Director of Programs

Summary

The Director of Programs will be responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing all education and public programs for Queens Botanical Garden. As the Garden prepares to break ground on a $32 million Education Center in late spring 2025, the Director of Programs will work with the Executive Director, Education and Public Programs teams to innovate programmatic offerings that reflect the Garden’s mission as the place where “people, plants, and cultures meet” and build upon our respected environmental education programs, dynamic public programs, sustainable management and operations, and culturally responsive activities. The Education Center, which will include a 16,000 square foot building and its surrounding landscapes, presents a critical moment of growth and opportunity for the Garden’s programs. The Director of Programs will harness the unique attributes of the Garden’s 39 acres, including the upcoming Education Center, to strengthen and expand upon the Garden’s current suite of programs. Their leadership will further solidify QBG’s role as the premier place of environmental education, cultural experiences, and unexpected, interactive encounters with the natural world in the heart of Queens.  

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with the Director of Development, Deputy Director/Director of Operations, and other key staff, the Director of Programs will provide leadership of all program development and operations, ensure program quality of the highest level, build partnerships with schools, non-profits, institutions, and other stakeholders, and work to bring in resources for QBG education and public programs. The Director of Programs will be a member of the Garden’s five-person senior leadership team, and must be versed in organizational leadership and management practices. 

Qualifications

• At least eight (8) years of relevant professional experience, preferably at cultural, educational, and/or environmental institutions; work in or with New York City schools a plus.
• Master’s degree strongly preferred, minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strong supervision skills and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience managing full-time personnel teams effectively.
• Demonstrated experience creating, developing, and overseeing multiple projects and programs effectively.
• Knowledge of and passion for environmental science/issues, farm/horticulture education, and/or environmental sustainability.
• Evaluation background; knowledge of outcomes measurement, program quality tools, and other methods to ensure excellence.
• Experience managing multiple contracts with demanding performance measures, outcomes, and data reporting.
• Direct experience working with and designing standards-based curriculum.
• Experience creating and delivering professional development for educators and adult learners.
• Excellent facilitation, consensus-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks independently utilizing strong time management skills.
• Excellent communication, writing, organizational, and technology skills.
• Sound judgement and leadership skills as part of a senior team; ability to navigate organizational, and personnel challenges with a solutions-oriented approach while maintaining a positive constructive attitude and collaborative workplace culture.
• Experience managing budgets and paid/revenue generating programming. Experience with grant writing and resource development.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to working in culturally diverse settings and using diversity, equity, and inclusion, and antiracist practices.
• Bilingual language, English and Spanish or Chinese, a plus.

Duties

• Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on strategic planning and organizational goals and priorities, with a focus on the new Education Building.  
• Move forward ideas in the strategic plan and master plan, and collaborate with other departments to build cohesive, interdependent relationships for strong, innovative programs.  
• Lead and collaborate with key staff to meld garden interpretation, education, and visitor experience.  
• Represent the organization at conferences, events, high level meetings, and dialogues with potential funders and supporters. 
• Oversee hiring, training, supervision, and coaching of relevant program staff. 
• Create and execute staffing plans for Education Department.  
• Assist the Director of Development on proposals, program funding initiatives and opportunities, and seeking revenue streams.   

• Oversee and monitor development and implementation of all education and public programs, including on-site education programs, Urban Advantage, CASA school based programs, off-site events and special trainings and workshops for both young people and adults.  
• Oversee development of science-based and environmental education curriculum and trainings for youth of all ages in collaboration with education staff. 
• Design and implement professional learning trainings for teachers, educators, and adult education participants. 
• Collaborate with designated staff to track, analyze, and utilize program outcomes information. 
• Build relationships with funders, contract program managers, school personnel, and partner organizations to further program goals and success. 
• Work with Public Programs team to conceptualize, design, and implement dynamic events for the public.  
• Supervise Education Managers, Public Program Manager, and Farm Manager.

• Oversee and coordinate the submission of contract work plans, budgets, and invoices and fee for service opportunities with designated staff.  
• Produce Program Report for Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. 
• Track organizational impact and numbers reached for all programs. 
• Monitor departmental and programmatic revenue and expense budgets ensuring compliance.
• Manage expense and credit card reconciliation for timely report submission. 
• Work with Public Programs and Education team to set strategy for achieving earned revenue and monitor goals and progress, and develop new models, funding streams, and strategies for developing low-cost/free programs.