Employment Opportunities
Since 1910, Brooklyn Botanic Garden has sought to expand the human knowledge of plants in a beautiful and inspirational setting. Horticultural display, education, and scientific research have been important missions of the garden since its inception.
Positions Available
Administration
Development
Horticulture
Marketing
Publications
Employment Application Procedure
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
E-mail personnel@bbg.org
Administration
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Vice President of Finance
This position is the Garden's senior administrator responsible for financial and administrative operations. Develops and implements effective financial policies and controls; ensures adequate risk management and insurance coverage. Through direct reports oversees Accounting, Cash Management and Financial Reporting, Administrative Support Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, and Payroll functions.
The CFO is a member of BBG's senior management team and staff to the Board Committees for Finance, Audit, and Investments. The CFO also participates in the Executive Committee meetings of the Garden's Board of Trustees.
Budgetary Scope:
Primary accountabilities include planning, implementing, and monitoring a $17 million operating budget and a $50 million multiyear capital budget and managing a $30 million investment portfolio.
Primary Responsibilties/Activities:
Financial Planning and Analysis; Financial Budgeting, Reporting, and Compliance; Capital Project Financial Management; Corporate Governance and Internal Controls; Investment Management and Banking; Insurance and Risk Management; Legal Affairs and Contractual Obligations; Leadership and Staff Development
Qualifications:
- Minimum 10 years of strategic, senior-level financial operations experience, with knowledge of 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
- A baccalaureate degree is required; CPA and/or MBA a plus
- Excellent leadership and management skills, with experience in strategic planning and institutional development
- Successful track record of supervising and collaborating
- Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with a nonprofit board, a strong leader, a results-oriented senior management team, and a committed staff with high standards and expectations
- Recognized expertise in financial controls, strategic business planning, information systems, and administration
- Proven ability to manage a staff of financial, operations, HR, and systems professionals
For more information, download the full job description.
Director of Interpretation and Exhibitions
The Director of Interpretation and Exhibitions is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing outstanding interpretation programs and exhibitions consistent with BBG's mission and brand. In coordination with VP of Facilities Planning, Construction and Management, the Director of Interpretation and Exhibitions will manage approximately $4M of new interpretive projects over the next four years. Supervises Manager of Interpretation; external contractors; volunteers assigned to program.
Qualifications:
Master's degree preferred in education, museum studies, interpretation, exhibition design, or similar field. Knowledge of horticulture, botany, natural history, or environmental science required. Five years' management experience in interpretive planning and implementation and/or exhibition planning and implementation. Excellent writer and communicator; good research abilities. Must be able to lead teams, develop effective relationships with staff and external vendors; communicate and listen effectively with different audiences. Able to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be competent with Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of print, graphic, and other media production processes. Weekend work required; travel to conferences and professional events.
For more information, download the full job description.
Senior Project Manager
This position has primary responsibility for the management of one or more capital projects from concept through design and construction to closeout of the project, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Oversees the work of consultants, contractors, vendors, and BBG staff as needed to execute assigned capital projects.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field, plus six years of experience in responsible architectural, engineering or construction management. Experience with ground-up new construction is strongly desired. Accreditation as a LEED AP, or experience with LEED-certified projects is strongly desired. Demonstrated knowledge of the technical aspects of architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and geotechnical engineering design and specifications, as well as of construction methods and trade practices. Experience with capital-project estimating and budgeting, including standard industry practices and norms for planning, estimating, and calculating overhead, design, and construction costs. Working knowledge of various funding sources and restrictions, legal requirements for government-funded projects; regulations and regulatory agencies and commissions affecting planning, zoning, design, and construction, requirements of bid packages, construction-management techniques and practices. Experience with NYC capital funding and management processes and relevant agencies such as DCA, DDC, OMB, and DCAS also strongly desired. Ability to think and plan creatively and strategically; be flexible with work flow and scheduling to meet seasonal patterns of peak demands and competing priorities for resources. Proven managerial and supervisory ability to work effectively with an integrated management team and build skills of staff and colleagues. Superior oral and written communication skills and a proven ability to interpret and fulfill internal/external customer needs, including developing meaningful reports and presentations for a variety of audiences. Proactive, highly organized, and with strong analytical skills. PC software skills: spreadsheet (Excel), word-processing (Word), database (Access), presentation (PowerPoint), Project Management (MS Project).
Development
Manager of Gift Planning
The Manager of Gift Planning works in partnership with the Director to raise approximately $1 million in program and general operating support from individuals, primarily through gifts of $1,000+. This position is part of an overall 14-person department that is responsible for raising approximately $5 million in annual operating support from a variety of funding sources. S/he will also help to support the Garden's goal of raising significant additional funds from major donors as part of the Centennial Campaign.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required. 3+ years of non-profit experience, and interest in cultural or environmental organizations preferred. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, computer, and writing skills required. Raiser's Edge or other fund-raising software proficiency required. Candidate must be detail-oriented, able to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects, and interact with trustees, donors, and staff at all levels. Looking for a creative, energetic team player, with a good sense of humor and a strong desire to succeed.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSITION
Gift Planning Associate
The Gift Planning Associate provides primary data management, donor correspondence and event-related assistance for a 14-person department that is responsible for raising approximately $5 million in annual operating support from a variety of funding sources. This position reports to the Manager of Gift Planning, who focuses primarily on gifts of $1,000 or more from individuals and planned gifts. S/he will also work with other department staff as needed, with particular additional assistance given to special events, including larger fund-raising and smaller donor-cultivation events.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required. Career-track development professional with a minimum of two years' experience and excellent organizational, planning, interpersonal, and writing skills. Candidate must be detail-oriented and able to meet multiple deadlines. Raiser's Edge or other fundraising software proficiency required as well as experience with Microsoft products. Looking for an enthusiastic, energetic team player who is able to work independently behind the scenes, as well as interact closely with trustees, donors, staff, and guests at all levels. Background or strong interest in cultural institutions, environment, education, and/or science desired.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSITION
Horticulture
Foreman of Grounds
Under executive direction, with a latitude for use of independent judgment and initiative, supervises a crew of eight gardeners plus seasonal interns and volunteers in daily tasks relating to the maintenance, development, and record keeping of BBG's trees, lawns, hedges, border mounds and perimeter areas, composting operation, and heavy equipment.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or related degree, plus a minimum of five years' paid, full-time, high-level administrative horticultural and grounds-management experience in a supervisory capacity (excludes intern/volunteer supervision)
OR
- Ten years of paid, full-time, high-level administrative horticultural and grounds management experience, including five years in a supervisory capacity (excludes intern /volunteer supervision)
- Demonstrated ability in exercising sound judgment in handling horticulture and grounds management
- Broad-based working knowledge and hands-on experience in the identification, culture, maintenance, and display of a wide range of ornamental plants
Additional Requirements:
- Applicant may be required to pass written and practical exam.
- Applicant must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in the state in which he/she resides.
- Applicant must possess and maintain a current New York State pesticide applicator certification.
- Proven leadership ability, strong communication skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Applicant must be organized and detail-oriented.
Gardener/Roses
Under guidance of the director of Horticulture and general supervision of the foreman, do gardening and related work. May deal with all aspects of horticulture, both on the grounds and in the Conservatory, including planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and caring for trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and other flora; perform related work.
Qualifications:
Two years of college and/or Associate's degree related to horticulture, or three years of full-time, paid experience in maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and lawns and operation and maintenance of gardening tools and equipment, or satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have experience working with landscaping tools and be able to operate heavy equipment. Must have working knowledge of general grounds care. Valid driver's license. Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather. Written exam and practical test given.
Additional Qualifications:
Knowledge and hands-on work experience with the culture and maintenance of roses, including but not limited to fertilizing, pruning, soils; IPM a plus.
Gardener: Magnolia Plaza and Lily Pool Terrace
Under guidance of the director of Horticulture and general supervision of the foreman, do gardening and related work. May deal with all aspects of horticulture, both on the grounds and in the Conservatory, including planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and caring for trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and other flora; perform related work.
Qualifications:
Two years of college and/or associate's degree related to horticulture, or three years of full-time, paid experience in maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and lawns and operation and maintenance of gardening tools and equipment, or satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have experience working with landscaping tools and be able to operate heavy equipment. Must have working knowledge of general grounds care. Valid driver's license. Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather. Written exam and practical test given.
Additional Qualifications:
Extensive knowledge and hands-on work experience with annuals and perennials, water-lilies, and magnolias.
Marketing
Vice President of Marketing
The vice president of Marketing is responsible for administering diverse activities related to marketing, communications, public programs, and visitor services at the Garden. This VP leads by establishing both short- and long-range institutional and divisional goals and strategic plans to fulfill the Garden's mission. The VP represents the Garden as it relates to these functions with trustees, the community, business, and other professional contacts. The VP facilitates communication, teamwork, and successful execution of projects with appropriate parties, both internally and externally. The position directs, develops, and evaluates a broad range of staff.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSITION
Publications
Part-time Website Production Assistant, Publications Department
Brooklyn Botanic Garden seeks an experienced Website Production Assistant to work part time (two days per week) to support Website Manager in the production and maintenance of BBG website properties and other electronic marketing endeavors. Qualified candidate will also play a role in creation of multimedia content for web-based publications, including photos, videos, and podcasts.
Qualifications:
Expert knowledge of web standard technologies such as XHTML, CSS, and the DOM. Experience with web programming across a variety of languages. Knowledge of web browser technologies and cross-browser coding techniques. Excellent eye for clean layout and proficiency with design software (Adobe CS3). Interest in and familiarity with content-management systems, e-commerce software, blogging platforms, video streaming, and other current web-based technology.
How to Apply:
We will only accept résumés for those positions currently available. This notice is updated periodically; consequently, some of the positions listed may already be filled. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please send a résumé and cover letter indicating the title of the position desired to:
Director of Human Resources
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11225-1099
Fax: 718-622-7826
personnel@bbg.org
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.