Director of Gardens and Grounds

Job Summary

Dumbarton Oaks is a research institute, museum, and historic garden affiliated with Harvard University and located in Washington, D.C. The Director of the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens and Grounds is responsible for managing and overseeing the care of this 16-acre historic property, including a ten-acre garden of international significance for which the initial design was developed in the 1920s by Beatrix Farrand in collaboration with Mildred Bliss.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Leads all phases of historic garden maintenance including regular care, planting and purchases, and preservation of architectural elements.
• Oversees the maintenance of other green spaces and gardens on the Dumbarton Oaks campus.
• Oversees the overall management of the greenhouse.
• Develops and administers the budget for the Department of Gardens and Grounds.
• Works with garden crew leaders to monitor plant health and respond in compliance with accepted IPM practices.
• Collaborates with the Director of Facilities on capital projects.
• Advises on horticultural and landscape architectural components of renovation and construction projects.
• Coordinates operations with other Dumbarton Oaks departments.
• Collaborates with the Events and Visitor Services Team.
• Offers input on contemporary art installations in the Gardens.
• Participates in scholarly programming and projects related to the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens.
• Communicates the historic significance of the Gardens.
• Oversees and implements special projects.
• Oversees/offers training for docents and volunteers as needed.