Executive Director

Position Overview

The Alaska Botanical Garden seeks an inspiring, relationship-driven leader to lead one of Alaska's most beloved cultural and environmental institutions through a transformational period of growth and expansion. Building on a strong organizational foundation, the Executive Director will lead a talented staff, partner with an engaged Board of Directors, deepen community relationships, and advance a bold vision for the Garden's future.

At a pivotal moment in its history, the Garden has outgrown its existing facilities and is preparing for a transformative expansion. Guided by an adopted Master Plan and informed by a recently completed feasibility study, the Garden Expansion Project will enhance visitor experiences, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen the organization's long-term sustainability. The Executive Director will provide leadership for this multi-year initiative, partnering closely with the Board and experienced campaign counsel to launch and lead a successful capital campaign.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of North America's most distinctive public gardens while living and working in the extraordinary natural landscape of Anchorage, Alaska. The strongest candidates may come from botanical gardens, museums, parks, conservation organizations, universities, science centers, or other mission-driven organizations and will bring the curiosity to learn, the humility to collaborate with technical experts, and the leadership skills to inspire people around a shared vision.

This position offers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by leading a beloved community institution through one of the most significant moments in its history.

The Alaska Botanical Garden is where northern landscapes, science, and community come together in a spectacular 110-acre setting in Anchorage, Alaska. Surrounded by boreal forest and showcasing the resilience and beauty of northern horticulture, the Garden inspires curiosity, stewardship, and connection to the natural world through gardens, trails, education, and year-round experiences.

As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Garden welcomes more than 27,000 visitors each year through educational programs, public events, volunteer opportunities, and nationally recognized plant collections, including its accredited Meconopsis (Himalayan blue poppy) collection. More than a destination, the Garden serves as a community gathering place where people of all ages discover the unique plants, ecosystems, and landscapes that define Alaska.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $1.1 million and a dedicated team of 12 year-round staff, supplemented by seasonal employees during the busy summer months, the Garden is recognized for its collaborative culture, commitment to environmental stewardship, and meaningful community impact. The organization is guided by a visionary Master Plan and is well positioned to build on its strong foundation while inspiring future generations to appreciate Alaska's unique landscapes.

• Lead implementation of the 2024 Strategic Master Plan in partnership with the Board
• Guide the organization through a period of growth, aligning operations and capacity with increasing demand
• Guide strategic decisions that support excellence in public garden management, horticultural stewardship, and visitor experiences
• Provide leadership for the planning and advancement of the Garden Expansion Project

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
• Support effective governance, board engagement, and development
• Provide timely and transparent reporting on organizational performance and strategic initiatives

• Serve as the organization's chief fundraiser and relationship builder
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising and earned revenue strategy that strengthens the Garden's long-term financial sustainability
• Provide executive leadership for all phases of the capital campaign supporting the Garden Expansion Project, in partnership with campaign counsel and the Board of Directors
• Cultivate, solicit, and…