The Garden always welcomes volunteers in a number of capacities. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Director of Operations

Full time year-round salaried, exempt

SUMMARY

Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) is a membership-supported horticultural and educational organization encompassing over 24 acres of formal and natural gardens in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Its mission is to “provide information, education and inspiration concerning the science, art and joy of gardening and its role in preserving the environment.” The Garden is in the process of implementing an ambitious multi-phase master site plan, and has also launched an ongoing strategic plan to grow our audience, expand our gardens, plan for sustainable growth, and invest in the diversity and accessibility of our organization. BBG has about 20 full-time, year-round employees, and all department directors and managers currently report directly to the Executive Director. We are seeking to add an experienced Director of Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations of these departments at BBG and to report to the Executive Director and BBG’s Board of Trustees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

BBG’s Director of Operations will be a key member of the Garden’s management team and will oversee the daily operations of the Garden’s Horticulture, Education, Marketing, Special Events, Visitor Center, and Facilities departments and work closely with their department heads to that effect. The Director will ensure that all operations remain mission-focused and run efficiently, and will manage an overall operating budget set annually in consultation with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the organization’s various state and local permitting, corporate and nonprofit filing, human resources, IT, purchasing, food and office services needs, working with other staff members or outside consultants as appropriate. On occasions when the Executive Director is absent, the Director will assume overall responsibility of the organization.

The Director will be tasked with identifying strategic improvements to BBG’s organizational structure, and deepening communications between and among staff members, departments, volunteers, and board members, as needed. They will be an active participant in all staff and board meetings as well as various advisory and planning committees. The successful candidate will create regular operational reporting to enable the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to make strategic and business decisions to benefit the organization.

The Director will be asked to work a flexible weekly schedule averaging 40-50 hours per week. Some evening, weekend and holiday work will be required to help support BBG’s busy year-round calendar of programs and community events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4-6 years of operational leadership, and 5-10 years of overall experience required.
• Strong organizational problem-solving and strategic skills, a collaborative work approach, professionalism, and high attention to detail are all essential for this role
• An energetic team player who communicates effectively with staff, board, volunteers, visitors, and the general public.
• Experience planning and managing operational and departmental financial budgets and overseeing financial auditing and tax filings by outside firms.
• A commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Prior experience working at public gardens, cultural, and/or educational non-profit organizations is preferred.
• Aptitude with all common productivity and operations software, such as MS Office and Google Suites, Canva, Square or similar POS systems, Salesforce or other CRM database applications, and Quickbooks or other accounting software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

BBG provides a beautiful and stimulating work environment, with each season highlighting its signature character and charm. The staff of 18-30 (depending on the season) works in various shared office spaces as well as on the grounds and shares a common interest in the environment and the visitor/student experience. BBG values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our visitors and our employees and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. BBG is in the early stages of an ambitious master plan that will enhance accessibility and ultimately include a new visitor center and expanded formal and natural gardens.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and includes a full benefits package, including a health care reimbursement plan and generous paid time off. BBG encourages professional development and will help defray costs for all staff to attend conferences and workshops throughout the year. Free enrollment in BBG adult community classes and workshops is offered for programs when space is available.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to mbeck@berkshirebotanical.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Manager of Membership and Development Operations

Full-time, 40 hours/week, year-round

SUMMARY

Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, membership-supported educational organization encompassing over 24 acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Its mission is “to fulfill the community’s need for information, education and inspiration concerning the art and science of gardening and the preservation of our local environment.” Its Membership and Development Department supports this mission through its management of our community of approximately 1,200 members (and growing), by supporting our annual appeals and gift processing, and by assisting the Executive Director and the Board in fundraising and outreach. This year, 2024, marks BBG’s 90th season.

RESPONSIBILITIES

BBG’s Manager of Membership and Development Operations will be a key member of the management team and will oversee the membership program and development operations, including working with our Communications team to promote the value of membership and the importance of giving. They will be instrumental in enhancing and implementing processes for the sales and fulfillment of memberships, managing the membership renewal notice system, and will serve as a chief point of contact for membership inquiries and outreach. In addition, the Manager will support the fundraising operations of the Garden by overseeing the annual appeal, applying for and researching grants, soliciting sponsorships, and by overseeing the gift processing and gift acknowledgement process. The Manager will support development events such as our annual gala and auction by sending sponsorship requests and invitations, developing donation materials, and staffing the event. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with and support members of the Board of Trustees and other volunteers who are involved in development outreach and other activities of BBG. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Intuitive, creative approach to membership and development. 1-3 years of experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong writing and editing abilities, preferably with experience in annual appeals and/or grant writing.
• An interest in or knowledge of horticulture or public gardens, parks, or arboreta. (Experience with public gardens, cultural, and/or educational non-profit organizations is preferred.)
• Comfort and aptitude with the use of client database software (ie. Salesforce preferred) for contact, donor, and gift management, and with record keeping and reporting.
• Energetic team player who collaborates effectively with staff, board, volunteers, and the general public.
• Strong organizational skills, comfort with managing deadlines, and attention to detail.
• Participation in after-hours and weekend events is required throughout the year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

BBG provides a beautiful and stimulating work environment, with each season highlighting its signature character and charm. The staff of 12-20 (depending on the season) works in various shared office spaces as well as on the grounds and shares a common interest in the environment and the visitor/student experience. BBG is in the early stages of an ambitious master plan that ultimately will include a new visitor center and expanded formal and natural gardens.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and includes a full benefits package, including a health care reimbursement plan and paid time off. BBG encourages professional development and will help defray costs for staff to attend conferences and workshops throughout the year. Free enrollment in BBG adult community classes and workshops is offered for programs when space is available.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to mbeck@berkshirebotanical.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Berkshire Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of sex, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.