Seattle Botanic Gardens President and CEO

Seattle Botanic Gardens – President & CEO

Location:

Seattle, Washington, United States – Full‑time

Reports to:

Board of Directors

Total staff: ~50

Annual operating budget: ~$9 million (FY 2026)

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

• The 230‑acre Washington Park Arboretum, featuring more than 40 000 plants from 107 countries
• The Center for Urban Horticulture, with gardens, research facilities and the Rare Care plant conservation program and seed vault
• The 74‑acre Union Bay Natural Area, the second largest natural system on Lake Washington and an acclaimed bird‑watching site
• The Seattle Japanese Garden, a 3.5‑acre traditional stroll garden
• A future 28‑acre Montlake Peninsula site slated for 2031

By combining public park spaces loved by local, regional, national, and international visitors; world‑class plant collections used for research and conservation; educational programs that connect thousands of people with nature each year; and gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms and peaceful gathering places, the new organization will manage public use and access, plant care, science education, and community programs across multiple sites.

We seek an inspirational builder who brings people together, combines vision with empathy, strategic thinking with relationship building, and fundraising skills with genuine care for staff. Candidates will be evaluated on their full range of experience – professional background, volunteer work, lived experience, and both direct and transferable skills. Qualifications and experience details are on page 5 of the profile.

Annual salary range: $250,000 – $290,000, depending on experience.

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development support

The position is open until filled, with a priority deadline of January 9, 2026
. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

• A cover letter (two pages or less) addressed to the President & CEO Search Committee
• Your resume

• Why are you interested in this role?
• How does your experience align with our mission and values?
• What would you bring to this moment in our organization’s history?

Questions can be directed to Ed Rogan () or Chris Cannon ().