President and CEO

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3 Dec 2025

Seattle Botanic Gardens – Posted by jobelephant –
Seattle
, Washington, United States

Salary range: $250,000 – $290,000
Location: Seattle, WA

Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG) is conducting a nationwide search for its inaugural President & CEO to guide the integration of two closely aligned organizations—the University of Washington Botanic Garden (UWBG) and The Arboretum Foundation—into a single entity positioned to take full advantage of their extraordinary shared resources.

For the past 90 years, the Arboretum Foundation has stewarded the Washington Park Arboretum, both as a freely accessible public park and as one of the finest collections of woody plants in the world. For the past 50 years, the UWBG has managed that collection, conducted extensive botanical and environmental research, and provided educational opportunities for toddlers, schoolchildren, and adults.

Together, we will be a single institution of national significance—capable of furthering our mission and executing ambitious capital projects. Our new leader will need to be an inspirational builder, though the foundations are firmly in place.

• Seattle Botanic Gardens welcomes more than 600,000 visitors annually.
• The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum houses more than 40,000 plants from 107 countries.
• The Center for Urban Horticulture includes gardens, research facilities, and the Rare Care plant conservation program and seed vault.
• The 74-acre Union Bay Natural Area is the second-largest natural system on Lake Washington and a premier bird-watching site.
• The 3.5-acre Seattle Japanese Garden is a traditional stroll garden.
• A future 28-acre Montlake Peninsula site is anticipated in ~2031.
• In 2026, the Arboretum Foundation and UWBG are combining into one organization.
• The Washington Park Arboretum was founded in 1934.
• The Center for Urban Horticulture opened in 1984 as a hub for plant research.
• Seattle is known for natural beauty, innovation, outdoor recreation, and environmental leadership.

The Arboretum Foundation and UWBG are joining forces to create one unified organization. This combination brings together:

• Public park spaces loved by visitors from around the world
• World-class plant collections used for research and conservation
• Educational programs that connect thousands of people with nature
• Gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms and peaceful gathering spaces

The new organization will manage public use, plant care, science education, and community programs across multiple sites. Once unified, SBG will have more resources, stronger programs, and greater impact than either organization alone.

A major opportunity ahead is developing the 28-acre Montlake Peninsula, returning to the Arboretum in 2031. This once-in-a-generation project will require raising $100–$150 million and creating a new vision for welcoming visitors and serving the community.

The President & CEO will unite two organizations with different histories and cultures into one strong, cohesive team. This includes key hires, building systems for 50+ staff, and cultivating a workplace culture grounded in learning, collaboration, inclusion, and respect.

Develop a clear, inspiring vision that communicates why this organization matters to Seattle’s future. Guide strategic planning, involve staff and partners, and strengthen SBG’s reputation as a world-class botanic garden.

Strengthen relationships with key partners including Seattle Parks and Recreation, elected officials, tribal leadership, and the Japanese American community. Engage diverse communities and position SBG as essential to Seattle’s identity.

Lead efforts to raise $100–$150 million for the Montlake Peninsula project and grow annual fundraising. Build donor relationships, support development staff, and establish long-term fundraising systems.

Support exceptional plant care, conservation work, research partnerships, and…