Awbury Arboretum Association located in Philadelphia, PA is seeking a visionary, mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization’s growth as a premier public garden and accredited arboretum. 

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, serve as Awbury’s public face, strengthen community and civic relationships, and build a sustainable nonprofit through fundraising, operations, and staff leadership. This is an amazing opportunity where you will walk the grounds daily and enjoy a peaceful experience!

Awbury Arboretum offers:

• 95-105K salary
• 3 weeks annual leave
• 6 days sick leave
• 3 personal days
• 85% health and dental insurance paid
• Workplace flexibility after 90-days of employment 
• 12 paid holidays

Executive Director Responsibilities:

Leadership & External Relations

• Elevate Awbury’s profile locally and nationally as a leader in urban public gardens and nature-based education.
• Build and maintain relationships with community groups, elected officials, donors, foundations, and partners.
• Represent Awbury with neighborhood associations and civic organizations.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grants, membership, events, and endowment growth.
• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies and revenue goals.
• Engage Board members in fundraising activities.
• Oversee major events and appeals.

Financial & Fiduciary Oversight

• Prepare and manage the annual budget, present financial reports to the Board.
• Oversee accounting, audits, endowments, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Coordinate with legal, audit, and financial advisors.

Operations & Planning

• Implement short- and long-term plans aligned with the Strategic Plan.
• Increase earned income through programs, rentals, and partnerships.
• Oversee contracts, leases, and stewardship of historic buildings and landscapes.
• Support growth of educational programming.

Human Resources

• Lead inclusive hiring and staff management practices.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate staff performance.
• Foster staff development and alignment with organizational goals.

Executive Director Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Masters preferred
• 5+ years nonprofit leadership experience, ideally in public gardens, environmental, or cultural organizations.
• Proven success in fundraising and donor relations.
• Must be comfortable engaging with a range of audiences, such as elected officials, business leaders, foundation staff and trustees, civic association leaders and neighbors.
• Strong financial, operational, and people-management skills.
• Passion for nature, education, and community engagement.
• Familiar with donor databases, QuickBooks, Microsoft and Google platforms.