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DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING & SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Longwood Gardens
Application
Details
Posted: 27-Apr-26
Location: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Type: Full Time
Salary: $135,000 - $180,000
Pay Frequency:
Annual
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Longwood's Arts legacy spans more than a century, rooted in Pierre S. du Pont's abiding love of music, theater, and spectacle. Today that tradition lives on across a rich and diverse portfolio of experiences all set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the world's premier botanical gardens. The Director of Artistic Programming and Special Experiences is a senior leader within the Experience and Brand Core Team who shapes, directs, and delivers Longwood's year-round portfolio of programs, artistic experiences, and special features.
This role aligns with the institution's 2030 Strategic Plan and advances the strategic goals of evolving the Longwood Experience, refining a new programming model and leadership structure, redefining arts experiences, strengthening impact, and contributing to brand expansion. The Director will ensure a comprehensive, mission-aligned programming strategy rooted in horticulture, driven by both innovation and fiscal excellence, energized by community, and embodying all of Longwood's brand qualities. The individual selected for this impactful role will steward and build upon a suite of signature performance assets and programs. Specific responsibilities includes:
Leading a multi-year strategy and annual operating plan for Programming and Special Experiences aligned with the 2030 Strategic Plan and annual business objectives.
Stewarding the programming framework—core programs, arts experiences, and special experiences and features—balancing revenue, mission impact, innovation, and an extraordinary guest experience
Advancing Longwood's new programming model and leadership structure, including playing a leadership role in the cross-departmental Program Steering Committee
Commissioning, curating, producing, and evaluating seasonal programs, performances, exhibitions, installations, and special experiences aligned with Longwood's brand standards and horticultural legacy
Overseeing major programmatic features including the Summer Performance Series, resident instrument programming, Main Fountain Garden activations, artistic pop-ups, art installations, and premium experiences
Leading the production and operations function to support year-round programming, cultivating relationships with external vendors, world-class artists, and specialized production partners
Enforcing brand voice and vernacular throughout all expressions and in working with all external partners; collaborating with Marketing & Communications and Interpretation for cohesive storytelling
Embedding accessibility and inclusion aligned practices in program design and delivery, leveraging insights and data to enhance guest satisfaction
Owning portfolio budgets, forecasts, P&Ls, and business cases, driving fiscal flexibility through earned revenue strategies and capacity models
Defining, tracking, and reporting on KPIs including ticket sales, net profitability, guest engagement, NPS, program performance, and mission impact
Leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team of technical experts, programmers, producers, and operations staff, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader with a passion for the arts. The ideal candidate will possess:
ABachelor’s degree required
A minimum of 12 years of leadership experience in arts, cultural institutions, experiential programming, festivals, entertainment, or comparable fields
Demonstrated success commissioning, producing, and managing programs at scale — including outdoor, multi-venue, and seasonally complex environments
Strong financial acumen with experience managing complex budgets and P&Ls
Expertise in production operations, technical infrastructure, vendor relations, and event logistics
Experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering outcomes in complex organizational environments
High proficiency in planning, creative development, producing, and high-end production of entertainment experiences, along with operational execution expertise
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programming demands
Experience within public gardens, museums, cultural institutions, or outdoor performance environments
Proven experience in leading brand-aligned programming
Knowledge of or experience with legacy instrument stewardship, classical and contemporary music curation, or multi-genre concert programming is preferred
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.
One of the world’s great gardens, Longwood’s story is one of legacy, innovation, and stewardship.
Spanning more than 1,100 acres, our Gardens showcase horticultural splendor, intricate fountain systems, architectural grandeur, and so much more—all with conservation at the core of our mission. With our spectacular displays and year-round, dynamic beauty—made possible by our renowned horticultural expertise—we are proud to be one of the most-visited gardens in the country.
Our beauty extends far beyond our displays. We value excellence in all aspects of our work—from our dedication to professional leadership and innovative practices, to our commitment to delivering genuine hospitality, to our devotion to our civic responsibility. We extend our brand beyond one place with mission-focused programs that are shaping the horticultural leaders of tomorrow; engaging with our regional and global community; advancing our scientific endeavors through research and conservation programs; and more. Looking to our future, the successful completion and opening of Longwood Reimagined continued our legacy of innovation, and the acquisition of Longwood at Granogue—a 505-acre property part of a c...ritical regional conservation effort—reflects our commitment to being a forward-thinking, model institution with stewardship and beauty at the forefront.
