Vice President of Horticulture & Garden Innovation

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis - Jobboard; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

The Missouri Botanical Garden seeks a visionary Vice President of Horticulture to lead the development, maintenance, and enhancement of its landscapes, gardens, and displays. The VP drives horticultural excellence, design innovation, and sustainable practices to advance the Garden’s mission and visitor experience.

The role leads a 57-person team with an annual operating budget of $5.8 million within a total budget of about $63 million, and collaborates across divisions to elevate beauty,

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public garden management, horticultural design, or botanical leadership.
• At least 5 years in a senior executive or director-level role.
• Strong planning, organizational, and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term horticulture strategy aligned with the Garden's mission and goals.
• Oversee world-class displays, nurseries, and conservatories that engage visitors and celebrate plant diversity.
• Manage division budget, staffing, and resources for efficient operations.
• Represent the Garden's horticultural leadership in public and professional forums.
• Build partnerships with donors, volunteers, and external networks to expand impact.

Skills

Public garden management

Horticultural design

Botanical leadership

Strategic planning

Organizational change

Project management

Landscape design

Living collections

Conservation horticulture

Visitor-centered public gardens

Communication skills

Public ambassador

Education

Ph.D. in horticulture, botany, landscape architecture or related discipline

ISA Certified Arborist certification (preferred)

Job description

The Missouri Botanical Garden seeks a visionary Vice President of Horticulture to lead the development, maintenance, and enhancement of its landscapes, gardens, and displays. The VP drives horticultural excellence, design innovation, and sustainable practices to advance the Garden’s mission and visitor experience.

The role leads a 57-person team with an annual operating budget of $5.8 million within a total budget of about $63 million, and collaborates across divisions to elevate beauty,