The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (osgf.org) seeks a Head of Plant, Garden and Landscape Programs to envision, plan, budget and manage a portfolio of distinctive, high-quality programs in the sciences, humanities and arts that are focused on plants, gardens and landscapes and that will take place on the Oak Spring estate in northern Virginia. The portfolio of programs (short courses, conferences, workshops etc.) will leverage the diverse assets of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation: i) a magnificent 700-acre landscape, including a small sustainably managed farm, ii) a world-class formal garden, iii) a unique formal greenhouse, iv) the spectacular historical collections of the Oak Spring Garden Library, and, v) on-site residential accommodation for groups of up to 20 people. The goal is to develop impactful and fulfilling engagement opportunities for audiences ranging from the general public, to established and early career artists, conservationists, land managers, scholars and scientists.
The role requires strong subject matter expertise in one or more areas relating to plants, gardens and landscapes, combined with exceptional creativity, energy and good judgement. Programs at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation are still in their formative stages. Working closely with the President and the Head of Residency & Fellowship Programs the successful applicant will play a key role in setting a young, fiscally stable, private operating foundation, with a staff of 60 people, on a programmatic path for future success.
The role requires a highly motivated, dependable and collaborative team player with a sophisticated knowledge of plants, horticulture or land management, including how plants and horticulture relate to the humanities. A Masters or PhD degree in plant science, horticulture, conservation biology or other appropriate subject area is preferred. Hands-on experience in working with plants will also be important. Responsibilities include management of staff as well as external contractors. Experience in planning, managing and tracking budgets and a minimum of 4-years of management experience will be advantageous. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Complete job description at: https://www.osgf.org/opportunities
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is a private operating foundation (osgf.org), located west of Washington, D.C. in the rural Virginia Piedmont, on the former private estate of Paul and Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire fresh thinking and bold action on the history and future of plants, including practical horticulture, the art and culture of gardens and landscapes, and the importance of plants for human well-being.
Please send a letter of application outlining your qualifications and experience, a full c.v. and the names of four referees to hr@osgf.org. Review of applications will begin October 1 st 2020, and will continue until the position is filled.
The Oak Spring Garden, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sex, gender identity, veteran, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics.