Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America

Job Description Posted Friday, October 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM

The Missouri Botanical Garden, a National Historic Landmark and one of the world’s leading botanical institutions, seeks an experienced and strategic Director, Information Technology (Director IT) to join its team during a transformative period in its history.

Founded in 1859, the Garden’s mission, “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life” drives its global leadership in plant science, conservation, sustainability, and education. With over 79 acres of curated gardens, a world-renowned herbarium, and three additional properties—the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Shaw Nature Reserve and Litzsinger Rd Ecology Center—the Garden serves more than one million visitors annually as a cultural icon in our community, as well as engaging in research and conservation efforts across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In 2025, the Garden welcomed Dr. Lúcia G. Lohmann as its new President and Director. A globally respected botanist and conservationist, Dr. Lohmann brings a collaborative leadership style and a bold vision for expanding the Garden’s scientific and cultural impact. Her appointment marks a new era of innovation, inclusion, and global and local engagement.

As the Director of IT, Reporting to the Vice President, Facilities Support and Construction, you will play a pivotal role in supporting a strategic leader responsible for driving technology modernization, digital transformation, and operational excellence across the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Director will oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, user support, and digital innovation, ensuring alignment with the Garden’s mission in research, education, visitor engagement, and administration. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative, change-oriented approach, with experience in nonprofit or research environments, and proven capability in supporting both legacy and emerging technologies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the Garden’s mission and long-term goals.

Oversee the management of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and cybersecurity, with direct responsibility for cybersecurity strategy, risk assessment, and compliance, including oversight of endpoint protection, identity management, and incident response

Lead the selection, implementation, and support of enterprise systems (e.g., CRM, ERP, ticketing, and donor management platforms).

Oversight of complex A/V systems and support for research-specific technology, including scientific databases and digital asset management.

Ensure high-quality technical support and training for staff across all departments.

Collaborate with research, education, and visitor services teams to support digital initiatives and data-driven decision-making.

Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and technology procurement.

Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and best practices to best support areas to include, but are not limited to: data management, IT networks, office automation, telephone systems, cyber security and other Garden specific networks (ex: Tessitura, Dayforce).

Lead and mentor a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, service, and continuous improvement.

Remains current on relevant IT trends, tools, resources, etc., including AI protocols, and interprets those trends for effective implementation at the Garden.

Ensures all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/volunteers of safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapt or modify work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, cultural, or scientific organization.

Five (5) years’ experience in staff management including conflict resolution and performance management.

Proven ability to lead organizations through technology modernization, digital transformation, and structural change.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders - including research, education, facilities, and executive leadership - to align IT with organizational goals.

Strong change management and communication skills to foster buy-in and support across all levels of the organization.

Proven experience managing enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Strong project management skills and experience leading cross-functional technology initiatives.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Commitment to the mission and values of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Experience with nonprofit technology platforms (e.g., Microsoft365, Tessitura, Dayforce).

Familiarity with data governance, digital asset management, AI protocols and cloud-based services.

Understanding of the unique IT needs of research, education, and public engagement environments.

Scheduling flexibility that allows working some weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Ability to travel frequently (local, domestic and international) as needed.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

An equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency in managing and integrating enterprise platforms such as Microsoft 365, Tessitura, Dayforce, and other nonprofit or research specific systems.

Experience supporting both Windows and Mac environments.

Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and protocols, including endpoint protection, identity management, and incident response systems.

Oversight of complex A/V systems and hybrid meeting technologies.

Experience with grant-funded technology projects and reporting tools.

Ability to use project management and collaboration tools to lead cross-functional initiatives.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Preferred certifications include, but are not limited to:

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

CompTIA Security+ or CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

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