Executive Director

Join Us as the Next Executive Director of Leach Botanical Garden!

Are you a dynamic, collaborative leader with a passion for parks and public gardens, a talent for fundraising, and a commitment to fostering community connections? Leach Botanical Garden invites you to step into a transformative role as our next Executive Director.

On close to 17 lush acres along the banks of Johnson Creek in southeast Portland, Oregon, Leach Botanical Garden is more than just a garden—it’s a sanctuary of discovery, learning, and joy. The gift of trailblazing plant collectors Lilla and John Leach to the City of Portland nearly 45 years ago, and known for its native plant collections, the Garden is a place where nature, culture, and community thrive together. With the completion of Phase 1 of its Master Plan, including new features like the aerial tree walk, pollinator garden, and fireside terrace, the Garden is poised for additional growth. We’re looking for a leader to harness this momentum and inspire its next chapter.

About the Role

As Executive Director, you’ll lead Leach Garden Friends, a nonprofit organization that manages the Garden in collaboration with the City of Portland. Reporting to a supportive and engaged Board of Directors, you’ll oversee a dedicated team of 19 staff members and over 100 volunteers. The Executive Director is expected to maintain a visible presence at Leach Botanical Garden, engaging regularly with staff, visitors, volunteers, and community members. Your leadership will ensure that Leach Botanical Garden continues to flourish as a beloved community resource.

Leadership Profile

Leach Botanical Garden seeks an experienced leader with a proven track record in nonprofit management to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will excel in financial stewardship, board development, staff management, and organizational leadership, while bringing a visionary approach to fundraising by cultivating relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable financial future.

As a visible and collaborative leader, the Executive Director will build strong partnerships with the community, Portland Parks & Recreation, and other key stakeholders to advance the Garden’s mission and regional presence. They will take a strategic approach to growth, aligning operations and programs with the Garden’s values, while empowering a capable team and ensuring effective resource management. By fostering robust relationships with the Board of Directors and engaging the broader community, the Executive Director will strengthen the Garden as a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a candidate who combines a strategic mindset with collaborative leadership skills. Our ideal Executive Director will bring:

• Passion for the Garden’s Mission: A clear understanding of the Leach Botanical Garden’s history, purpose and its importance to the community, with an appreciation for its role in social and environmental justice.
• Knowledge of Public Gardens: Familiarity with public parks or gardens and an appreciation for the value they bring to communities.
• Collaborative Relationship Building: Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with community partners and key stakeholders, including the City of Portland and other funders.
• Leadership and Organizational Skills: A history of setting clear goals, developing actionable strategies, and empowering a strong leadership team.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: Experience in nonprofit financial oversight, program development, human resource management, and executing successful operational plans.
• Fundraising Success: Ability to diversify revenue streams, secure major gifts, and engage the community in fundraising initiatives.
• Marketing and Outreach Oversight: Devise strategies for audience development through brand-building activities and relationships.
• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Capacity to navigate challenging conversations and sensitive issues with professionalism and empathy, ensuring that the Garden remains an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
• Humility and Approachability: A collaborative leader who approaches work with humility, calmness, humor, and heart, fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to listen actively. Engage authentically with staff, volunteers, and the community.

This is a rare opportunity to lead Leach Botanical Garden into an exciting phase of growth, while preserving the sense of community, joy, and discovery that defines this beloved space.

We are most interested in finding the right candidate, and we know that background and experiences can vary. If this position speaks to you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification.