ORGANIZATION:
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
POSITION:
Executive Director
REPORTS TO:
Board of Directors
LOCATION:
Belmont, North Carolina
(Greater Charlotte Area)
MISSION
To create an inspiring, unforgettable garden experience
that instills a love of nature and its beauty.
ABOUT DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN
In 1991, retired textile executive Daniel Jonathan Stowe bestowed a gift to the Seven
Oaks Foundation destined to provide beauty and joy to future generations. With the
vision of a botanical garden to rival the world’s best, Mr. Stowe set aside 380 acres of
prime rolling meadows, woodland and lakefront property for the development of the
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The Garden today operates as a nonprofit, tax-exempt
organization and is located about 20 miles west of Charlotte.
In 1994, the Board of Directors approved a master site plan for the development of the
Garden which would take place over the next 50 years, much of which has been
implemented. Standing sentinel at the entrance to the formal gardens is the Robert Lee
Stowe Visitor Pavilion featuring pale yellow stucco walls fronted by 20 white Tuscan
columns and topped with a copper roof. The Pavilion contains an exquisitely
merchandised Garden Store and the Great Hall offers space for weddings, bridal
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luncheons, corporate events, birthday parties and other special events. The Visitor
Pavilion along with 12 formal display gardens and perennial gardens opened in 1999.
The White Garden was completed in 2003 and is now a popular destination for weddings
(currently booked for about 125 ceremonies a year). The Orchid Conservatory was
opened in 2008 and is the region’s only public conservatory devoted to the display of
orchids and tropical plants, giving guests the opportunity to learn about tropical
ecosystems around the world. Phase I of Lost Hollow, the Kimbrell Children’s Garden,
opened to wide acclaim in 2015 and work continues on Phase II that will expand its
footprint over the next two years. Its newest destination, The Levine Education Pavilion,
opened recently, greatly enhanced education programming for elementary, youth and
adult levels of interest.
The current annual operating budget of the Garden is about $2.4 million. Approximately
2/3 of its income is earned revenue. Human capital consists of 44 full-and part-time
employees and more than 200 devoted volunteers, 80 of which are in the horticulture
department. Attendance this year will be about 120,000 and the Garden is currently
supported by 6,500 members. The Garden continues to build on its recognition and
reputation with HGTV naming it one of the nation’s "20 Great Gardens”.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Based on the original master site plan developed many years ago, the Board of Directors
just adopted a new 5-year strategic plan for the Garden. The plan is intended to provide
the new Executive Director with a broad framework around which his or her vision for the
future of Daniel Stowe can be articulated. Six overarching goals are outlined in the plan:
elevate the impact of programs, exhibitions and events; enhance the guest experience;
increase awareness and attendance; expand and improve the physical infrastructure
devoted to display; improve the financial strength of the Garden; and become an
employer of choice in the region, which includes the increased diversity of staff, board
and volunteers. Upgrades to the permanent display gardens is also a priority as well as
the development of renovation plans for major systems, equipment and technology.
With the Greater Charlotte region expanding to the west and towards the Garden, new
opportunities abound. A major residential development project is underway directly
across the road from the Garden. Some of the ideas surfacing in light of the anticipated
population growth include a new Garden entrance, a rose garden and pavilion, an
Asian garden and tea house, and the development of a boutique hotel/restaurant on
adjacent property in partnership with the Seven Oaks Foundation. With 2 miles of
shoreline on Lake Wylie, the Garden also has the opportunity to develop new programs
and exhibits on the peninsula which might include a marina and visitor center accessible
to those who travel by boat to the Garden’s shores. A greater presence of public art
and sculpture is also planned for 2017 with a Chinese Lanterns exhibition and possible
Chihuly display in the future.
All of the above will require the necessary funding to accomplish the vision. The
Executive Director has the opportunity to cultivate existing donor relationships, attract
new major donors, develop corporate sponsorships and partner with other private and
public funding to achieve the Garden’s capital requirements. Together with the Board,
the Executive Director can write the next chapter of this outstanding Garden story and
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truly establish Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as the premiere regional public garden
destination in the Carolinas.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We seek a proven leader who can demonstrate a successful career of consistently
moving organizations forward in pursuit of their vision. This individual would bring
leadership characterized by an ability to garner broad community support, increase
visibility of the organization, and carry forward major new projects and programs.
We seek a leader who is an exceptional communicator whose passion is evident by his or
her ability to energetically and enthusiastically articulate the vision and aspirations to
constituents of all kinds including donors, businesses, civic groups, public officials, visitors,
members and other stakeholders. Given the fundraising requirements to implement the
strategic plan, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in obtaining
major individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and government
grants.
Specific experience with public gardens is not a requirement, however, an affinity and
passion for the mission of public gardens must be evident. Senior-level leadership in a
destination-type facility that aspires to deliver an extraordinary visitor experience is highly
desirable.
A proven ability to hire, coach, and lead employees as an effective team of tightly
coordinated, highly professional and self-accountable staff members is a must. Of
critical importance is the candidate’s ability to transform ideas into specific, goal-driven
project outcomes. Strategic decision-making experience in project management, from
basic infrastructure improvements to large-scale capital construction projects, would be
ideal. Solid, demonstrated skills in operations and business management are expected.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required; a master's
degree is preferred. Affiliation with local, state, or national professional or trade
associations related to the Garden’s mission would be a plus.
Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To
apply, please visit http://www.kittlemansearch.com/daniel-stowe-botanical-garden/
For more information about Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, please visit
www.dsbg.org
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Willis Tower ▪ 233 South Wacker Drive, 84th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606 ▪ 312-986-1166
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