Director of Learning and Engagement

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation and cultivation of native plants through its gardens and programs. The Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, gardening, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants, welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, has over 18,000 member households and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its popular native plant database. The Center envisions thriving, native plant landscapes everywhere that nurture wildlife, uplift communities, and ensure ecological resilience for generations. Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees receiving all associated benefits as well as an annual membership to the Center, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. An inspiring, collaborative and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.

Purpose Statement
The Wildflower Center seeks a Director of Learning and Engagement to provide leadership, management, and planning for its learning and engagement programs. The director is responsible for leading a team of educators and volunteer managers to develop and implement learning and engagement programs that serve diverse audiences and promote the mission of the Wildflower Center. This team is responsible for engaging with thousands of K-12 students, undergraduates, adult tour groups, volunteers, daily guests, and youth and adult class participants. This team is also responsible for managing and innovating the Wildflower Center’s signature digital plant database, called the Native Plants of North America. The director collaborates across teams to create impactful learning programs and community engagement opportunities that help people understand, value, and act for native plants. They also lead the creation of interpretative programming for the garden, including interpretive signage and displays, and are responsible for fostering the Center’s volunteer program. As the Wildflower Center continues to deepen its connection with UT Austin, the director is responsible for building relationships and developing programs with the university and with regional, state and national organizations. The Wildflower Center believes that the “environment is where we all meet,” as Lady Bird Johnson once wisely said. We are a community of people that care for each other, our land and our broader community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years working at a botanic garden, nature center or in a related field
• Demonstrated experience leading education and outreach programs including developing learning and engagement lessons and materials and managing budgets
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of native plants, gardening, horticulture, conservation, research, and related fields and experience educating various audiences about these topics
• Leadership in developing interpretive signage and planning interpretive exhibits
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license.
• The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence.
• If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree
• Experience developing and leading tours and training tour guides
• Advanced knowledge of Texas native plants and concepts such as water conservation
• Knowledge about Lady Bird Johnson and her legacy
• Talent and propensity for creative, innovative thinking
• Experience working with fundraisers to support programs
• Experience developing and implementing an interpretive master plan or similar project

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for the learning and engagement team, which includes guest engagement programs, professional education, adult education, youth and family programs, the volunteer program, and plant outreach tools such as the plant database.
• Leads, mentors, and evaluates staff and oversees programs and budgets.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within and across teams.
• Creates and implements programs to promote the mission and generate revenue.
• Collaborates closely with Center gardens, science and conservation, lands, and hospitality teams to develop and implement interpretive programs for exhibits, landscapes and the living collections.
• Builds strategic partnerships and represents the Wildflower Center with learning and engagement programs throughout the community.
• Works with the Center’s leadership team to develop strategic programs in support of the Center’s mission and revenue goals.
• Collaborates with Center leadership and staff to develop fundraising strategies and participates in fundraising and donor cultivation activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual membership to the Center
• Discounts on Center classes
• Access to Wildflower Center events
• Discounts at the Shop and Gallery
• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director