Executive Director - Parks

Full Job Description

SAVE THE DATES: The first round of reviews will take place the week of February 15, 2026.

Responsible for the management, administration, planning, and leadership of the Park Operations, Park Planning, Recreation and Cultural Services, and CSU Extension divisions within the Parks Department. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Requirements

Participates as an integral member of the County’s Executive Team to develop and guide the County’s vision and strategic goals.

Exhibits and promotes the County’s Core Values: service focused, collaborative, accountable, trustworthy, and transparent.

Establishes goals and objectives to meet the needs of the Parks Department while maintaining consistency with the mission of the organization.

Directs Departmental activities and provides fiscal and strategic oversight and planning. 

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends and implements service and staffing changes to ensure the delivery of excellent and efficient service.

Cultivates, fosters, and maintains positive working relationships with Elected Officials, Executive staff, and community/business groups to gain cooperation and support to further organizational and/or operational interests and objectives.

Empowers senior departmental staff by providing leadership, inspiration, motivation, professionalism, and guidance to staff; resolves issues and conflicts. Directs division managers in the preparation of reports, recommendations, and presentations. 

Provides management and guidance to staff, including training, performance evaluation, professional development, discipline, and dismissal, subject to applicable County personnel policies and procedures. 

Advises and cooperates with County officials and community organizations regarding all Parks divisions.

Provides recommendations and presents issues to the Board of County Commissioners concerning Park Operations, Park Planning, Recreation and Cultural Services, and CSU Extension Divisions.

Serves as the County's representative on various community-based organizations, boards, councils, and committees.

Attends and participates in a variety of meetings and maintains liaison relationships with Elected Officials, managers, and State and Local agencies.

Promotes teamwork, accountability, and productivity.

Performs other duties as required.

Essential Competencies and Traits: 

• Anticipates and addresses difficult issues with courage, candor, professionalism, and the highest ethical standards.
• Orchestrates and aligns the strategic vision of the County and Department at all levels of the organization, anticipating and planning for future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough innovations and strategies.
• Engages, inspires, and instills trust at all levels, creating a positive culture in which people are motivated to do their best to help the Department achieve its objectives.
• Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple internal and external stakeholders while effectively building collaborative relationships.
• Guides and supports the training of staff with integrity and consistency while establishing and communicating clear performance expectations.

Supervision Exercised: This classification requires managing and monitoring work performance of a department including evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, establishing broad organizational goals and realigning work and staffing assignments for the department.

Supervision Received: Receives minimal and broad direction. This classification typically performs job duties with broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices. End results determine the effectiveness of job performance.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of resource planning, state and federal grant funding, and principles and practices of budget preparation and administration required.
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and other requirements governing public jurisdictions. 
• Demonstrated skills in capital project management.
• Proven skills in fundraising and grant procurement and management.
• Skilled in cultural change management principles. 
• Ability to direct, organize, and coordinate the activities of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with Elected Officials, County Executive staff, community agencies, and the public. 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, non-profit administration, or related field.
  • Four years of related professional experience may substitute for the required degree.
• Five years of demonstrated managerial and administrative leadership experience.
• Five years of community and/or natural resources/services or related experience. 

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master's degree in public administration, non-profit administration, or related field.
• Ten years of demonstrated managerial and administrative leadership experience.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Additional Information

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment; some travel is required.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.