Director of Learning and Engagement

Director of Learning and Engagement Hiring Department: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Position Open To: All Applicants Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 FLSA Status: Exempt Earliest Start Date: Immediately Position Duration: Expected to Continue Location: Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin, Texas) Job Summary The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a state botanic garden and national leader in native plant education, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation, and research. The Center welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, serves over 18,000 member households, and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its native plant database. Purpose Statement The Wildflower Center seeks a Director of Learning and Engagement to provide leadership, management, and planning for its learning and engagement programs. The director leads a team of educators and volunteer managers to develop and implement programs that serve diverse audiences and promote the Center’s mission, including K‑12 students, undergraduates, adult tour groups, volunteers, daily guests, and class participants. The director also oversees the Native Plants of North America digital plant database and collaborates across teams to create impactful learning programs and community engagement opportunities. Responsibilities Provide leadership for the learning and engagement team, including guest engagement programs, professional education, adult and youth programs, the volunteer program, and plant outreach tools such as the plant database. Mentor, evaluate staff, oversee programs and budgets, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Collaborate with Center gardens, science and conservation, lands, and hospitality teams to develop and implement interpretive programs for exhibits, landscapes, and living collections. Build strategic partnerships and represent the Wildflower Center with learning and engagement programs throughout the community. Work with the Center’s leadership team to develop strategic programs in support of the mission and revenue goals, including fundraising strategies and donor cultivation activities. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years working at a botanic garden, nature center, or in a related field. Demonstrated experience leading education and outreach programs, developing lessons and materials, and managing budgets. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated knowledge of native plants, gardening, horticulture, conservation, research, and related fields, and experience educating various audiences about these topics. Experience developing interpretive signage and planning interpretive exhibits. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree. Experience developing and leading tours and training tour guides. Advanced knowledge of Texas native plants and concepts such as water conservation. Knowledge about Lady Bird Johnson and her legacy. Talent and propensity for creative, innovative thinking. Experience working with fundraisers to support programs. Experience developing and implementing an interpretive master plan or similar project. Driving Requirements This position requires a “C” class operator’s driver’s license. Applicants must provide a current 3‑year driving record from the current state of residence. Non‑Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Salary $85,000 + depending on qualifications. Working Conditions On‑site position; schedule varies with university schedules, events, and operational functions; some events may be off‑site. Standard office conditions with repetitive use of a keyboard. Prolonged screen time. Manual dexterity required. Work outside in all weather as most events take place in a garden setting. Work late evenings and some weekends for scheduled events; hours subject to change. Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without sponsorship. Position based in Austin, Texas. Work Shift Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Ability to work extended hours as needed, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required by programs and events. Benefits Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees and receive all associated benefits, an annual membership to the Center, discounts on classes, access to events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. #J-18808-Ljbffr