
Employment
Are you passionate about history, nature, and community engagement? Old Westbury Gardens is more than just a destination—it’s a living legacy. Whether your talents lie in horticulture, education, customer service, or event coordination, a career with us means contributing to something extraordinary.
Check back often for updates on available opportunities and become part of a team that brings history to life and creates unforgettable experiences for our visitors!
Director of Development
Department: Development
Reports to: President & CEO
POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Development provides strategic leadership, planning and management of Old Westbury Gardens’ fundraising programs and activities which include major gift and capital campaign strategies, events, annual giving, membership, corporate and foundation fundraising.
The successful candidate will be a proven fundraising leader with strong relationship skills and exceptional written and oral communication skills. The candidate must work effectively with the Board of Trustees, volunteer committees, senior staff, and the development staff to meet or exceed organizational financial and strategic goals.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Possess deep knowledge of and experience with best practice fundraising principles with an emphasis on major gifts and campaigns.
- Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior staff to create and execute a multi-faceted and comprehensive multi-year fundraising plan which increases revenues to support the strategic direction of the organization.
- Oversee and direct all key functions of the Development Office including annual fund, fundraising event strategies, membership, cultivation and stewardship activities, corporate sponsorship, and foundation proposals.
- Develop policies and procedures for the Development Office and manage timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and critical fundraising processes are conducted in a timely manner.
- Manage and direct the Development Office staff, recruit and retain well-qualified staff and motivate and align staff with strategic direction of the organization.
- Identify and develop corporate, community and individual prospects for the organization’s fundraising priorities including board candidates, committee chairs and event honorees.
- Coordinate the design, printing and distribution of marketing and communication materials for development efforts.
- Establish and monitor meaningful fundraising metrics and drive a culture of accountability.
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will be a creative, ambitious, team-oriented leader who will thrive in a busy and growing philanthropic environment.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree required with 10+ years of successful professional experience in fundraising including a track record in major gift fundraising.
- Strong background in working with board leadership and managing volunteer committees.
- Experience in managing professional staff and building a strong, collaborative team.
- Experience with planning and executing capital campaigns.
- Knowledge of special events planning and management.
- Knowledge of the Long Island, New York City and greater tri-state area fundraising community particularly those active in cultural support.
- Broad knowledge of donor and prospect communication strategies.
- Knowledge of MS Office and donor management systems, experience with Altru a plus.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS
- Focused, goal oriented, self-starter who is a mission driven, high-energy leader.
- Behaves ethically and understands business practices and ensures own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with the standards and values of Old
Westbury Gardens - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ability to manage both short term and long-range fundraising activity.
- Ability to plan effectively and determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans and evaluate the process and results.
- Strong financial management skills, ability to develop annual budgets, report on progress.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally. A team player who works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make timely decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Self-confident and emotionally mature with the ability to work with diverse personalities and situations.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential and privileged information with discretion.
Pay: $75,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year
Email inquiries: employment@oldwestburygardens.org
Visitor Services Manager (Part-time)
Position Overview: Reporting to the Director of Visitor Services and Public Programs, the Visitor Services Weekend Manager assures that all guests at Old Westbury Gardens have a world-class experience. This role involves being the manager-on-duty during weekends and at special events and offers an exciting opportunity to lead a vibrant team promoting the Gardens’ mission to guests of all ages. Responsibilities include managing visitor services staff and operations, including admissions, security, and guest inquiries. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Key Responsibilities
- Manage Visitor Experience: Establish, inspire, and maintain Old Westbury Gardens’ visitor experience brand as a core component of the organization’s strategic priorities and daily operations.
- Staff Management: Oversee weekend and visitor services staff and volunteers. Areas included are admissions, gift shop, Westbury House security and photography escorts.
- Guest Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for guests and develop tools and strategies to evaluate and enhance their experience.
- Member program support: ensure our members always have an exceptional experience.
- Event support: Assist with setup and breakdown of events.
- Relationship Building: Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with staff, volunteers, members, vendors and visitors.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in customer service and management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Positive attitude and motivational skills.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed.
- Solid computer skills; knowledge of ticketing point of sales systems.
- Knowledge of customer service principles, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups.
- Ability to lift 35 pounds.
- Three years of related customer service work experience, including at least two years of supervisory experience.
Schedule
3–5 days per week, Friday-Sunday, April–December . 9-10 hour shifts, including weekdays and weekends as scheduled (except Tuesdays).
Job Type: Part-time/Seasonal
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Email inquiries: employment@oldwestburygardens.org
Visitor Services Associate
The Visitor Services Associate (VSA) is responsible for providing outstanding visitor/customer service and ensuring security during the season (April-November). They greet visitors, process admissions, sell memberships, and guide visitors around the Gardens, all while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Visitor/Customer Service Core Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety of visitors and the security of Gardens property.
- Provide courteous and helpful service to all visitors.
- Process admissions, promote memberships, and offer directions and information about the Gardens.
- Ensure adherence to policies and procedures to protect visitors, staff, volunteers, and property.
- Monitor visitor activity and alarm systems; perform reporting and inspections.
- Patrol Westbury House, gardens, and grounds; respond to emergency situations.
- Escort photography permit holders for photoshoots.
- Assist with setup, operation, and breakdown for events such as weddings and concerts.
- Help maintain the cleanliness of the Gardens.
Job Requirements
- Maintain professional composure at all times.
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift at least 30 lbs; able to navigate outdoor wooded areas.
- Available to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours including evenings.
- Adaptability to changing schedules on short notice.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team.
- High School diploma or GED required (college degree preferred); reliable communication (cell phone, email).
- Dependable, trustworthy, personable, and confidential.
Schedule
3–5 days per week, April–November. 8-hour shifts, including weekdays and weekends as scheduled (except Tuesdays).
Job Type: Part-time/Seasonal
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Email inquiries: employment@oldwestburygardens.org
Weekend Custodian
The Weekend Custodian is a part-time/seasonal position responsible for maintaining cleanliness across Old Westbury Gardens during weekends (April–November).
Weekend Custodian Core Responsibilities
- Policing the grounds to remove litter.
- Changing trash can liners as needed.
- Maintaining restroom facilities for visitors.
- Helping set up and break down events such as weddings and concerts.
- Taking initiative without direct instruction.
Job Requirements
- Available to work weekends from April–November.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Maintain professional composure at all times.
- Ability to stand, walk for extended periods, and lift at least 30 lbs; able to navigate outdoor wooded areas.
- Work certain designated holidays and adapt to changing schedules.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- High School diploma or GED required (college degree preferred); reliable transportation and communication.
- Dependable, adaptable, trustworthy, personable, and confidential.
Schedule
- Saturday and Sunday shifts from April 1 – November (official end date TBD).
- Typical hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (subject to change for events).
- 8-hour shifts; weekends only.
Job Type: Part-time, Seasonal
Pay: $18.00–$21.00 per hour
Email inquiries: employment@oldwestburygardens.org