Vice President, Communications and Marketing

The Missouri Botanical Garden, a National Historic Landmark and one of the world's leading botanical institutions, seeks an experienced and strategic Vice President, Communications and Marketing to join its executive leadership 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. Lucia 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.

Reporting directly to the President and Director, the Vice President, Communications and Marketing will serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and is a strategic leader in shaping the Missouri Botanical Garden's identity and public presence. This senior leadership role ensures an integrated Communication and Marketing strategy that enhances brand visibility and strengthens engagement with audiences locally, nationally and internationally. This role will drive educational outreach efforts to make known the Garden's mission and work and support revenue growth by broadening visitor demographics and deepening relationships and community partners. Additionally, the Vice President will communicate the Garden's scientific and environmental impact in ways that are both accessible and inspiring.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Institutional Leadership and Program Development

• Lead and direct a cross-functional team of marketing, communications, digital, and design professionals. Fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture with focus on efficiency, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• In collaboration with the President, co construct and implement annually a mission-aligned marketing and communications strategy to advance the Garden's brand and institutional goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and partner to the President, Senior Leadership and Board of Trustees to position the Garden as a cultural icon in St. Louis and a global leader in plant science and sustainability.
• Ensure financial stewardship of the Garden's resources. Manage paid media campaigns to ensure effective use of budget across digital, print, broadcast, signage, outdoor advertising, collateral and other media placements.
• Oversee the development and management of content for presentations and scripts prepared for the President. Adapt messages for various audiences and ensure a high standard for quality and consistency.
• Maintain and build trusted relationships with key partners and stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Champion interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and with external partners in support of programmatic and operational goals.
• Use market research, community insights and performance analytics to guide brand positioning, measure audience engagement, and refine communication approaches.

Brand Stewardship

Digital Strategy & Innovation

Communications & Public Relations

Supervisory Responsibilities - Direct Reports include Director-Marketing, Senior Public Relations Officer and their teams, which include Public Relations Officer, Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Senior Digital Media Specialist, Digital and Community Engagement Specialist, and volunteers / interns. Oversees third-party agencies and contract editors, designers, developers, photographers, and writers as required.

Qualifications :

Education :