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. The Garden has broken ground on a new $32 million Education Center, with an approximate completion date of Spring 2028.  The Director of Programs will work with the Executive Director, Director of Horticulture, Education Managers, and other key staff to create 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 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, including enhancing programming for adults. 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, Director of Horticulture, 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, sustainable agriculture programs, and public programs. The Director of Programs will serve on the senior leadership team, and must be versed in organizational leadership and management practices.

Qualifications

• At least eight (8) years of relevant progressive 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 five years’ experience managing full-time personnel teams effectively
• Demonstrated experience creating, developing, and overseeing multiple projects and programs effectively
• Evaluation background; knowledge of outcomes measurement, developing program quality tools, and other methods to ensure excellence
• Knowledge of and passion for environmental science and sustainability issues, horticulture education, sustainable agriculture, and/or environmental justice
• Experience managing multiple contracts with performance measures, outcomes, and data reporting
• Direct experience working with and designing standards-based curriculum.
• Experience creating and delivering courses, programs, and/or professional development for adult learners
• Excellent facilitation, consensus-building and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication, writing, organizational, and technology skills
• Sound judgement, collaboration, 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 integrating social justice into programs when appropriate
• Bilingual language, English and Spanish or Chinese, a plus

Duties

Organizational Development and Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director and senior staff on implementing organizational goals and priorities
• Move forward ideas in the new strategic plan, especially those related to new Education Center and programs, and collaborate with other departments to build cohesive, interdependent relationships for strong, innovative programs
• Lead garden interpretation and signage development to meld education and engaging visitor experience while showcasing uniqueness of the Garden
• Oversee hiring, training, supervision, and coaching of relevant program staff
• Work with Executive Director to create current and future staffing plans for Education Department
• Assist the Director of Development on proposals, program funding initiatives and opportunities, and seeking revenue streams
• Represent the organization at conferences, events, high-level meetings, and dialogues with potential funders and supporters as needed

Programs

• 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

Administrative

• 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
• Work with the Finance, Executive team and Department Managers to construct annual departmental revenue and expense budgets ensuring effective resource allocation
• Monitor departmental and programmatic revenue and expense budgets ensuring compliance and efficiency
• 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