Vice President of Collections and Horticulture

Job Description

The Morton Arboretum (the Arboretum), globally recognized for its century-long commitment to tree-focused science, conservation, and education, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, expert leader to serve as its Vice President of Collections and Horticulture. It is a transformative moment for the Arboretum, having recently completed a Strategic Plan in 2023 and a Comprehensive Site Plan in 2024. The Vice President of Collections and Horticulture will serve as the most senior leader conceptualizing, developing, and executing the Arboretum’s strategies for collections, horticulture, and natural areas within these plans. Importantly, this leader will also deepen a more formal integration with Science and Conservation at the Arboretum.

About Us

The Morton Arboretum–a great outdoor museum and a magnificent garden of trees–is a
nonprofit organization with a vision for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people
and trees thrive together. The Arboretum ranks among the leading arboreta of the world in size,
age, quality of specimens, and programs and initiatives for the conservation and planting of trees.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Vice President of Collections and Horticulture will serve as a key subject matter expert on collections and horticulture among an engaged and experienced leadership team led by Jill Koski, President and CEO, as well as in partnership with the Board of Trustees. This individual will provide visionary leadership, strategy, partnership and a strong culture within the Collections and Horticulture department as well as with colleagues throughout the Arboretum. Leadership at the Arboretum is focused on professionals with significant botanical and research expertise as well as exceptional abilities in high-level collaborative management that supports innovation in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

Minimum requirements include a master’s degree in horticulture, ecology, botany, or related plant science field from an accredited university and experience in horticultural, ecological, and/or conservation work with at least 10 years of management experience.

Management experience in an arboretum, public garden, or a similar organization or environment is strongly preferred. An understanding of and appreciation for the development and management of museum collections is required.

Additional Information

The anticipated compensation for this position is $215,000 – $235,000. This position is eligible for health, retirement, PTO, and other standard benefits offered at the Arboretum.

The position will remain open until filled, but applicants are highly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to ensure full consideration.

For more information about The Morton Arboretum visit www.mortonarb.org.

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit: https://www.kittlemansearch.com/opportunities/opportunity?id=9yfkmgnspbib6osm43jkhk89io?crt=1742916129152&title=Vice%20President%20of%20Collections%20and%20Horticulture%2C%20The%20Morton%20Arboretum