Managing Director

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. In 1946, inspired by the utopian novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton, Texas philanthropist H.J. Lutcher Stark opened his extraordinary gardens to the public.

After a 1958 massive freak snow storm destroyed much of the Gardens, the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center reopened to the public in 2008, presenting a unique combination of formal gardens and natural environment.

The ecosystem of Shangri La has been recognized for its uniqueness - an undeveloped cypress tupelo swamp in the middle of an urban area.

An extraordinary commitment to educational programming is at the heart of Shangri La's mission and engages thousands of children and adults every year and has been recognized by many awards. Shangri La achieved LEED certification in 2008 and the American Institute of Architects selected Shangri La as one of the "Top Ten Green Projects in the World."

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center operates under the auspices of the Stark Foundation with an operating budget of $5,700,000. Capital expenditures are just over $1,200,000. Staff includes 28 full-time employees and 21 part-time. There are 190 active volunteers. The membership program has attracted over 700 families and individuals.

Position Overview: 

The Managing Director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens reports to the President of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation and works closely with the Foundation's executive team. The Managing Director leads the operation and oversees the administrative, educational and horticultural staff of the Gardens.

Reporting to the Managing Director are Director of Horticulture, Environmental Education Coordinator, Volunteer/Tour Coordinator, Admissions, and Administrative Assistant.

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the Stark Foundation President to set the vision and multi-year strategies necessary for measureable and successful implementation of Shangri La's mission;
• Set annual goals and objectives to meet clearly articulated expectations;
• Provide program and administrative management and direct staff in the implementation of these plans.

Qualifications: 

The successful candidate:

• Must be a strong leader with 10 years of progressively senior level experience, preferably gained with a botanical garden and/or nature/ environmental center or other related non-profit cultural or educational institution;
• Must be a graduate degree in botanical, ecological or environmental science or a related discipline is required;
• Will have demonstrated people and financial management experience and passion for the role of gardens and for living green and environmental education in today's world, including nationally and locally.

See the full position description here.

To Apply: 

Please click "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume. Please do not send printed catalogues or material.

Address all inquiries and recommendations in confidence to the retained search consultants: 

Freda Mindlin or Nancy Kaufman
Opportunity Resources Inc.
196 East 75th Street, Suite 14H
New York, NY 10021

Opportunity Resources has specialized for over thirty years in providing search services to non-profit cultural institutions nationwide.