What are the responsibilities and job description for the DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING & SPECIAL EXPERIENCES position at Longwood Gardens?
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:
- A Bachelor’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.