POSITION:                         Executive Director
         
REPORTS TO:                    Board of Directors
 
LOCATION:                        Belmont, North Carolina
                                          (Greater Charlotte Area)
 
MISSION
 
To create an inspiring, unforgettable garden experience
that instills a love of nature and its beauty.
 
ABOUT DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN
 
In 1991, retired textile executive Daniel Jonathan Stowe bestowed a gift to the Seven Oaks Foundation destined to provide beauty and joy to future generations.  With the vision of a botanical garden to rival the world’s best, Mr. Stowe set aside 380 acres of prime rolling meadows, woodland and lakefront property for the development of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.  The Garden today operates as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and is located about 20 miles west of Charlotte.
 
In 1994, the Board of Directors approved a master site plan for the development of the Garden which would take place over the next 50 years, much of which has been implemented.  Standing sentinel at the entrance to the formal gardens is the Robert Lee Stowe Visitor Pavilion featuring pale yellow stucco walls fronted by 20 white Tuscan columns and topped with a copper roof. The Pavilion contains an exquisitely merchandised Garden Store and the Great Hall offers space for weddings, bridal luncheons, corporate events, birthday parties and other special events. The Visitor Pavilion along with 12 formal display gardens and perennial gardens opened in 1999.
 
The White Garden was completed in 2003 and is now a popular destination for weddings (currently booked for about 125 ceremonies a year).  The Orchid Conservatory was opened in 2008 and is the region’s only public conservatory devoted to the display of orchids and tropical plants, giving guests the opportunity to learn about tropical ecosystems around the world.  Phase I of Lost Hollow, the Kimbrell Children’s Garden, opened to wide acclaim in 2015 and work continues on Phase II that will expand its footprint over the next two years.  Its newest destination, The Levine Education Pavilion, opened recently, greatly enhanced education programming for elementary, youth and adult levels of interest.
 
The current annual operating budget of the Garden is about $2.4 million.  Approximately 2/3 of its income is earned revenue. Human capital consists of 44 full-and part-time employees and more than 200 devoted volunteers, 80 of which are in the horticulture department.  Attendance this year will be about 120,000 and the Garden is currently supported by 6,500 members.  The Garden continues to build on its recognition and reputation with HGTV naming it one of the nation’s "20 Great Gardens”.
 
THE OPPORTUNITY
 
Based on the original master site plan developed many years ago, the Board of Directors just adopted a new 5-year strategic plan for the Garden.  The plan is intended to provide the new Executive Director with a broad framework around which his or her vision for the future of Daniel Stowe can be articulated.  Six overarching goals are outlined in the plan: elevate the impact of programs, exhibitions and events; enhance the guest experience; increase awareness and attendance; expand and improve the physical infrastructure devoted to display; improve the financial strength of the Garden; and become an employer of choice in the region, which includes the increased diversity of staff, board and volunteers.  Upgrades to the permanent display gardens is also a priority as well as the development of renovation plans for major systems, equipment and technology. 
 
With the Greater Charlotte region expanding to the west and towards the Garden, new opportunities abound.  A major residential development project is underway directly across the road from the Garden.  Some of the ideas surfacing in light of the anticipated population growth include a new Garden entrance, a rose garden and pavilion, an Asian garden and tea house, and the development of a boutique hotel/restaurant on adjacent property in partnership with the Seven Oaks Foundation.  With 2 miles of shoreline on Lake Wylie, the Garden also has the opportunity to develop new programs and exhibits on the peninsula which might include a marina and visitor center accessible to those who travel by boat to the Garden’s shores.  A greater presence of public art and sculpture is also planned for 2017 with a Chinese Lanterns exhibition and possible Chihuly display in the future.
 
All of the above will require the necessary funding to accomplish the vision.  The Executive Director has the opportunity to cultivate existing donor relationships, attract new major donors, develop corporate sponsorships and partner with other private and public funding to achieve the Garden’s capital requirements.  Together with the Board, the Executive Director can write the next chapter of this outstanding Garden story and truly establish Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as the premiere regional public garden destination in the Carolinas.
 
CANDIDATE PROFILE
 
We seek a proven leader who can demonstrate a successful career of consistently moving organizations forward in pursuit of their vision. This individual would bring leadership characterized by an ability to garner broad community support, increase visibility of the organization, and carry forward major new projects and programs.
 
We seek a leader who is an exceptional communicator whose passion is evident by his or her ability to energetically and enthusiastically articulate the vision and aspirations to constituents of all kinds including donors, businesses, civic groups, public officials, visitors, members and other stakeholders.  Given the fundraising requirements to implement the strategic plan, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in obtaining major individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and government grants.
 
Specific experience with public gardens is not a requirement, however, an affinity and passion for the mission of public gardens must be evident. Senior-level leadership in a destination-type facility that aspires to deliver an extraordinary visitor experience is highly desirable.
 
A proven ability to hire, coach, and lead employees as an effective team of tightly coordinated, highly professional and self-accountable staff members is a must.  Of critical importance is the candidate’s ability to transform ideas into specific, goal-driven project outcomes. Strategic decision-making experience in project management, from basic infrastructure improvements to large-scale capital construction projects, would be ideal. Solid, demonstrated skills in operations and business management are expected.
 
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required; a master's degree is preferred.  Affiliation with local, state, or national professional or trade associations related to the Garden’s mission would be a plus.
 
Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please visit http://www.kittlemansearch.com/daniel-stowe-botanical-garden/
 
For more information about Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, please visit www.dsbg.org