Deputy Director of Horticulture and Natural Resources [Indianapolis Museum of Art, IN]

OVERVIEW

Provides strategic direction and leadership to establish the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) as one of the preeminent public garden and urban ecosystem destinations in the country.  Oversees designed and natural lands throughout the Museum’s 152-acre main campus, 13-acre Miller House & Garden, and 5-acre Westerley House estate. Inspires excellence in stewardship of horticultural and natural resources by exemplifying the triple-goal of sustainable best management practices, educational opportunities and aesthetic beauty.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Vision:

• Reports to the Director/CEO in developing immediate and long-term plans to achieve horticultural and natural resource excellence throughout the 152-acre main campus, 13-acre Miller House & Garden, and 5-acre Westerley House estate.  The Deputy Director of Horticulture and Natural Resources (DDHNR) will lead all horticultural and natural resource initiatives in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team and Board members to ensure integrated and strategically focused outcomes in support of the institution’s mission to “Provide exceptional experiences to enrich lives through engagement with art and nature” and in keeping with the IMA’s values of stewardship, service and excellence.
• The DDHNR will assist the CEO, Deputy Director for Institutional Advancement and Board with identifying, soliciting and cultivating fundraising sources for horticulture and natural resource management initiatives to include foundation, corporate and individual donors in support of annual operation and a major capital campaign for IMA’s horticultural and natural resource program that will    start in 2016-17.
• The DDHNR will be responsible for initiating and developing collaborative projects with professional      societies, academic universities, public gardens, natural lands organizations and other associations to shepherd IMA’s position as a nationally-recognized and respected institution in the field.
• The DDHNR will lead in association with the CEO and Board a dynamic, long-range master plan, interpretive master plan and a five-year strategic plan for IMA’s horticultural and natural  resources, including the gardens, orchard, and natural landscapes associated with Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens (Percival Gallagher of the Olmsted Brothers, 1920), Westerley House estate (Jens Jensen, 1922), Miller House & Garden (Dan Kiley, 1953), IMA museum building; and the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and      Nature Park.  A vibrant array of public programs will be part of the master and strategic plans.
• The DDHNR will lead the efforts to more effectively utilize for the public good the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse, the Oldfields barn and service area, and other IMA facilities as they relate to its horticultural and natural resource programs.
• The DDHNR serves as the staff liaison for IMA’s Horticultural Society and Board’s Horticultural and Natural Resources Committee.  In this capacity directs the preparation of materials for regularly scheduled meetings, meeting minutes and records.  Works with the Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee to create and implement a master land-use plan (2015-16) and prioritization of IMA’s      capital investments.
• The DDHNR will work closely with the Deputy Director for Marketing and External Affairs to ensure a strategic marketing and PR plan to highlight IMA’s offerings as they relate to natural resources and lands management.
• The DDHNR will work closely with the Deputy Director for Audience Engagement and Public Programs and his/her staff to conceive, plan and execute an array of exciting programs that allow the public to have exceptional experiences engaging with the natural world.
• The DDHNR will work to retain and recruit exceptional staff members and volunteers to assist him/her in advancing IMA as one of the preeminent public garden and urban ecosystem destinations in the country.

Garden and Landscape Management:

• Conceptualizes, directs and manages all garden, landscape and natural resource management activities, including four-season horticulture maintenance, design, special plant displays, plant cultivation and protection, turf and tree care, fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse production and display, garden tram program, wildlife management, ecosystem stewardship and sustainability practices as      they relate to natural lands management for the IMA.
• Creates and directs all horticulture and environmental exhibitions, special events and activities to attract new and diverse audiences through the delivery of exceptional experiences with the natural world.
• In association with IMA art curators and art support staff, works with outdoor artists to conceive and execute periodic, outdoor exhibitions at the confluence of art and nature.
• Develops, assesses and monitors annual garden budget including horticulture, greenhouse, equipment maintenance, garden tram, lands management and sustainability practices.

Staff and Volunteer Management:

• Provides leadership, direction, mentoring and management to the Horticultural and Natural Resource Department’s staff and volunteers, including development and monitoring of the organizational structure needed to accomplish annual goals.
• Hires, develops, motivates staff and evaluates their performance within the context of IMA’s core values and strategic goals. Delegates appropriate responsibility and accountability while fostering a strong working relationship and team spirit among staff members.
• Ensures that all staff under his/her responsibility follows employment policies and procedures and understand the safety precautions and directions in use of equipment and chemicals.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

An advanced degree in an appropriate discipline (Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Public Garden Management or related field) is desirable. Minimum of 3-5years of progressive supervisory experience and demonstrated organizational and leadership success in a similar role.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This person must possess outstanding horticulture or related lands management expertise as well as management, organizational and planning skills.  He/she must possess strong communication and presentation skills that are effective with a range of audiences including staff, volunteers, board members, professional and industry groups, general public and media.  He/she must be a skilled leader who can delegate, manage and prioritize activities and responsibilities with clarity and confidence combined with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. This position requires deep understanding of public garden and/or natural lands management, with emphasis on scientifically based land and landscape management. In addition, the applicant should be able to understand the requirements of an artistic cultural institution and apply them to land management. Must be able to maintain flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends as required. Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.