Friends of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Compensation

Full Description

Organizational Mission: To inspire joy, curiosity and replenishment within a serene rhododendron garden. Organizational Vision: A sanctuary of tranquil beauty for the wellbeing of all. Position Summary Reporting to the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic operation and growth of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden including its staff, programs, partnerships and execution of the Mission and Vision and providing for the long-term successful operation of the Garden. Within 30 days of hiring, the successful candidate will meet with the Board and develop and negotiate a Work Plan. Because of the potentially excessive hours, the Executive Director will be provided flexibility in work hours. Organizational Summary: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a partnership between the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, doing business at the same site as Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and the City of Portland. Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (PCARS) is the employer for this position. Situated on 9.5 acres in Portland, Oregon, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden showcases rhododendrons, azaleas, and many companion plants in a serene and beautiful garden. In 2024, Crystal Springs was named a top five botanical garden in the United States by readers of Newsweek Magazine. Crystal Springs strives to be a workplace where its employees can cultivate and share in the peace and tranquility of the garden with one another and the public. You Can learn more about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden by visiting www.csrgpdx.org. Core Responsibilities Finance and Budgeting: • Oversee and coordinate the annual budget process for the Garden, including 5-year budget projections, retaining nonprofit status, expenditure forecasting, revenue generation and involving staff in the process. • Provides analysis of the Garden’s business operation to the Board including budget and actual documentation. Proposes new revenue generating concepts. • Collaborate with the Operations Director and the Board to set Garden admission rates, annual pass and event venue and rental fees within the framework of the Gardens site license with the City of Portland. • Serves as the primary purchaser of supplies and retail items for the Garden • Encourages an entrepreneurial spirit by Garden employees. Leadership and Vision: • Ensures that the Chapter’s work at Crystal Springs is in alignment with the Mission and Vision of the organization for the Garden. • Engages with, collaborates with Garden staff, volunteers and partners around the mission and vision of the Garden. • Embodies integrity, dedication, empathy and professionalism for the Gardens staff and volunteers. • Provides positive leadership to all • Collaborate with the Board to develop long-term strategies for the continued operation and improvements and successful management of the Garden. • Serves as the primary liaison between the Chapter and the City of Portland including key relationships with the Portland Park Bureau, Mayors office and City Council. • Develops strong positive relationships with the Neighborhood Associations, Reed College, METRO, OSU and other related organizations including Portland City Club, Rotary and individuals. • Develops and maintains strong collaboration with NAO to enhance the operation of the garden • Work to assist staff to develop, improve skills and be successful. Fundraising: • Oversee and assist in the development of grants for a variety of uses at the garden • Oversee and implements all aspects of aggressive fundraising efforts including annual fund, donations, planned giving and other strategies geared to increasing revenue. • Develop and cultivate donor relationships specifically with mid and major donors of the Gardens canopy community, local and regional businesses and private organizations. • Keeps the organization looking at least 5 years out to help avoid any unforeseen problems. Communications: • Develops, implements and evaluates the Garden’s communication plan across the donor, annual pass and general public audiences • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local TV, news and radio resources • Manages all media contacts and serves as the public spokesman for the garden Horticulture • Works with Horticulture Department staff to develop a horticulture collection policy and inventory • Assists in strengthening the tree canopy to benefit rhododendrons Programs • Collaborates with program and events staff to ensure positive and special results from such events • Ensure that events and rentals are aligned with vision and mission Safety • Ensure that the garden maintains a strong and aggressive safety program for both staff and customers. Keep safety as a priority Human Resources: • Ensure continuation of the team concept and regular Management Team meetings to enhance communication, problem solving and coordination. • Keep current on state and federal changes in payroll, work rules and requirements • Set a positive tone for the work environment, encourage employees to be successful • Be open and accessible to all employees and volunteers • Coordinate with Operations Director to ensure the payroll system functions properly in serving employees • Ensure employees follow policies and procedures • Complete annual employee evaluations Change: • Willingness to accept changing conditions and take on additional duties as may be required over time • Requisite Skills and Competencies • Bachelor’s Degree and/or 5 years experience in nonprofit, garden, business administration or similar work • Three years experience in a visitor service organization • Possess entrepreneurial philosophy • Have several local contacts and relationships that would benefit working here at the garden • Experience in fundraising and donor cultivation • Demonstrated experience in managing successful organizations. Working Conditions • CSRG is a small team and there may be times when leadership team members are needed to help cover supervisory shifts during staff vacation and sick leave. • As a garden-based nonprofit, some work may take place outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Employees may occasionally be required to lift or move items weighing approximately 20–30 pounds and to push or pull loads of up to 50 pounds using a cart or hand dolly. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with qualifying needs.