Bellevue Botanic Garden Society - Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

Step into a leadership role where you can see your work literally bloom. As Executive Director (ED) of the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS), you will provide programming and fundraising in support of one of the nation's premier botanical gardens that inspires nearly a half‑million visitors annually. You will lead a team of professionals, partner with a passionate Board, and work with the City of Bellevue to shape the next chapter of this beloved community institution.

Executive Director

$120,000 - $140,000 DOE

Board of Directors

Considered one of the best botanical gardens in the nation, the Bellevue Botanical Garden began its rich history as the humble home of Cal and Harriet Shorts, who bequeathed their home and property to the City of Bellevue in 1981. The Garden opened in 1992, grew to 53 acres, and expanded its exhibits through partnerships with community organizations such as the Northwest Perennial Alliance, Eastside Fuchsia Society, Washington Native Plant Society, and King County Master Gardners.

Today, more than 450,000 visitors from around the globe annually discover the best plants and gardening practices for healthy Northwest gardens, renew their spirit, delight their senses, and connect with the community.

The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (BBGS) was formed in 1986 to support the City of Bellevue by cultivating the bond between plants and people, raising funds to support the Garden’s physical growth and development, and providing educational programs and community events. In partnership with the City of Bellevue, BBGS strives to ensure the Shorts’ vision of opening their home to as many people as possible remains a reality now and into the future.

The Executive Director leads the organization with the primary mission of connecting the community to the Garden through educational programs, visitor services, events, and member engagement. The ED will supervise the Development Director, Youth & Children’s Education Manager, Adult Programs Manager, Visitor Services Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager, Trillium Store Manager, and contracted accounting and IT services, while strengthening internal systems, staff support, and resource efficiency.

As the primary ambassador for BBGS, the ED will deepen relationships with donors, funders, and the City of Bellevue, and work with the Board Chair to professionalize and expand the Board of Directors.

• Demonstrated experience successfully leading a nonprofit organization of similar size and complexity. Horticultural experience is not a requirement.
• Financial acumen: conversant with P&L statements and other financial reports, as well as budget development, management and reporting.
• The ability to lead effectively both externally and internally, serving as a visible leader within the Garden and broader community while also supporting staff and organizational operations.
• Strong HR knowledge and people management skills, including experience developing equitable staffing structures, transparent employment practices, and policies aligned with nonprofit best practices.
• Experience advocating for and investing in employee wellbeing and professional development.
• Demonstrated fundraising and donor development experience, contributing to diversification of funding sources for long‑term sustainability and growth.
• Strong collaboration and relationship‑building skills, particularly with City leadership, staff, volunteers, donors, members, and community partners.
• Authentic, transparent, and approachable leadership with strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to foster trust, consistency, and a positive organizational culture.

• Nonprofit leadership
• People management
• Strategic planning
• Marketing, messaging, branding, & storytelling
• Process improvement and optimization
• Board relations
• Interpersonal communications
• Business rigor
• Communications & media relations
• Public speaking/delivering presentations
• Fundraising & donor relations
• Constructive problem solving
• Mission alignment
• Active listening
• Knowledge of current HR best practices
• Flexibility &…