OUR GARDEN - EMPLOYMENT

Director, Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

PURPOSE:
To provide vision, academic direction, and management leadership for the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, a premiere adult education program in the United States, with particular expertise in plant conservation, horticulture, garden design, nature studies, botanical arts, and ecology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. Work with related staff to coordinate &/or manage undergraduate and graduate programs in partnerships with leading universities including Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Illinois at Chicago, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
2. Serve as an advocate for the Regenstein School to strengthen its position of prominence and bring national and international recognition to the School’s mission including broadening institutional partnerships.
3. Work with the communications staff to maintain an identity and marketing program for the Regenstein School including publications, media opportunities, recruiting strategies and publicity.
4. Work internally with other departments to source operating and capital funds, grants and sponsorship opportunities for the Regenstein School.
5. Identify key educational and vocational needs in the green industry and work with other institutions and Garden staff to develop outreach programs and career training opportunities.
6. Perform supervisory functions of hiring, training, advising and conducting performance appraisals for staff.
7. Work with Regenstein School staff to oversee programs including, symposia, continuing education, certificate programs, graduate and undergraduate programs and professional training programs.
8. Analyze programs in terms of target audience and financial goals and work with staff to develop annual operating plans and budgets.
9. Work with staff to develop and manage budgets of the school.
10. Serve as teaching faculty for the School, including developing curriculum and providing instruction regularly.
11. Initiate new university collaborations and manage existing university partnerships.
12. Participate in the Garden’s Strategic Plan as well as long range department plans and the establishment of annual operating goals.
13. Serve on or lead interdepartmental project teams, attend interdisciplinary staff meetings and generally participate in the life of the Garden.

An ideal candidate would have noted experience and accomplishments in higher education, as well as a M.A. or Ph.D. in an environmentally related field and/or in the field of science education. Comfort in speaking Spanish and experience in community colleges and/or vocational training is a plus. Candidate should be outgoing, energetic, a team builder, and not be averse to working lectures or events, when necessary.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Updated June 16, 2008