Executive Director of Chatfield Farms

Executive Director Of Chatfield Farms

Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs.

Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Full Time Executive Director of Chatfield Farms! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:

Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2026 or until a candidate is found

The Executive Director of Chatfield Farms is a key leadership role that provides oversight, management, and direction to the operation and continuous development of Chatfield Farms and its employees. This position works in coordination and collaboration with other Denver Botanic Gardens leadership personnel to ensure quality educational programming, research opportunities, agriculture, ecological restoration, facility operations, and events, that are consistent with the mission of the Gardens and are conducted in a financially sustainable manner.

The role leads Chatfield Farms in the Gardens' work to maintain a strategic partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the property's owner. Additionally, it builds strategic alliances for Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms and Denver Botanic Gardens as a whole throughout the community and beyond.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of daily operations at the site.
• Collaborates with Senior Leaders across the Gardens whose departments provide shared services.
• Develops and implements Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms Business Plan and future strategic plans.
• Plans, develops and monitors Chatfield's annual budget.
• Collaborates with Denver Botanic Garden's Mission Leaders to develop and approve projects and events consistent with the high standards of the institution; fulfills mutual accountability expectations and holds colleagues accountable in turn
• In collaboration with Development colleagues, interacts with current and potential supporters of Chatfield Farms.
• Builds and maintains relationships in the community, often attending events and making presentations to community groups.
• Manages and motivates a team of multi-level and multi-department staff, including private events, operations, horticulture and agriculture to support mission and provide a delightful visitor experience to all guests at the location.
• Responsible for developing and implementing 5-year operating plan(s) for the location. Currently collaborates in leading a Master Development Plan involving a multi-phased, multi-million-dollar improvement project.
• Oversees architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and construction managers involved in various location projects, ensuring those projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and consistent with organization goals and landowner requirements.
• Develops and has oversight of multiple and complex programs.
• Oversees strategic water resources owned by Denver Botanic Gardens and identifies opportunities for acquiring future water supplies and storage in the South Platte River Basin.
• Responsible for overseeing the operation, management, maintenance, and improvement of facilities.
• Responsible for working, coordinating, and collaborating with Denver Botanic Gardens Senior leaders on development, marketing, financial, human resources, education, research, volunteer programs, special events, and other matters.
• Leads various meetings and functions and makes presentations to generate support from a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders.
• Attends meetings and participates on committees on behalf of the Gardens and the Chatfield location's progress.
• Responsible for the safety and security of all employees, guests and all others at the…