Director of Arboretum

Working Title: Director of Arboretum

State Role Title: Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100119 - Arboretum

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Specify Range or Amount:

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/25/2025

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Director of the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development for the arboretum, ensuring its continued success as a living botanical and educational resource for James Madison University and the surrounding community. This position is responsible for managing staff, coordinating educational and outreach programs, overseeing the landscape and facilities in collaboration with JMU Facilities Management, and developing and executing fundraising, grant-writing, and donor relations strategies. The Director fosters partnerships with faculty, students, volunteers, and community organizations to enhance the arboretum's role in research, education, and public engagement.
This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum continues to serve as a vibrant and sustainable resource for James Madison University and the broader community. The Director will champion education, conservation, and engagement while leading the team towards a shared vision for the future of the arboretum.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Arboretum Operations and Landscape Management:
* Ensure high-quality landscape maintenance and installation in collaboration with JMU

Facilities Management and the Landscaping Manager:
* Provide oversight to two full-time landscape employees assigned to the arboretum
(dotted-line supervision).
* Develop and implement sustainable landscape practices, conservation initiatives, and
ecological restoration projects.
* Submit work orders and coordinate with campus maintenance services to address
facility and grounds needs.
* Compile, update and organize educational resources and materials for day to day use.
* Update training and group tour program content.
* Front office duties including answering phones, greeting visitors and sales transactions
when needed.

Staff Supervision and Development:
* Lead and manage a team of full-time and part-time employees, student workers,
interns, and volunteers.
* Provide training, mentorship, and performance evaluations to staff and volunteers.
* Develop policies and procedures for arboretum operations and ensure compliance
with university guidelines.

Educational Programming & Community Engagement:
* Facilitate educational tours for both adult and children's groups and lead public
outreach initiatives.
* Plan and direct Summer Day Camps as well as other educational camps throughout
the year.
* Develop and oversee a calendar of educational programs, workshops, and seasonal
events.
* Utilize resources from JMU's education degree programs, students, staff and faculty
and curriculum materials to enhance arboretum educational programs.
* Coordinate with faculty to support student research and instructional use of the
arboretum.
* Lead the Education Committee of the Arboretum Board to develop long-term
education strategies.

Fundraising, Grants, and Donor Relations:
* Develop and execute fundraising strategies in collaboration with the JMU Foundation.
* Identify and apply for grants to support programming, conservation initiatives, and
infrastructure improvements.
* Cultivate relationships with donors and develop materials for donor engagement.

Marketing and Public Relations:
* Lead, train, direct and supervise the PR/Marketing Specialist to coordinate and
promote arboretum events, programs, and fundraising efforts (i.e. weddings, parties,
receptions, etc).
* Maintain and enhance digital and print media presence, including the arboretum's
website and social media platforms.
* Develop public outreach materials, including interpretive signage and informational
displays.

Administrative & Strategic Planning:
* Compile and submit annual reports on visitor demographics, programming, and
financial performance.
* Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the arboretum's growth and
sustainability.
* Participate in campus-wide initiatives related to environmental stewardship and
sustainability.

Qualifications:

Required:
* Experience in staff supervision, educational program development, and public
outreach and engagement.
* Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
* Experience managing budgets, grants, and fundraising initiatives.
* Ability to work collaboratively with university departments, community organizations,
and donors.
* Knowledge of plant identification and ecological landscape management.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
* Physical ability to lift and carry plant materials for programming and events.

Preferred:
* Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental sciences, education, public
administration, or a related field.
* Master's degree in a related field.
* Experience in grant writing and donor cultivation.
* Knowledge of stormwater management and environmental sustainability practices.
* Familiarity with university operations and facilities management.
* Superior writing and public speaking ability.

Additional Posting Information:

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.