Director of Hospitality Operations

Lead Hospitality. Shape Operations. Inspire Exceptional Experiences.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as our Director of Hospitality Operations.

This newly created leadership position reflects the Garden's continued growth and our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for everyone who engages with our organization. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Hospitality Operations will provide strategic leadership for hospitality, visitor services, venue operations, retail operations, and campus operations while building the systems, service culture, and operational excellence that support our mission.

This is more than a visitor services role. It is an opportunity to shape how a growing public garden, cultural attraction, educational institution, and premier event venue operates every day.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and inspire a collaborative team responsible for hospitality, visitor services, retail, venue operations, and campus operations.
• Create systems and service standards that deliver welcoming, seamless, and memorable experiences.
• Strengthen the Garden's private events and venue rental business through operational excellence and exceptional client service.
• Collaborate across departments to support educational programs, donor engagement, community events, and organizational initiatives.
• Help shape the future of one of Iowa's premier cultural destinations as an active member of the Leadership Team.

We're looking for someone who:

• Believes hospitality is a leadership philosophy—not simply customer service.
• Enjoys building systems, improving operations, and solving complex organizational challenges.
• Has experience leading hospitality, visitor services, venue operations, tourism, cultural attractions, hotels, museums, or similar customer-focused organizations.
• Thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys helping others succeed.
• Leads with curiosity, accountability, kindness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why the Botanical Garden?

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a dynamic nonprofit organization where plants connect people to nature, learning, and one another. Guided by our Strategic Framework and values, we're investing in our future through thoughtful leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

If you're excited about creating exceptional experiences, leading organizational excellence, and helping shape the future of a growing public garden, we'd love to hear from you.

To Apply

Please submit:

•  Cover letter
•  Résumé
•  Responses to our six written screening questions

At the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, we believe exceptional experiences begin with exceptional people. We are a community of growers who are curious, committed, and kind. If you're energized by meaningful work, collaborative leadership, and creating places where people feel welcome and inspired, we encourage you to apply.