Member Article

Birmingham Botanical Gardens seeks new chief executive

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is seeking a new experienced chief executive to lead the charity through an exciting and transformational period.

The registered charity, which is based in Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, is looking to appoint an experienced, dynamic and highly organised chief executive to work alongside the Board and staff team.

Sue Beardsmore, chair-elect of the trustees, said: “As one of the country’s most historically important botanical gardens, we pride ourselves on being a valuable asset. We have exciting plans for the future and are looking to bring on board an experienced individual to lead us in achieving our mission.”

There are ambitious plans to transform the gardens for the 21st century. Eight new Trustees and a new chair of trustees have been recruited in the past year, as well as a new head of operations.

The role, which is a permanent position within the charity, will focus on key areas of strategy, leadership, operations, and financial resilience, and will require a candidate with exceptional experience as well as a passion for horticulture, heritage, education and the development of Birmingham.

Sue said: “An opportunity has arisen for us to appoint a new chief executive. This is one of the most exciting, yet challenging roles in the sector, and we are now looking for someone to take up that challenge and build on a legacy of almost 200 years.”

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which first opened to the public in 1832, is a 15-acre oasis just one mile from the city centre and set within a conservation area. It has more than 7,000 formally documented plants and is the largest and most diverse botanic collection in central England.

As well as the gardens, the charity also provides a unique educational resource and welcomes visits from nurseries up to colleges, as well as organised groups and adult learners. It receives no regular public funding and relies on public donations, grants and other income it can generate.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens operates in a diverse community and it is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation, reflective of the community it serves. This commitment extends to diversity of its Board and staff team.

The charity welcomes applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, disability, age, gender, sexuality, class and economic disadvantage and any social institutional barriers that prevent people from creating, participating or enjoying the Gardens.

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2022.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Cooke .