Director, Lifelong Learning

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Director, Lifelong Learning leads the vision, strategy, and management of the Arboretum's lifelong learning portfolio. The portfolio includes educational experiences, events, demonstrations, workshops, lectures, cultural offerings, and community initiatives that inspire learners of all ages and deepen connections with nature. Reporting to the Vice President, Learning, the Director leads portfolio planning and operations, staff, budgets, partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration. The role delivers innovative, mission-driven experiences that engage diverse audiences, enrich the guest experience, and advance the Arboretum's mission and strategic priorities. The estimated start date is January 4, 2027.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Seven years of applicable experience, preferably including lifelong learning, community engagement, and/or event planning and management.
Proven ability to supervise teams, develop staff, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Experience in budget management and long-term planning.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background check and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

A degree in education, museum studies, public programs, community engagement, hospitality, event management, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in lifelong learning, community engagement, and/or event planning and management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for lifelong learning experiences, including adult and multiage programs, adult classes, family workshops, and sensory events.
Develop, implement, execute, and evaluate engaging, audience-appropriate experiences that are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with the Arboretum’s mission.
Identify opportunities to expand experiences, increase participation, strengthen earned revenue, and engage new audiences.
Hire, supervise, and develop learning team managers by establishing goals, clarifying expectations, providing coaching, and supporting professional growth.
Guide and provide feedback to staff and facilitators to support consistent, high-quality program delivery and professional growth.
Design and execute all aspects of lifelong learning experiences, including programming.
Develop and manage project timelines, responsibilities, milestones, deliverables, and deadlines for experiences, events, and departmental priorities.
Evaluate departmental processes and implement continuous improvements to strengthen organizational effectiveness and program delivery.
Develop and manage budgets, staffing, resources, revenue goals, and expenses, ensuring fiscal responsibility while supporting growth and innovation.
Oversee data collection, impact assessment, and reporting for institutional priorities, grants, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, cultural institutions, presenters, instructors, and other stakeholders to expand program reach and impact.
Collaborate with internal teams and departments to coordinate logistics, event operations, communications, facility needs, staffing, and guest experience.