Vice President, Horticulture

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Horticulture provides visionary leadership for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Garden’s landscapes, conservatories, nurseries, and horticultural displays. This executive leader ensures horticultural excellence, design innovation, and sustainable practices that advance the Garden’s mission and elevate the visitor experience. As a key member of the leadership team, the VP of Horticulture will shape a long-term strategy for horticulture, steward significant cultural landscapes, and lead the creation of dynamic exhibitions and seasonal displays that celebrate plant diversity and engage the public. The role builds a collaborative, people-first culture—attracting and developing talent, supporting professional growth, and championing operational excellence across a high-performing division.

Requirements

10+ years of progressively responsible leadership in public garden management, horticultural design, or botanical leadership, including 5+ years in a senior executive/director-level role.
Recognized leadership in botanical horticulture design and landscapes.
Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams delivering exceptional results.
Strong strategic planning capability with measurable outcomes and impact goals.
Proven fiscal leadership (budgeting, forecasting, strategic resource allocation).
Deep knowledge of horticultural science, design principles, and cultural landscape preservation.
Strong record of grant acquisition, donor engagement, and philanthropic stewardship.
Excellent communication skills and comfort engaging the public in a welcoming, service-oriented way.
Ability to represent the institution effectively in international and cross-cultural contexts.

Nice To Haves

ISA Certified Arborist is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a long-term strategic framework for horticulture (gardens, conservatories, and displays) aligned with institutional goals and the Garden’s strategic plan.
Foster cross-divisional collaboration and a culture rooted in creativity, innovation, and excellence.
Partner closely with the President, leadership team, and the Horticulture Mission Council to advance shared priorities.
Oversee the design, development, and management of world-class horticultural displays, conservatories, and nurseries that inspire visitors and reinforce the Garden’s leadership in botanical display and education.
Steward cultural landscape features—protecting heritage while advancing new, innovative design.
Lead conceptualization and delivery of exhibitions and seasonal displays that deepen public engagement and interpret plant and ecosystem diversity.
Collaborate across research, conservation, and education functions to position living collections as expressions of botanical knowledge and conservation.
Ensure exceptional garden maintenance and an outstanding guest experience.
Lead division budgeting, staffing, and resource planning with transparency and strategic alignment.
Champion operational efficiency and best practices across horticultural operations and infrastructure.
Partner with Institutional Advancement and Grants teams to secure philanthropic and institutional funding.
Support major capital improvement projects alongside Facilities Support & Construction and Advancement partners.
Serve as an ambassador for the Garden’s horticultural leadership in public and professional forums.
Engage donors, partners, and community stakeholders in support of horticultural initiatives.
Strengthen partnerships with public gardens, universities, and horticulture networks to expand influence in innovation, education, and public engagement.