Interpretation Manager

Red Butte Garden & Arboretum (RBGA) is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West and together with the University of Utah, is the State Arboretum of Utah. We are located on 100 acres in the foothills on the eastern edge of the University of Utah campus. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. The Garden which is community-funded, is renowned for its numerous plant collections, display gardens, 580,000 springtime blooming bulbs; including a vast collection of daffodils; gorgeous private event spaces, a world-class outdoor concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.

Red Butte Garden is seeking a passionate, mission-focused Manager of Interpretation. Make your mark on the largest botanic garden in the intermountain west by planning, developing, and implementing outstanding interpretation programs and exhibitions consistent with Red Butte Garden’s mission and brand. Create interpretive materials, trainings, and exhibits of all scales and leverage modern techniques and technologies to engage and educate visitors of all ages. Build reciprocal relationships with community partners to better tell their stories at the Garden. The ideal candidate is a creative leader adept at working closely with a variety of stakeholders, including guests of all ages, volunteers, donors, horticulturists, community partners, and scientists.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement interpretive programs, exhibits, and materials that align with Red Butte Garden’s mission and Interpretive Master Plan (IMP).
2. Research, write, and edit interpretive materials and guides, including brochures, signs, labels, audio content, and digital media, app, and website content.
3. Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and organizations.
4. Inventory, review, maintain, and update all existing interpretive content and update the IMP.
5. Manage the planning, implementation, training, and long-term strategy of live interpretation and informal drop-in programming, including tours, stations, and other pop-up programs for general audiences.
6. Collaborate with horticulture staff, education staff, and marketing and communications staff to ensure a cohesive and meaningful visitor engagement.
7. Supervise, train, and evaluate interpretive staff and volunteers.
8. Monitor and evaluate visitor feedback and use it to improve programming and exhibits.
9. Stay current on trends and best practices in botanic garden interpretation and education.
10. Represent the Garden in professional associations such as the National Association of Interpretation.
11. Coordinate and manage the development and design of new permanent exhibits, ensuring they align with the Garden’s mission and IMP.
12. Research, select, secure, and manage potential traveling exhibits.
13. Ensure that all exhibits are accessible, engaging, and educational for visitors of all ages and abilities.
14. In conjunction with University Financial Services, write RFPs, negotiate contracts, and manage projects with external vendors such as designers, writers, content experts, media producers, fabricators, evaluators, and other contractors as needed.
15. Supports the development team in their efforts to fund the interpretation and exhibit programs at Red Butte Garden.
16. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of employment may be required. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in interpretation, museum studies, botany, horticulture, education, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in interpretive programming, exhibit development, or related field.
• Familiarity with the interpretation best practices, knowledge of the National Association of Interpretation’s guidelines and standards is preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience in developing and implementing educational programs.
• Experience working with and training volunteers.
• Knowledge of horticulture, botany, natural history, environmental science, or botanical gardens. 
• Familiarity with relative technologies such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.

APPLICATION LINK:  https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/179167