The Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world's premier botanical institutions, seeks an exceptional horticultural leader to serve as its next Vice President of Horticulture. For more than 165 years, the Garden has advanced horticulture, science, conservation, education, and public engagement while connecting people to plants and the natural world. This is a rare opportunity to build upon an extraordinary horticultural legacy and shape the future of the Garden's landscapes, collections, displays, and visitor experiences at a pivotal moment in the institution's evolution. To learn more about the Garden, please visit https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/.

Summary

Reporting to the President and Director, the Vice President of Horticulture will provide strategic leadership for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Garden's landscapes, gardens, conservatories, and displays. The Vice President will establish a compelling horticultural vision aligned with the Garden's mission and emerging strategic framework while advancing design innovation, sustainable practices, operational excellence, and an exceptional visitor experience. Working collaboratively across the institution, the Vice President will strengthen connections among horticulture, conservation, research, education, sustainability, and public engagement. The Vice President will oversee a team of 57 staff, four direct reports, and a divisional operating budget of $5.8 million.

The Garden seeks a collaborative and inspiring leader who combines horticultural credibility with the enterprise leadership capacity to guide a large and complex division. The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public garden management, horticultural design, or botanical leadership, including at least five years in a senior executive or director-level role. Demonstrated success leading large teams and complex operations is essential, along with experience in strategic planning, organizational change, project management, landscape design, living collections, conservation horticulture, and visitor-centered public gardens. The ideal candidate will balance long-term vision with day-to-day operational realities, communicate clearly, build trust across teams, and represent the Garden effectively among donors, volunteers, community leaders, professional partners, and media representatives.

A Ph.D. in horticulture, botany, landscape architecture, or a related discipline is preferred. Exceptional candidates with a compelling combination of education, professional experience, and demonstrated success in public horticulture will receive full consideration. ISA Certified Arborist certification is a plus. The ability to communicate effectively in English and preferably in one or more additional languages, particularly languages frequently spoken in Latin America, is highly desirable.

Kittleman & Associates is leading the search for the Vice President of Horticulture. Candidates are invited to confidentially submit a current resume and cover letter through the online application portal at https://kittlemansearch.com/opportunities/vice-president-of-horticulture-missouri-botanical-garden. The cover letter provides an opportunity to demonstrate a passion for the Missouri Botanical Garden and its mission, as well as relevant horticultural and organizational leadership experience. For best consideration, applicants should submit their materials by December 4, 2026.

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Compensation Information

The Missouri Botanical Garden offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $165,000–$185,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off; medical, vision, and dental insurance; and a 403(b)-retirement plan.