Boerner Botanical Gardens is located 15 minutes outside of Milwaukee in the Village of Hales Corners.

Thousands of plants bring the seasons to life at the Botanical Gardens, with colorful and fragrant displays laid out in 12 formal gardens. Explore a rose garden, peony garden and daylily garden; stroll under blossoming crabapples or magnolias. Boerner Botanical Gardens is an integral part of the Milwaukee County Parks system as the only outdoors cultural and horticultural attraction.

JOB SUMMARY:  To oversee and manage the day to day operations, facility budgets, event development and implementation, manage partner relationships, staff management, and create opportunities and partnerships within the larger community that would benefit the Milwaukee County Parks Department. Boerner Botanical Garden opened in 1939 and has since served as premiere garden for public horticulture and education in Milwaukee County.

JOB DUTIES:

• Develop and implement long range plans: Identify projects and initiatives that enhance the visitors experience and techniques including "best practices" in managing a Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
• Direct and plan the work of subordinates/employees: Recruit, train, supervise, evaluate and establish goals for employees at all levels at Boerner Botanical Garden.
• Promote Boerner Botanical Garden as a regional destination: In coordination with Parks Marketing, work with media outlets and public relations to generate interest and support from the community and other private organizations, such as the Friends of Boerner Botanical Garden and Milwaukee County.
• Monitor cash reports, attendance/revenue and facility data: Knowledge of department reports, procedures and policies that relate to cash handling and County practices and rules.
• Prepare, manage budget for the Boerner Botanical Garden & Arboretum: Monitor and submit correct paperwork for purchases, prioritize projects, goals and objectives to stay within designated budgets.
• Explore fundraising/sponsorship opportunities: Along with Parks Development Officer, identify partners, potential sponsorships and organizations that support the mission to further the improvement, revitalization and sustainability of the Botanical Garden.
• Provide development, oversight of Boerner Botanical Events/Education: Create events that increase interest, exposure and attendance to meet facility revenue targets. This will mean pursuing work with vendors, partner organizations and sponsors to increase visitor numbers through professional production of special events/education.
• Develop and maintain customer service standards: Establish customer service benchmarks for the facility and employees, maintain high quality customer service levels.
• Develop and coordinate alignment with partner organizations: Work to develop new partnerships to result in mutual benefit, exposure for the facility. Regularly attend meetings to ensure alignment and continued relations with existing partners. Working closely with Friends of Boerner Botanical Garden, Zilli's Hospitality Group, Rotary Club, plant societies & others.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current resident of the USA
• Valid Driver’s License at time of appointment and maintained during incumbency.
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• At least three (3) years’ related work experience budgeting, event management, horticulture, or community outreach required.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory/management experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Marketing, fundraising and/or corporate sales preferred
• Facility planning and/or management experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKIILS AND ABILITIES:  

• Maintain confidentiality
• People and communication skills
• Ability to outreach to community groups and organizations, political leaders, and support groups, including the Friends group.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced organization.
• Analytical skills, problem-solving skills, proactive nature and good people skills.

NOTE:  This Original application is open to qualified residents of the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of starting date. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.