​Director of Hospitality Operations

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature, learning, and one another through the beauty and educational value of plants. As a vibrant public garden and cultural attraction located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, the Botanical Garden serves as a unique destination that fosters community engagement, environmental awareness, and lifelong learning. The institution continually invests in its future through thoughtful leadership, innovation, and collaboration, guided by a clear Strategic Framework and core values that emphasize growth, inclusion, and sustainable development.

The Botanical Garden offers a dynamic environment that blends public garden spaces, educational programs, cultural events, and a premier event venue that supports private celebrations, community gatherings, and corporate functions. This multifaceted mission requires an operational approach that balances visitor experience excellence with behind-the-scenes efficiency and innovative management.

We are excited to announce a newly created leadership position: Director of Hospitality Operations. This role is critical to our continued growth and dedication to providing exceptional experiences for every guest who visits or engages with our organization. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Hospitality Operations will play a strategic role in shaping how the Botanical Garden operates daily across a range of functions including hospitality, visitor services, venue operations, retail management, and overall campus operations.

This position transcends traditional visitor services by focusing on building and refining systems to create a welcoming, seamless, and memorable experience for all visitors. The ideal candidate will lead and inspire a collaborative team responsible for delivering operational excellence and service culture that aligns with the Garden's mission.

In this pivotal role, the Director of Hospitality Operations will also work closely with departments across the organization to enhance private events and venue rental businesses by ensuring superior client service and efficient operational processes. Collaboration with educational programs, donor engagement, community events, and other organizational initiatives will also be vital to the success of this leadership role.

We seek an innovative and collaborative leader who embraces hospitality as a core leadership philosophy rather than simply customer service. Experience in leading hospitality or similar customer-focused operations in settings such as cultural attractions, museums, tourism, hotels, or venue management is essential. The successful candidate thrives in team-oriented environments, supports the growth of others, and leads with qualities such as curiosity, accountability, kindness, and an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

Joining the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden means becoming part of a community of growers—people who are curious, committed, and kind—and contributing to a place where individuals feel welcome, inspired, and connected. If you are passionate about creating exceptional visitor experiences and leading organizational excellence within a growing nonprofit cultural institution, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of this premier Iowa destination.