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EXEC DIR, DUKE GARDENS
Job Title: EXEC DIR, DUKE GARDENS
Job Code: 3803
FLSA: E
Job Level: 98
Revised Date: 04/16/2026
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Executive Director of Sarah P. Duke Gardens provides the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the organization. Reporting to Duke University's Vice President and Vice Provost for Climate & Sustainability, the executive director works collaboratively with the board of advisors, staff, volunteers, and university and community partners to advance the Gardens' mission and vision.
Work Performed
Develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with the Garden's mission and vision, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. Provide inspiring leadership to staff, volunteers, and the community.
Oversee the Garden's financial health, including budgeting, fundraising, grant writing, business operations, financial reporting, and ensuring sound fiscal management practice.
Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources. Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the Garden's operations and capital projects.
Supervise all aspects of the Garden's operations, including horticulture, education, visitor services, event management, development, facilities management, security, marketing, and communications.
Oversee the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff. Foster a positive, inclusive and productive work environment.
Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community, including residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations. Promote Duke Gardens as a valuable community resource.
Oversee development of and work closely with the Board of Advisors, providing regular updates on the Garden's performance and seeking guidance on key strategic issues.
Oversee development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to raise awareness of Duke Gardens and its programs.
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with other organizations to advance Duke Gardens mission and expand its reach.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Work requires analytical, organizational and communications skills generally acquired through completion of a master's degree in public garden management or a related field. PhD in botany, horticulture or closely related field a plus.
Experience
Work requires seven years of progressively responsible experience in non-profit management, preferably in a public garden, arboretum, or related organization.
Skills
Proven ability to organize, lead and work with a diverse staff in order to accomplish mutually agreed-upon goals.
Knowledge and experience in the daily workings and big picture in the life of a public garden including horticulture, programming and community outreach.
Experience leading successful fundraising programs and have the strong interpersonal skills needed to work with potential donors.
Ability to produce innovative ideas for new directions to take the Gardens in the future
Effective oral and written communication skills (with staff, in public presentations, written materials and on a personal level with individuals interested in the Gardens).
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
