Assistant Director (Leu Gardens)

Job Description:

Assistant Director (Leu Gardens)

Description

Salary Range

$43.11-$54.97

Job Posting End Date - Applications will no longer be accepted starting

03-28-2026

Job Summary

About the Gardens

Since 1961, Harry P. Leu Gardens has inspired a love of nature, historic landscapes, and enriching outdoor experiences. Once the private estate of Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu, renowned plant collectors who developed one of the Southeast’s largest camellia collections, the 50-acre garden was donated to the City of Orlando and is now city-owned and operated. Today, Harry P. Leu Gardens welcomes 300,000 visitors annually and features 30 diverse plant collections, robust educational programming, seasonal events, and public exhibitions. As a leading public garden and plant repository, the Gardens highlight global plant diversity suited to Central Florida’s climate. Visitors explore through self-guided experiences, interpretive materials, and the Historic Leu House Museum, built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus includes the historic museum, extensive gardens, and a 22,000-square-foot Welcome Center and event venue, making Leu Gardens a premier destination for weddings, private events, cultural programming, and horticultural education in Central Florida.

The Assistant Director serves as the operational backbone of Harry P. Leu Gardens and a key partner to the Executive Director. This role oversees the daily management and performance of core operational departments, including guest services and sales, facilities management, financial administration, human resources, and administrative systems. The Assistant Director is responsible for aligning people, processes, and resources to elevate operational effectiveness, enhance the visitor experience, support revenue growth, and ensure the Gardens’ long-term sustainability as a premier cultural destination.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated leadership experience and a strong passion for cultural or nonprofit institutions, preferably within public gardens, museums, or destination venues. A solid background in operations, staff management, customer service, budgeting, and financial oversight is essential. Experience in project management, strategic planning, and public-facing leadership is highly valued. Candidates should possess excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with a commitment to public service and engagement with diverse communities. Familiarity with enterprise systems such as Workday, Altru, and Microsoft Office Suite is expected. Experience in horticultural, environmental, sustainability-focused, or event-driven settings is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Hospitality, or a related field, along with four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a management role. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered. Experience working within cultural attractions or event/venue environments is preferred. A valid Florida Driver’s License is required.

Important: To be eligible to proceed forward in the application process, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the position description. Please ensure your application provides details of all relevant experience related to the position. If you have questions or need clarification concerning the position or application process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 407.246.2062.

If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows:

• Two (2) years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• Four (4) years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
• Six (6) years of direct experience for a master's degree; or
• Nine (9) years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.

Salary:

USD 43.11 - 54.97 per hour