Hospitality Manager

About Botanica

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is one of the region’s premier cultural and environmental institutions, located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. Since opening in 1987, Botanica has grown into a nationally recognized Top Ten botanical garden welcoming more than 350,000 visitors annually from 49 states and more than 23 countries.

Spanning 20 acres of beautifully developed gardens, with opportunities for future growth, Botanica offers immersive seasonal plant displays, world-class art exhibitions, and signature events such as the annual Tulip Festival and the award-winning Illuminations Holiday Light Display. Botanica inspires curiosity, learning, and a deeper connection to nature for visitors in all seasons.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Botanica plays a vital role in the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the Wichita community and the region. In 2025, its economic impact on the region was $19 million.

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full-Time | Exempt

Position Overview

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, seeks a dynamic Hospitality Manager to lead food, beverage, and guest hospitality experiences across the gardens. This position is responsible for developing and managing revenue-generating hospitality programs including concessions, beverage service, vendor partnerships, and food experiences tied to festivals, events, and daily visitation.

This role is critical to elevating Botanica’s visitor experience while expanding earned revenue opportunities. The Revenue & Hospitality Manager will work closely with the Events, Guest Services, and Marketing teams to design memorable culinary and social experiences that complement Botanica’s gardens, seasonal festivals, and cultural programming.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality & Food Service Operations

• Manage all food and beverage service throughout Botanica including concessions, bars, pop-up stations, and event service areas.
• Develop unique food and beverage experiences aligned with Botanica’s signature events including Summer Happy Hours in the Garden, Pop-up experiences, Garden Jazz, Tulipfest, Symphony in the Gardens, Twilight Tunes, Bootanica, and Illuminations.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable Kansas Liquor Control Act requirements and local health codes by maintaining rigorous bar cleanliness, sanitation standards, and proper handling, storage, and service of alcoholic beverages always.
• Ensure all kitchen and food preparation areas comply with Kansas Food Code by maintaining strict sanitation, proper food handling, safe storage practices, and adherence to temperature control and cleanliness standards always.
  
  

Revenue Development

• Identify and implement new revenue opportunities through specialty food events, themed tastings, beverage gardens, and seasonal pop-up concepts.
• Develop partnerships with local breweries, wineries, distilleries, chefs, and food vendors.
• Create unique culinary experiences that enhance Botanica’s brand and increase per-guest spending.
• Meet annual financial goals and KPIs.
  
  

Event Hospitality

• Establish preferred vendor list for all rental related services.
• Collaborate with the Rentals and Events teams to coordinate food and beverage services for weddings, corporate events, and private rentals.
• Design scalable food and beverage packages that improve profitability and guest experience.
• Oversee bar operations and beverage programs for large-scale public events.
  
  

Vendor & Partner Relations

• Recruit and manage food vendors and culinary partners for festivals and seasonal programming.
• Negotiate vendor agreements and revenue-sharing arrangements.
• Ensure vendor operations align with Botanica’s service and presentation standards.
  
  

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage food and beverage budgets, purchasing, inventory, and cost control.
• Track revenue performance across concessions, bars, and event services.
• Develop strategies to increase food and beverage revenue while maintaining guest satisfaction.
  
  

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and supervise food and beverage staff and seasonal hospitality teams.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Ensure proper staffing and training during major events and peak visitation periods.
  
  

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with health department regulations, alcohol licensing, and food safety standards.
• Maintain required certifications and operational policies.
  
  

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in hospitality management, food and beverage operations, or event management.
• Experience managing high-volume events, concessions, or hospitality venues.
• Strong financial management and operational planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events and service operations simultaneously.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and customer service skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality.
• Experience working in botanical gardens, cultural attractions, museums, zoos, or event venues.
• Knowledge of beverage program management and alcohol service compliance.
• Experience developing vendor partnerships and hospitality programming.
  
  

Schedule

• Full-time position requiring evenings, weekends, and event coverage.
  
  

Compensation

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
  
  

To Apply

Email a cover letter and resume to jobs@botanica.org with the position name in the subject line.