Assistant Director of Botanic Gardens

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Job Description:

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide organization with offices in every parish of Louisiana.  We are currently seeking extraordinary candidates for the position outlined below.  This position will be domiciled at the Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge, LA.

About the LSU Agricultural Center: TheLSU AgCenter is one of 9 campuses within the LSU enterprise. The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 academic departmentsandfive regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish.  More information can be found atwww.lsuagcenter.com.

Position Description:The Assistant Director provides administrative, financial, human resources, operational, and programmatic support for the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. This position manages business operations, accounting, purchasing, payroll, human resource activities, grant tracking, event-related finances, and compliance with LSU AgCenter policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage accounting, budgeting, deposits, reconciliations, grants, travel reimbursements, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate Workday, QuickBooks, Foundation, Concur, BENGALS, and purchasing processes.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, payroll, timekeeping, and HR documentation.
• Maintain safety records, vehicle logs, driver authorizations, and compliance reporting.
• Support Corn Maze, Louisiana Lights, facility rentals, volunteer operations, and other special events.
• Prepare foundation and friends group financial reports and support donor-funded activities.
• Maintain administrative operations including parking permits, copier management, and supply procurement.

Qualification Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Human Resources, Horticulture, Park Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field; 3-5 years of progressively responsible administrative, financial, HR, or operations experience. Preferred: Master's degree; experience with higher education, nonprofit organizations, public gardens, Workday, QuickBooks, Concur, Tripleseat, grants, and event management.

LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications.  If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (per La. RS 42:36).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong accounting and budgeting knowledge; ability to manage multiple funding sources; leadership and project management skills; HR administration knowledge; excellent communication and customer service skills; advanced Microsoft Office proficiency; experience with enterprise financial systems; strong organizational skills; attention to detail; ability to manage events and operational functions; ability to maintain confidential information.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: September 16, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Qualified candidates must apply online using thehttps://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching file(s) containing a curriculum vita, a letter of application, official university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Questions about the online application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324 orhrmhelp@agcenter.lsu.edu.  (Paper, faxed, or emailed application materials will not be accepted.)  In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:

Jeff Kuehny, Director

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

4560 Essen Lane

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Email:JKuehny@agcenter.lsu.edu 

Phone: (225) 763-3990

Website:www.lsuagcenter.com 

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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Background Check -An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.   

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

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About the LSU Agricultural Center:

TheLSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish.  For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website atwww.lsuagcenter.com.   

The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HCM Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailedHRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu.