About the Alaska Botanical Garden
The Alaska Botanical Garden is a 110-acre public garden located in Anchorage, Alaska, dedicated to showcasing the beauty and value of Alaska’s gardens and natural areas through science, education, and recreation using organic and sustainable practices. Nestled within Anchorage’s boreal forest, the Garden showcases northern horticulture, native and ornamental plant collections, including a nationally accredited Meconopsis collection, and provides year-round opportunities for learning, recreation, and connection to the natural world.
ABG is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit offering a wide range of programs and experiences, including education, public events, horticultural programming, and volunteer engagement. With an annual operating budget of approximately $1.1 million, the organization employs 12 permanent staff and expands its team with seasonal staff during the summer months to support peak visitation and programming.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
· Lead implementation of the 2024 Strategic Master Plan in partnership with the Board
· Guide the organization through a period of growth, aligning operations and capacity with increasing demand
· Ensure strategic decisions reflect best practices in public garden management, horticulture, and environmental stewardship
· Provide leadership for the planning and advancement of the Garden Expansion Project Board Relations & Governance
· Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
· Support effective governance, board engagement, and development
· Provide timely and transparent reporting on organizational performance and strategic initiatives
Fundraising
· Serve as the organization’s lead fundraiser and relationship builder
· Oversee and strengthen diverse revenue streams to support long-term sustainability, including:
o Growing earned revenue from admissions
o Expanding membership programs and retention strategies
o Increasing retail and mission-aligned merchandise sales
o Enhancing program-based revenue, including classes, events, and educational offerings
· Oversee and expand contributed revenue efforts, including grants, annual giving, and sponsorships
· Lead and actively participate in all aspects of a comprehensive capital campaign
· Partner with campaign counsel and Board members to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts
Financial Management
· Develop and manage the annual operating budget of approximately $1.1 million
· Ensure sound financial practices, reporting, and long-term sustainability
· Align financial planning with strategic priorities and capital investments
External Relations & Community Engagement
· Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for ABG
· Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, public agencies, and community stakeholders
· Increase the Garden’s visibility and impact locally, statewide, and regionally, including within the national public garden and horticultural community
Programs, Horticulture & Operations
· Oversee all Garden operations, including horticulture, collections management, facilities, and public programs
· Ensure the care, development, and interpretation of plant collections align with the Garden’s mission and professional standards
· Support and elevate horticultural excellence, ecological stewardship, and climate-appropriate practices
· Ensure high-quality, accessible, and engaging visitor experiences
· Support planning, design, and implementation of expansion-related improvements with attention to horticultural integrity and long-term maintenance
Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
· Oversee a team of 12 year-round staff representing education, guest services and facilities departments, with additional seasonal staff during peak months
· Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team
· Foster a collaborative, inclusive, creative, and mission-driven workplace culture
· Align staffing structure and systems to support organizational growth
· Support a collegial and community-oriented environment that values teamwork, curiosity, flexibility, and shared stewardship of the Garden
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
· Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive senior leadership experience in a botanical garden, arboretum, museum, park system, environmental organization, or similar nonprofit organization
· Strong understanding of public garden operations, including horticulture, plant collections, and/or land management
· Bachelor’s degree required
· Demonstrated success in fundraising from diverse funding sources
· Experience working effectively with a board of directors
· Strong financial management and organizational leadership skills
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities
· Demonstrated supervisory and budget management experience
Preferred:
· Master’s degree in nonprofit management, horticulture, public administration, environmental education, or a related field
· Direct experience managing a botanical garden, arboretum, or similar living collection
· Background in horticulture, public garden management, or related field
· Experience leading or supporting a capital campaign
· Familiarity with Alaska, northern climates, or similar mission-driven work
Core Competencies
· Strategic and visionary leadership
· Fundraising and donor engagement
· Relationship building and collaboration
· Operational and financial acumen
· Horticultural awareness and stewardship mindset
· Change management and organizational growth
· Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community access
Compensation & Work Environment
The Alaska Botanical Garden offers a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven work environment rooted in a shared passion for plants, nature, education, and community. Staff culture is collegial, dedicated, and grounded, with many long-tenured team members who bring deep institutional knowledge and genuine care for the Garden and one another. The Garden maintains a shared workspace that is dog-friendly and environmentally conscious where teamwork, flexibility, and a sense of humor are valued alongside professionalism and excellence.
The Executive Director will work within a shared office environment and should expect occasional evening and weekend work in support of workshops, public programs, and special events. Limited remote work flexibility may be available; however, Alaska Botanical Garden is a site-based organization, regular in-person presence and active engagement are essential for daily operations and visitor experiences.
Benefits include 403(b) retirement plan with 3% match, 12 paid holidays, paid sick leave, and paid time off (PTO), beginning at 15 days annually in the first year. A paid sabbatical is available after five years of service, subject to board approval. The Executive Director will be supported by an active and engaged Board of Directors and an experienced senior leadership team overseeing day-to-day operations and programs.
To Apply
To apply, email a cover letter and resume in PDF format to [email protected] with the email subject line: Executive Director. First review of applications will begin the week of July 6, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Alaska Botanical Garden provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Appointment to this position is conditional upon a satisfactory background check.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
