ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COLLECTIONS

Longwood Gardens•Kennett Square, PA

10h

About The Position

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul. Longwood Gardens is seeking a full-time Associate Director of Collections to help shape the future of one of the world’s premier living plant collections. In partnership with the Director of Conservation Horticulture and Collections, this role provides strategic leadership for the development, stewardship, and long-term planning of Longwood’s living collections.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in horticulture, botany, or plant sciences.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in plant collection management within a public garden setting.
A valid driver’s license (required for operating Longwood vehicles on-site and on public roads).
Advanced knowledge of plant taxonomy, nomenclature, and identification across diverse plant groups (herbaceous, woody, temperate, tropical).
Experience with climate change adaptation planning and long-term strategic implementation.
Proficiency with collections management software (BG-Base, BG-Map, and/or BRAHMS preferred).
Strong Microsoft Office and related software skills.
A demonstrated ability to write for peer-reviewed, professional, and public audiences; strong teaching and communication skills.
Experience with statistical analysis and relevant software.
An expertise in applied and theoretical plant conservation practices.
The proven ability to collaborate across teams while effectively leading and mentoring staff.
A minimum of 3 years of experience managing staff, students, or volunteers.
The ability to work in various environmental conditions
The ability to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally, including overnight trips.
The ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

Reviewing, updating, and advancing the Living Plant Collections Policy and the Disaster Preparedness Plan, ensuring timely completion and required approvals
Developing and elevating the Core Collection Management Plans
Overseeing management plans for Longwood’s 12 core living collections, coordinating cross-departmental collaboration and approval processes
Leading the Plant Collection Network accreditation process.
Directing operations that support collections development, conservation horticulture, plant trials, and climate resilience initiatives.
Leading climate-focused initiatives, including development of Longwood’s climate change landscape succession plan and identification of climate-resilient taxa
Overseeing Germplasm Distribution Programs
Managing special requests for Longwood germplasm, including the Victoria Seed Distribution Program and requests from researchers and partner institutions.
Supporting plant exploration and conservation efforts
Participating in plant exploration expeditions and local fieldwork supporting collections development, climate initiatives, seed banking, and rare plant research.
Supervising and mentoring full-time staff, interns, students, and volunteers; oversee hiring, performance management, and professional development.
Publishing, teaching, and presenting on topics related to plant collections, research, and conservation.
Overseeing budgets related to assigned programs and areas of responsibility.
Perform other duties as assigned and work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.