Under the aegis of Park Management Company, an umbrella nonprofit institution which provides management services to Myriad Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation, the President and CEO will manage Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park.
MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Gardens consist of 15 acres in downtown Oklahoma City. Its mission is to increase the quality of life and vibrancy of downtown Oklahoma City by sustaining a world-class public garden and community-building urban green space. The Gardens provide year-round horticultural educational programs, seasonal festivals, and a diverse range of recreational and cultural programming for all ages.
Opened in 1988, the Gardens undertook a major renovation completed in 2011, significantly transforming its grounds and facilities, resulting in increased visitation and a more vibrant downtown.
The Gardens contain ornamental gardens, a lake, water features, a children’s garden and playground, a vintage carousel, a lakeside amphitheater, a great lawn and bandshell, an event venue, a dog park, and a seasonal ice rink. The centerpiece is the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, reopened after a nearly two-year, $11 million renovation.
SCISSORTAIL PARK
The recently completed, 70-acre Scissortail Park partially opened in 2019 and was fully operational by 2022. The Park was funded by the city of Oklahoma’s MAPS – Metropolitan Area Project downtown revitalization sales tax program. In 2017, Myriad Gardens Foundation was invited to manage the new Park within a public/private partnership framework. A new 501(c)3 was established as Scissortail Park Foundation to manage the Park.
The Park was designed by internationally renowned landscape architectural firm, Hargreaves Jones. The Upper Park contains a great lawn and stage, a lake, a boathouse, fountains, gardens, tree collections, a café, a playground, an event pavilion, and a dog park. The Lower Park has sport courts, walking trails, and a nature play area. The Park offers year-round programs that include a farmer’s market, concert series, festivals, and exercise programs.
The Upper Park is anchored by Union Station, a 50,000-square-foot building on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Opened in 1931, Union Station will undergo an extensive renovation funded by the MAPS program, with construction scheduled to start in early 2025 and completion estimated for mid-2026.
For Myriad Botanical Gardens, the President and CEO will manage 45 full-time and 11 part-time staff, with an FY2025 operating budget of $5,904,820. For Scissortail Park, the President and CEO will manage 64 full-time and 15 seasonal staff, with an FY2025 operating budget of $8,047,638.
BASIC FUNCTION
The President and CEO will provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for both entities, managing day-to-day operations and activities. Reporting jointly to the Chairmen of Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park, the President and CEO will ensure both institutions are well managed fiscally and administratively sound.
Responsibilities include institutional development, implementing major programmatic and capital improvements, and leading fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate should embrace both institutions’ roles as urban oases and as social, cultural, and recreational resources for downtown Oklahoma City.
Specifically, the President and CEO will develop and coordinate all commercial aspects of the Gardens and the Park, including special events and rental opportunities. As a spokesperson and fundraiser, the President and CEO will cultivate a network of community and business leaders, policymakers, and major donors.
IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
The President and CEO’s priorities will be to:
- Understand and further the visions and missions of both institutions.
- Work with each entity’s Board to maximize their efforts and recruit new Board members as needed.
- Inspire and lead staff, ensuring clear communication across departments.
- Lead the development of key capital projects currently in planning.
- Oversee the maintenance of the Gardens and Park’s physical assets.
- Oversee annual fundraising and establish relationships with potential donors.
- Collaborate with the horticulturalist to maintain the Conservatory's status as a destination.
The President and CEO will also be expected to:
- Monitor the financial status of both organizations.
- Expand marketing and public relations efforts.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be an energetic individual with:
- Leadership and management skills within a complex environment.
- A demonstrated ability to build relationships within a public/private partnership.
- A strong track record in fundraising from various sources.
- Knowledge of engaging programming and activities.
- Superior communication and presentation skills.
- An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The President and CEO should be passionate about public parks and gardens and be:
- Enthusiastic about Oklahoma City and its unique character.
- Capable of creating and sustaining a vision.
- Charismatic and dynamic, able to inspire confidence.
- Flexible yet decisive, able to prioritize effectively.
- Emotionally mature and self-confident.
The anticipated compensation range for the combined positions is $200,000 to $250,000.
Applications should be sent to Mark Tarnacki at Myriad@PhillipsOppenheim.com.
For more information about Myriad Botanical Gardens/Scissortail Park, please visit https://myriadgardens.org/about-us/.
Myriad Botanical Gardens/Scissortail Park is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to legally protected status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
