Executive Director

Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center; Anacortes (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center in Anacortes, WA seeks an Executive Director to lead this public recreation district with professionalism, vision, and integrity. You will manage a team, advise the Board, and oversee budgets, reporting, and community partnerships to expand program access and facility use.

The role requires a strategic mindset, strong financial acumen, and a track record in managing programs and staff, with a commitment to public service and transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, finance, business, management, recreation, or related field.
• 5+ years of personnel and organizational management experience at a senior level.
• Thorough understanding of personnel management requirements and effective procedures.
• Experience developing and managing programs, projects, and budgets.
• Financial, marketing and communications expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and grow mutually beneficial relationships and local partnerships.
• Familiarity with state statutes regarding public districts, including open meetings and public records.
• Knowledge of Information Technology systems and security, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief executive of FPFC under the Board with adherence to District rules and Washington law.
• Ensure compliance with safety, operational, and fiscal requirements; be accountable to the Board, clients, taxpayers, and the public.
• Foster an inclusive culture where staff feel supported and empowered to deliver exceptional service.
• Provide rigorous financial management and oversight, and transparent reporting.
• Audit and approve payroll, retirement, insurance, taxes, and other financial transactions with Board review.
• Prepare and monitor the budget for FPFC resources.

Skills

Public administration

Budgeting

Financial management

Community partnerships

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

QuickBooks

Job description

The Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center (FPFC) in Anacortes, Washington is seeking an Executive Director who can lead this public recreation district with professionalism, vision, and integrity. FPFC is a much-loved community resource that provides access to pool, gym, and fitness facilities and classes.

The Director will manage a team of independent supervisors and staff; advise and support the governing Board; develop and oversee budgets, financial accountability, and reporting; research, evaluate, recommend, and implement options for the facility’s future; and build strong partnerships in the community.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Serves as the chief executive of FPFC under the direction of the Board and in accordance with the rules, regulations, and policies of the District and Washington law.
• Ensures the facility and staff fully comply with all applicable safety, operational, and fiscal requirements, and remains accountable to the Board, clients, taxpayers, and the public.
• Manages the staff team by fostering an inclusive culture where employees feel supported, respected, and empowered to deliver exceptional service.
• Provides rigorous financial management and oversight, collaborative program and budget planning, and transparent, performance-based reporting.
• Audits and approves payroll, retirement, insurance, taxes, bank reconciliation, vouchers, levy documents, and other financial transactions to ensure accuracy, subject to Board review.
• Prepares, justifies, and monitors the budget for effective stewardship of FPFC resources.
• Oversees the maintenance and improvements to aging infrastructure to maximize the life of the facility.
• Engages with the community, promotes the facility, increases awareness of programs, and grows facility use and revenues through marketing, personal connections, and a positive brand.
• Maintains an open, responsive relationship with the Board, staff, clients, our partners, and the community to understand their needs and implement solutions.
• Strengthens and expands partnerships with stakeholders, including Friends of Fidalgo Pool, the Thunderbird Aquatic Club Boosters, Anacortes Public Schools, the City of Anacortes, and others.
• Researches and advises the Board on successful strategies from other pools that have done major renovations or new construction, including building community support and securing funding sources.

THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE:

Has a passion for aquatics and/or fitness, exceptional communications skills, and political savvy. Prefers a team-oriented management approach and fosters an inclusive culture in which staff feel supported and empowered. Values relationships and has a collaborative, community-centered mindset and a background that includes establishing impactful partnerships. Joins civic organizations to build bridges to local leaders and initiatives. Prioritizes integrity, credibility, transparency, and accountability. Is analytical and able to ensure full compliance with state and local statutes. Understands the requirements and limitations on public finance and budgeting. Demonstrates administrative, financial, and political acumen, along with a commitment to public service.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, finance, business, management, recreation, or related field.
• At least 5 years of personnel and organizational management experience at a senior level.
• Thorough understanding of personnel management requirements and effective procedures.
• Experience successfully developing and managing programs, projects, and budgets.
• Financial, marketing and communications expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and grow mutually beneficial relationships and local partnerships.
• Familiarity with state statutes regarding public districts, including open meetings and public records.
• Knowledge of Information Technology systems and security, including experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Expertise with, or the ability to learn, payroll systems and accounting software (QuickBooks).
• Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid for the Professional Rescuer certification or the ability to earn it.
• Successful passing of criminal background and credit checks, and verification of prior employment.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the position will be considered.