Director of Education
About the PositionThe Director of Education at Mt. Cuba Center is a critical leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating educational initiatives that drive both mission impact and earned revenue.. This position requires a visionary leader who can elevate Mt. Cuba's adult educational offering, significantly grow program participation and revenue, and build sustainable financial models that support long-term organizational growth.Leading and inspiring a team of education professionals, the Director will oversee curriculum development, program evaluation, staff management, budget administration, and revenue-generating educational partnerships. The ideal candidate will be a business leader with a proven track record in adult education program development, demonstrated success in revenue growth, and expertise in scaling educational enterprises. Working collaboratively with the senior leadership team, this role will be instrumental in articulating and achieving Mt. Cuba's strategic education objectives, with a particular focus on enhancing mission-impact through high-quality educational experiences that inspire an appreciation for native plants and ecological gardening.In 2025, Mt. Cuba's next Director of Education will oversee the strategic refinement of Mt. Cuba Center's adult education offerings to assess and expand programming, increase enrollment, and reach diverse audiences ranging from backyard gardeners to horticulture and landscape design professionals. Successful enrollment and earned income cultivation will build a case for the development of a new education campus that is articulated in the organization's master plan. Educational programs for children and other audiences may be developed in time.Essential Functions of the RoleThe following outlines key responsibilities of the role, though not exhaustive.Strategic Leadership and Education Program Development
Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive educational strategy that advances mission impact while generating substantial earned income
Develop and execute strategies to grow program participation by 40-60% annually and increase revenue streams through innovative programming
Create and implement pricing strategies and revenue models that balance accessibility with financial sustainability
Develop innovative educational programs focused on native plants, ecological gardening, and sustainable horticulture for diverse audience engagement through data-driven programming that creates a willingness to pay a premium for premium content
Establish program metrics focused on both educational impact and financial performance (enrollment, retention, revenue per participant, customer lifetime value)
Create and implement strategies to grow program participation and revenue while maintaining educational integrity
Collaborate with research and horticulture departments to translate scientific knowledge into accessible and marketable educational content
Business Management and Financial Oversight
Develop and manage a divisional operating budget of $300k+, ensuring fiscal responsibility and revenue targets
Conduct market analyses and implement dynamic pricing strategies based on competitor research, cost recovery, and revenue optimization
Monitor financial performance against ambitious growth targets and implement adjustments to maximize profitability
Partner with Finance to develop multi-year forecasts and ROI analyses for educational initiatives
Identify and pursue appropriate grant opportunities, sponsorships, and philanthropic support for educational initiatives
Develop/pilot and evaluate earned income strategies and variable pricing models to both optimize revenue generation and support long-term financial sustainability
Staff Leadership and Development
Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing education team capable of delivering both educational excellence and business results
Establish performance expectations that balance educational quality with revenue generation accountability
Lead professional development initiatives for education staff to enhance teaching skills, content expertise, and business acumen
Foster an entrepreneurial, results-driven culture that values innovation and financial sustainability
Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences
Cross-Departmental Collaboration and External Partnerships
Serve as a strategic partner with other departments to integrate revenue-generating educational components into broader institutional initiatives Partner with Marketing and Experience teams to maximize visitor spending and program cross-selling opportunities
Represent the organization in professional networks, conferences, and external partnerships related to environmental education to drive strategic alignment, revenue and visibility
Work with Philanthropy to align educational programming with funding opportunities while maintaining strategic and mission focus
Education and ExperienceThe ideal candidate for the Director of Education role will have:
Master's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Education, Business Administration or a related field
Minimum of 5-10 years' experience in educational program development and management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
Demonstrated track record of growing education programs by 25%+ annually and achieving substantial revenue increases
Proven experience managing budgets of $300K+ and achieving aggressive financial targets
Experience in fee-for-service adult education, professional development, or continuing education markets
Not required but desired
Experience in botanical gardens, environmental education, or related outdoor education settings
Background in horticulture science, ecological gardening principles, or landscape design
Track record of digital education platform development and online course monetization
Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and education technology platforms
Qualifications and SkillsWe're seeking a dynamic leader with a blend of horticultural knowledge, educational expertise, and strong management abilities. The successful candidate will possess:
Advanced budget management and financial analysis with experience in revenue optimization and pricing strategy development
Deep understanding of adult learning principles and experience creating scalable, revenue-generating educational content and delivery models
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams toward both mission and financial goals
Superior communication and public speaking abilities with experience in professional development and continuing education markets
Proficiency with educational technology platforms, CRM systems, learning management systems, and business analytics tools
Strong market research and competitive analysis capabilities with data-driven decision-making experience
About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
Salary between $110,000 and $115,000 per year
This is a full-time exempt position with a 37.5-hour work week
We allow 1 remote work day per week based on a standard schedule
Competitive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with up to 8% employer contribution
Generous paid time off and leave policies
Free garden admission
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional development opportunities
Application and Hiring ProcessTo apply, please submit:
Resume
Cover letter (required)
Interview Process: * Resume review
Response to an application questionnaire
Virtual screening interview
Two-part virtual interview, first with peers & direct reports, second with Mt. Cuba's Executive Director
Prepare a take-home work assignment that will be presented in the final interview
Final in-person interview with the Executive Director and Leadership Team
Timing
Application review begins the week of June 23rd
Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in mid to Late August 2025
All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed
Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.
Apply for the job now!
Apply Now
Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive educational strategy that advances mission impact while generating substantial earned income
Develop and execute strategies to grow program participation by 40-60% annually and increase revenue streams through innovative programming
Create and implement pricing strategies and revenue models that balance accessibility with financial sustainability
Develop innovative educational programs focused on native plants, ecological gardening, and sustainable horticulture for diverse audience engagement through data-driven programming that creates a willingness to pay a premium for premium content
Establish program metrics focused on both educational impact and financial performance (enrollment, retention, revenue per participant, customer lifetime value)
Create and implement strategies to grow program participation and revenue while maintaining educational integrity
Collaborate with research and horticulture departments to translate scientific knowledge into accessible and marketable educational content
Business Management and Financial Oversight
Develop and manage a divisional operating budget of $300k+, ensuring fiscal responsibility and revenue targets
Conduct market analyses and implement dynamic pricing strategies based on competitor research, cost recovery, and revenue optimization
Monitor financial performance against ambitious growth targets and implement adjustments to maximize profitability
Partner with Finance to develop multi-year forecasts and ROI analyses for educational initiatives
Identify and pursue appropriate grant opportunities, sponsorships, and philanthropic support for educational initiatives
Develop/pilot and evaluate earned income strategies and variable pricing models to both optimize revenue generation and support long-term financial sustainability
Staff Leadership and Development
Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing education team capable of delivering both educational excellence and business results
Establish performance expectations that balance educational quality with revenue generation accountability
Lead professional development initiatives for education staff to enhance teaching skills, content expertise, and business acumen
Foster an entrepreneurial, results-driven culture that values innovation and financial sustainability
Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences
Cross-Departmental Collaboration and External Partnerships
Serve as a strategic partner with other departments to integrate revenue-generating educational components into broader institutional initiatives Partner with Marketing and Experience teams to maximize visitor spending and program cross-selling opportunities
Represent the organization in professional networks, conferences, and external partnerships related to environmental education to drive strategic alignment, revenue and visibility
Work with Philanthropy to align educational programming with funding opportunities while maintaining strategic and mission focus
Education and ExperienceThe ideal candidate for the Director of Education role will have:
Master's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Education, Business Administration or a related field
Minimum of 5-10 years' experience in educational program development and management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
Demonstrated track record of growing education programs by 25%+ annually and achieving substantial revenue increases
Proven experience managing budgets of $300K+ and achieving aggressive financial targets
Experience in fee-for-service adult education, professional development, or continuing education markets
Not required but desired
Experience in botanical gardens, environmental education, or related outdoor education settings
Background in horticulture science, ecological gardening principles, or landscape design
Track record of digital education platform development and online course monetization
Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and education technology platforms
Qualifications and SkillsWe're seeking a dynamic leader with a blend of horticultural knowledge, educational expertise, and strong management abilities. The successful candidate will possess:
Advanced budget management and financial analysis with experience in revenue optimization and pricing strategy development
Deep understanding of adult learning principles and experience creating scalable, revenue-generating educational content and delivery models
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams toward both mission and financial goals
Superior communication and public speaking abilities with experience in professional development and continuing education markets
Proficiency with educational technology platforms, CRM systems, learning management systems, and business analytics tools
Strong market research and competitive analysis capabilities with data-driven decision-making experience
About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
Salary between $110,000 and $115,000 per year
This is a full-time exempt position with a 37.5-hour work week
We allow 1 remote work day per week based on a standard schedule
Competitive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with up to 8% employer contribution
Generous paid time off and leave policies
Free garden admission
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional development opportunities
Application and Hiring ProcessTo apply, please submit:
Resume
Cover letter (required)
Interview Process: * Resume review
Response to an application questionnaire
Virtual screening interview
Two-part virtual interview, first with peers & direct reports, second with Mt. Cuba's Executive Director
Prepare a take-home work assignment that will be presented in the final interview
Final in-person interview with the Executive Director and Leadership Team
Timing
Application review begins the week of June 23rd
Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in mid to Late August 2025
All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed
Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.
Apply for the job now!
Apply Now