Arboretum Director

Arboretum Director

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment invites nominations, inquiries and applications for an innovative and creative leader to serve as the Arboretum Director to lead the continuing development of its Arboretum. This 100-acre arboretum and botanical garden is located on the UK campus in the heart of Lexington. The Arboretum serves as an educational, research, and recreational resource for staff, faculty, and students at the University, as well as all Kentuckians and visitors. We seek candidates with outstanding leadership skills able to sustain and build upon the excellence of this exceptional community asset. The qualified candidate will possess excellent communication and presentation skills applicable to a wide range of audiences including university administration, elected public officials, major donors, community organizations, and public stakeholders.

Responsibilities : The Director will oversee horticultural, grounds and facilities operations and management. Of critical importance will be aggressive leadership of budget development through grants, public support and private giving. The Director will have primary responsibility for leading the expansion of educational programs, outreach and research, and initiating and facilitating these efforts in collaboration with university and cooperative extension faculty and staff. The director will oversee a team of seven full-time employees, student interns, and volunteers.

The Director will report to the Chair of the Department of Horticulture and the Dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The Director also interacts closely with the Arboretum Advisory Board. While not mandatory, appointment to a faculty rank (regular or adjunct) is optional, dependent upon academic qualifications, including a terminal degree appropriate to the faculty of the College.

The Arboretum is a joint effort of the University of Kentucky and Lexington / Fayette County. It was formally opened in 1991, subsequent development being in accord with a design plan produced by an internationally recognized firm. It is now designated as the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. The mission is to showcase Kentucky landscapes and serve as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research and conservation. The University of Kentucky has primary responsibility for maintenance and operations, but with essential support from local government, grants, and private giving. Community usage and support is very strong.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities : Marketing, management, leadership, fund raising, grants and contracts, governmental relations.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes.

Preferred Education / Experience : Minimum requirements are a bachelor's degree and leadership experience. An advanced degree in an appropriate field is preferred. The Director shall be an effective leader, administrator and educator, with experience closely related to arboreta and botanical gardens preferred. Essential is the capacity to collaborate with and coordinate many different organizations and fields in the creation of quality programs within a university system. Skills in communication, problem solving, development, marketing, and public relations are required.

Deadline to Apply : 11 / 25 / 2025

Our University Community : We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.