Director of Education and Interpretation

~ The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education and research. ~

After 16 years of planning, planting, and building, the grand opening of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was celebrated on June 13, 2007. This ambitious project began in 1991 when a group of mid-coast Maine residents founded the grassroots organization. They, and those who worked with them and came after them, shared the belief that northern New England in general, and Maine in particular, were in need of a botanical garden.

In 1996, after a thorough search for an appropriate site, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens purchased 128 acres of pristine land with 3,600 feet of tidal shore frontage in Boothbay. This was possible due to the unhesitating willingness of founders to use their own homes as collateral.

Today Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens comprises 295 acres of tidal shoreland and in 2014 welcomed more than 100,000 guests throughout the year. To ensure the organization’s infrastructure remains sound and capable of supporting future growth in visitation, a Master Planning committee comprised of staff and board members has begun working on a 20-Year Master Plan.

Position Overview

The Director of Education and Interpretation oversees all of CMBG’s educational and interpretive activities. This includes development and management of comprehensive education and interpretive programs that are consistent with the Gardens’ mission, plant collections and unique natural features.

Responsibilities

Representative responsibilities include the following:

• Directs the Adult Education Program, including development and implementation of a wide range of botanical and horticultural programs
• Directs the Youth and Family Education Program, including a variety of initiatives and learning programs, horticulture and curation of “learning gardens” and the Alfond Children’s Garden
• Directs the Interpretation and Exhibits Program
• Directs the Therapeutic Horticulture Program
• Directs and manages the Education Department’s employees, budget and long-term planning
• Coordinates with peers at CMBG and other institutions to promote our programs and broaden our impact throughout the State

Qualifications

• Degree in education, horticulture, botany, or related field. Graduate degree preferred
• Demonstrated success directing a Children’s Garden and/or Education Center
• Prior experience working as part of a non-profit leadership team
• 3 years of experience overseeing development of informal science education programs for youth and families
• 3 years experience overseeing interpretive programming
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of both child and adult learning
• 3 years supervisory experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried professional, benefit eligible position.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply" to upload your letter of interest and resume to Carol Harris, Human Resource Coordinator. Review of applications will begin immediately until a suitable candidate is found.