Therapeutic Horticulture Program Manager

Overview

Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) uses plants and plant-based activities to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social well‑being. It is a broad, flexible, goal‑oriented approach to wellness implemented in a variety of settings, including but not limited to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, schools, and community and botanic gardens, with an emphasis on healing and rehabilitation.

Since 1978, the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) has offered TH programming to diverse populations, including underserved children, elders with limited access to outdoor spaces, and disenfranchised community members. The mission of the NCBG Therapeutic Horticulture Program is to promote health and healing through positive connections with plants, nature, and people.

• The TH Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of NCBG's TH Program and reports to the Director of Learning & Community Engagement.
• The position oversees a comprehensive portfolio of programs, including: (1) education and professional development in therapeutic horticulture through online, hybrid, and in‑person formats, and (2) direct‑service programs serving community partners and participants.
• The position ensures program quality, relevance, and sustainability by regularly assessing programs, responding to evolving community needs, and strategically expanding reach and impact.
• Responsibilities include supporting fundraising efforts, developing fee‑for‑service opportunities, contributing to grant development, and leading outreach, communications, and professional or scholarly engagement related to the program.
• The TH Program Manager supervises a permanent coordinator, along with contract instructors, interns, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture and ensuring programs are delivered safely, equitably, and at a consistently high standard.

A highly skilled educator and inspiring leader, the TH Program Manager brings creativity, vision, and strong administrative and operational skills. As a core member of the Learning & Community Engagement team, the position collaborates across departments to advance institutional goals and further NCBG's mission of connecting plants, people, and place through impactful and evidence‑based therapeutic horticulture programming.