Director of Operations and Guest Experience

Primary Responsibilities.  

• Oversee volunteer management program, including recruitment, training, scheduling, recognition, and volunteer service tracking system.
• Ensure optimal volunteer engagement and retention through effective communication and support.
• Oversee management of The Wanderwood Gardens constituent database, memberships, scheduling, and ticketing systems.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements, accounts payables management, revenue recording, treasury services, reconciliations, and payroll services management.
• Develop and implement attendance metrics, tracking, reporting, and analysis. Creating spreadsheets and managing databases as needed to support in the following areas but not limited to:
  • Visitor trend analysis
  • Visitor and Member survey collection and analysis
  • Grant outcome tracking and report creation
  • Annual, and other fundraising appeals
  • Constituent record reporting
  • Mailing list propagation
  • Additional as needed
• Oversee HR functions including staffing, training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and organizational policies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review operational policies and strategies guided by the organization’s mission, vision and goals. 

Collaborative Responsibilities: 

• Oversee daily operations to ensure smooth and efficient functioning of WWG.
• Oversee ongoing maintenance of WWG facilities, including the supervision of a shared full-time, seasonal Groundskeeping and Maintenance Technician.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review operational policies and strategies guided by the organization’s mission, vision and goals.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the children’s garden, including scheduling, staffing, and budget management.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for children of all backgrounds and capabilities.
• Cultivate a culture that reflects the organization’s values and enhances employee morale and productivity. Champion a guest-first culture across all touchpoints.
• Identify, create, and implement new guest experience opportunities.
• Enhance operational capabilities and community outreach by identifying, cultivating and nurturing community partnerships and initiatives.
• Manage front-of-house operations, including volunteers and interns, and the WWG’s facility rental program, with the goal of providing excellent guest experience in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Manage organizational budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Ensure financial sustainability and accountability, including reporting to stakeholders and supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve as a play facilitator, ensuring all visitors receive high-quality, informative experiences that align with our educational goals.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Other responsibilities as needed to support the team and guest experience and ensure care of the gardens and grounds.

Qualifications: 

• Ability to design and implement organizational strategies that enhance operational efficiency and align with the gardens mission to inspire lives through creative outdoor play.
• Proven ability to manage and inspire a diverse volunteer workforce, including experience in volunteer recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
• Strong background in managing human resources functions, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluations. Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Competence in budget preparation, financial forecasting, and resource allocation. Familiarity with financial reporting and supporting fundraising efforts.
• Experience in overseeing daily operations, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and managing business partnerships.
• Ability to serve as an environmental interpreter and promote educational programs that align with our goals of nature interaction and community engagement.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; a Master's Degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud products and XTruLink integration preferred.