The Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens serves as the chief officer for planning, operations, fundraising, and public relations. The Executive Director maintains the highest standards of excellence and provides strategic initiatives for long-range planning and leadership to promote and facilitate growth in key areas of operations: horticulture, natural areas conservation and management, education and public engagement. The Executive Director ensures that the mission and vision are supported through implementation of the botanic gardens’ 2025-2030 Strategic Plan; provides an inspired and creative vision for major new programmatic or capital initiatives; manages an engaged and supportive Advisory Council, actively cultivates and solicits donors, pursues grant and funding opportunities; communicates collaboratively and effectively with all stakeholders such as faculty, students, University administration, donors, visitors, and the general public.

Deadline: 08 October 2025

Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Location: Ithaca, New York, United States of America

Salary: USD $176,486 – $215,705