Manager, Children's Garden Programs

Job Summary

The Children’s Garden Programs Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of public programming in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (CAG), ensuring an engaging and educational guest experience. This role focuses on the development and facilitation of educational content within the garden’s galleries, Exploration Center Labs, Discovery Carts, and interactive learning stations. The Program Manager will support staff training, program implementation, and public engagement under the direction of the Senior Manager.

• Develop, review, and update programs and daily activities, including seasonal events and exhibitions, to support the successful implementation of educational activities, exhibits, discovery carts, and guest experiences that maximize public interest, enjoyment, and engagement.
• Coordinate the daily operations of assigned programming areas, including staff scheduling and program implementation, ensuring key areas and activities are adequately staffed with trained individuals.
• Train and supervise gallery facilitators, and volunteers, ensuring they have the materials, resources, and guidance needed to implement programs effectively and follow established procedures and best practices.
• Serve as the Manager on Duty, responding to public inquiries and operational needs in a prompt, professional, courteous, and guest-centered manner.
• Monitor and maintain excellence in educational programs, exhibits, and learning spaces, communicating needs and collaborating with the Senior Manager and appropriate internal departments.
• Coordinate educational themed events and special programs, including scheduling, resource preparation, staff assignments, and vendor logistics, to support seamless execution and engaging guest experiences.
• Support and maintain community partnerships that enhance program offerings and expand outreach efforts, including off-site programming.
• Collect and review guest feedback, attendance data, and engagement metrics to assess program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

• Bachelor's degree in science, education, or a related field required
• Strong background in museum, garden, STEM, outdoor education, natural science, and/or gardening-based program execution
• Minimum one year of personnel management (hiring, scheduling, training, etc.) and program management experience (curriculum writing, budgeting, etc.)
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Physically able to walk throughout the garden and work outside in various weather conditions for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to successfully work in a fast‑paced environment
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
• Ability to pass all pre‑employment requirements including a background check and drug test

• Ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail, accuracy, and a professional work ethic
• Creativity and skill in developing educational programming for successful visitor engagement
• Ability to communicate effectively and engage with small and large groups
• Effective training, coaching and staff development skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills using sound independent judgment
• Guest experience mindset

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.