Associate Director

Inspire. Lead. Grow.
Harry P. Leu Gardens is seeking a visionary Associate Director to help guide the next chapter of growth and transformation at one of Central Florida’s most cherished cultural landmarks. This senior leadership role is ideal for a mission-driven professional with a passion for public gardens, operational excellence, and team leadership as someone who thrives in a dynamic environment rooted in nature, history, education, and community connection.

About the Gardens
Since 1961, Harry P. Leu Gardens has inspired a love of nature, historic landscapes, and enriching outdoor experiences. Once the private estate of Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu, renowned plant collectors who developed one of the Southeast’s largest camellia collections, the 50-acre garden was donated to the City of Orlando and is now city-owned and operated.

Today, Harry P. Leu Gardens welcomes 300,000 visitors annually and features 30 diverse plant collections, robust educational programming, seasonal events, and public exhibitions. As a leading public garden and plant repository, the Gardens highlight global plant diversity suited to Central Florida’s climate. Visitors explore through self-guided experiences, interpretive materials, and the Historic Leu House Museum, built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus includes the historic museum, extensive gardens, and a 22,000-square-foot Welcome Center and event venue, making Leu Gardens a premier destination for weddings, private events, cultural programming, and horticultural education in Central Florida.

Position Overview
The Associate Director serves as the operational backbone of Harry P. Leu Gardens and a key partner to the Executive Director. This role oversees the daily management and performance of core operational departments, including guest services and sales, facilities management, financial administration, human resources, and administrative systems. The Associate Director is responsible for aligning people, processes, and resources to elevate operational effectiveness, enhance the visitor experience, support revenue growth, and ensure the Gardens’ long-term sustainability as a premier cultural destination.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy & Growth
• Partner with the Executive Director on strategic planning, financial management, policies, and business operations.
• Contribute as a senior member of the leadership team, helping shape initiatives that enhance guest experience, public engagement, and earned revenue.
• Participate in high-level decision-making and long-range planning.
• Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Executive Director.
Operations & Visitor Services
• Oversee daily operations, including admissions, ticketing, guest experience, facility operations, rentals, and safety protocols.
• Ensure effective coordination across departments supporting public programs, private events, and daily visitation.
• Implement best practices in customer service, accessibility, and visitor engagement for cultural institutions.
Team & Vendor Management
• Lead, supervise, and develop teams across guest services, rentals, accounting, and facilities.
• Manage hiring, training, scheduling, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Recruit, contract, and oversee third-party vendors, including IT, security, software providers, and facility contractors.
Facilities & Financial Oversight
• Direct maintenance and improvement of campus buildings, historic structures, and infrastructure.
• Develop, monitor, and manage operating budgets; review financial reports; and support organizational sustainability.
• Oversee systems related to ticketing and membership, accounting, scheduling, and administrative operations.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
• Build partnerships with community organizations and cultural groups to expand access and engagement.
• Represent the Gardens publicly to strengthen visibility, credibility, and community goodwill.

Qualifications
• Demonstrated leadership experience and passion for cultural or nonprofit institutions, preferably public gardens, museums, or destination venues.
• Strong background in operations, staff management, and customer service.
• Experience with project management, strategic planning, and public-facing leadership.
• Proven experience with budgeting and financial oversight.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to public service and working with diverse communities.
• Familiarity with systems such as Workday, Altru, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in horticultural, environmental, or sustainability-oriented settings preferred.

Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in organizational management, hospitality, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience with enterprise systems such as Workday, Altru, or Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with horticultural environments or environmental sustainability practices.

Compensation & Schedule
$90,000 – $114,000 annually
Full-time + benefits from the City of Orlando
Monday – Friday, with availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for special events

Apply Online
https://cityoforlando.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CityofOrlandoCareers

City of Orlando – Benefits Overview
www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Apply-for-a-City-Job/Benefits