Head of Garden & Collection

Your role within the Hortus

The position of Head of Garden & Collection forms a crucial role within the organisation of the Hortus. Together with your team, you develop and manage the collection and garden to strengthen the uniqueness of the Amsterdam botanic garden and its history, and link to current issues in society.

You have a vision of the botanical garden of the future, you can think strategically and translate this into tactical policy. Together with the Management Team, you define the strategy of the Hortus, the set-up of the organisation and apply and propagate a joint vision on leadership and collaboration.

The head of Garden & Collection is integrally responsible for the department’s operations, reports to the director and is part of the Management Team.

 

The Garden & Collection team consists of eight staff members whom you will manage directly, supplemented by some 16 voluntary staff members who are managed by the volunteers coordinator. Besides your broad professional knowledge, you are an approachable personality for your employees. You provide structure by translating the strategy and master plan into the derived tactical and operational (implementation) plans. You know how to inspire your employees and allow them to grow in their development, you manage by results and you can delegate well.

 

The head of garden and collection is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the Hortus has a living collection of documented plants that is suitable for educational purposes, research and nature conservation and that it complies with national and international regulations. You will also ensure that the collection is cared for according to high horticultural standards and that visitors to our garden feel surrounded by a well-kept and harmonious environment that stimulates inspiration in visitors.

You have an active role in the societal dialogue on plants, climate and biodiversity. You cooperate with external relevant organisations, maintain these relationships and actively seek collaborations that can strengthen the Hortus.

 

What we ask

 

• Academic grade (MSc) in the field of botany, biology, horticulture or related;
• Extensive work experience in a similar organisation;
• Broad managerial experience, affinity with coaching people;
• Self-starting and proactive personality;
• Focused on cooperation, internally and externally;
• You can plan and organise well;
• Strategic insight;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent networking skills;
• Affinity with the history & unique environment that is the Hortus.

 

What we offer

 

• An interesting and challenging management position in Amsterdam’s most beautiful garden;
• A salary based on grading in scale 11 CAO Social Work (minimum €4,072; maximum €6,780 gross per month based on 36 hours per week);
• A good commuting allowance;
• 4% end-of-year bonus.

 

Intended start date for the position is 1 January 2025, with several hours available for transfer in December.

 

When interested or for more information, please contact the director Carlien Blok by e-mail [email protected] or phone +31 20 7025 404.

 

Reactions with motivational letter and resume can be sent to [email protected] until November 12, 2024.

 

First round interviews will take place on Thursday 21 November 2024. A potential 2nd interview will take place on Thursday 28 November 2024.

 

The Hortus subscribes to the Code of Ethics, Governance Code Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Code and the Fair Practice Code.

 

We do not appreciate acquisition in response to this advertisement.