Director, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Thursday, April 23, 2020 07:21 AM

The University of Michigan invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (Matthaei-Nichols). For over 100 years, Matthaei-Nichols has welcomed students, faculty, staff, and community members to its gardens, prairies, and woodlands. Matthaei-Nichols plays a special and multi-faceted role in the university. It serves as a sanctuary and recreational space for students and community members, a center for environmental stewardship and activism, a cherished venue for university and community hosted events, and an active research and teaching laboratory. Matthaei-Nichols also has a long and successful history of public outreach, education, and volunteerism that routinely engages both K-12 children and the community at large. 

Matthaei-Nichols includes over 840 acres of formal display gardens, ponds, abundant trails and natural areas, a public conservatory and attached research facilities, and is home to the U-M Campus Farm. In 2019, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum served 485,000 visitors. 

The director position is an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring and collaborative leader who will work with staff and partners across the university and beyond to develop and implement a bold vision to expand the impact of this historic organization on the university and surrounding community. This vision will build from existing strengths in sustainability-focused research, experiential teaching and learning, conservation, and an emphasis on social justice and integrated relationships between land, people, and society. The Matthaei-Nichols director reports to the dean of the graduate school and vice provost. 

The search advisory committee seeks individuals with a record of distinguished achievement as an academic or a professional with an advanced degree in a relevant discipline such as ecology, plant biology, environment, sustainability, horticulture, landscape architecture, public garden management, or related field. Candidates will have demonstrated success in organizational leadership and administrative experience in a botanical garden or related environment. An exceptional ability to lead collaboratively and to work effectively across all levels of a large, complex organization are critical. Candidates must have deep appreciation for and strong commitment to education, academic research, environmental stewardship, horticultural beauty, and public engagement, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with scientific and lay audiences. The successful candidate will have a record of outstanding commitment and accomplishment in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Acceptance and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae or professional resume and letter of application. All inquiries, nominations, and applications for this position will be treated confidentially. Naree Viner and Tenley Bank of Koya Leadership Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role please submit your materials here or email Tenley directly at [email protected]

Koya Leadership Partners, a member of the Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. 

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.