Description

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, Inc. has exclusively retained The QTI Group to lead the search for an Executive Director.

Application Deadline: April 6th, 2026, at 8:00 am CT.

About the Opportunity

FBBG seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as Executive Director and lead the organization through its next phase of growth and community impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership while serving as the visible and engaged face of the organization.

A primary focus of this role is to grow and strengthen FBBG’s membership base, expand and enhance programming, and elevate fundraising efforts through innovative events and initiatives. The Executive Director will actively engage with Milwaukee County Parks and the community and cultivate relationships with local businesses, donors, and strategic partners to increase visibility, participation, and financial sustainability.

The Executive Director is responsible for all day-to-day and long-term FBBG operations. This includes but is not limited to:

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Lead and motivate FBBG staff to meet organizational goals and objectives, including Marketing, Education, Administration, Accounting, and the FBBG Gift Shop.
• Provide executive oversight of organizational operations and financial management.
• Ensure prompt, results-oriented engagement with all key stakeholders.

Donor & Fund Development

• Drive year-round fundraising, grant strategy and writing, and donor development, including foundations and private philanthropy. 
• Increase membership by developing and executing innovative outreach, engagement, and retention strategies that expand our reach and strengthen the long-term vitality of the organization.
• Serve as the organization’s lead ambassador, effectively communicating its mission and impact through compelling written and verbal storytelling.

 Program Oversight

• Provide comprehensive program oversight by assessing current offerings, monitoring quality, facilitating strategic discussions, and planning for sustainable program growth.
• Propel program innovation and expansion to deepen community impact and respond to emerging needs. 

 Operational & Financial Leadership

• Ensure financial stability with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring sound fiscal stewardship in alignment with nonprofit regulatory and reporting standards.
• Oversee annual audit preparation by coordinating required documentation, ensuring financial records are accurate and complete, and working closely with the external accountant throughout the audit process.
• Plan and facilitate Board meetings, community events, education initiatives, gift shop operation, and volunteer engagement in support of FBBG’s mission.

 Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Milwaukee County leaders, staff, and government partners, leading collaborative efforts that support shared goals, strengthen coordination, and enhance the organization’s visibility and impact in the community.
• Serve as the primary public representative of FBBG, building community partnerships and leading advocacy, public relations, and media engagement efforts to increase visibility and strengthen community impact.

 People Leadership & Human Resource Development

• Lead a high-performing team and foster a culture rooted in professionalism, shared accountability, collaboration, and respect.
• Oversee all human resources responsibilities, ensuring strong personnel management and compliance.

Requirements

Position Requirements: 

• Demonstrated progressive leadership experience and relevant education in nonprofit or for-profit settings.
• Experience in general management, overseeing multiple programs, departments, or functional areas within an organization.
• Strong business acumen and financial oversight, with a proven ability to drive measurable growth. 
• Proven success in fundraising efforts and donor development.
• Demonstrated ability to foster accountability, promote clear communication, and ensure organizational alignment while upholding an unwavering commitment to FBBG’s mission.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, plan, and manage complex tasks and deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead collaboratively and build strong, trusting relationships.