Executive Director

dtpd; Carpentersville (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IM

Vehicle or vehicle allowance

Mobile phone allowance

Medical insurance plans

Dental and vision coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Four weeks of vacation

Job summary

The Dundee Township Park District seeks a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as Executive Director, the chief administrative officer responsible for guiding operations, budgeting, and strategic direction. This full-time role reports to the Board of Commissioners and focuses on enhancing parks, facilities, programs, and community services.

Ideal candidates will have a minimum of five years in an Executive Director role within a park district, plus a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years as Executive Director in a park district or parks and recreation agency.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or related field.
• NRPA CPRP or CPRE certification and a valid driver's license.
• Excellent organizational and fiscal/budgetary planning skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to lead and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and organizational direction for the District.
• Oversee financial stewardship, budgeting, and operational oversight.
• Direct operations and advance the District's mission, vision, and values.
• Lead, develop, and maintain relationships with staff, officials, partners, and the public.
• Develop long-term strategic plans for parks, recreation, programming, and community outreach.

Skills

Executive leadership

Organizational skills

Budgeting

Communication

Public relations

Staff development

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Parks & Rec / Public Admin

Job description

Executive Director

Leadership Opportunity

The Dundee Township Park District Board of Commissioners is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and community-focused leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a thriving park and recreation agency dedicated to enhancing quality of life through outstanding parks, facilities, programs, and services.

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and executive officer of the District and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, organizational direction, financial stewardship, and operational oversight while advancing the District's mission, vision, and values. The Director is responsible for directing all operations of the District in accordance with the policies and directives established by the Board of Commissioners.

The Executive Director serves under an employment agreement approved by the Board of Commissioners and is considered a full-time, exempt employee of the District.

About Dundee Township Park District

Dundee Township Park District serves approximately 64,000 residents throughout a diverse, multi-community area in Kane County, Illinois. The District operates more than 40 parks and facilities, including recreation and fitness centers, aquatic facilities, two golf courses, an Adult Activities Center, and the beloved Randall Oaks Zoo.

Mission

We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through exceptional parks, facilities, and community-driven programming.

Vision

We aspire to exceed the needs of our community by pursuing excellence.

Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Connected to Community
• Integrity
• Team Oriented

Compensation & Benefits

The Dundee Township Park District offers a competitive hiring range of $175,000-$225,000 and a comprehensive executive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, professional growth, and work-life balance.

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Mobile phone or phone allowance
• Comprehensive PDRMA medical insurance plans
• Dental and vision coverage options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Four weeks of vacation

Professional Growth

• IPRA and NRPA conferences
• Leadership development opportunities
• Advanced degree programs
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as an Executive Director within a park district or parks and recreation agency.

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field.

Certifications

• NRPA Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE).
• Valid driver's license.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to demonstrate high-level performance.
• Knowledge of fiscal procedures and budgetary planning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, coworkers, county officials, public and private organizations, community groups, and the public.
• Knowledge of effective personnel management and the ability to lead and develop staff.
• Extensive knowledge of current parks and recreation practices and trends.
• Ability to design and implement long-term strategic plans related to parks, recreation, programming, community outreach, and communications.
• Expert knowledge of laws and regulations affecting park districts and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency and understanding of business applications.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, media, Board of Commissioners, and staff.
• Ability to evaluate the District's programs and operations.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for parks, recreation, and community service, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to lead the Dundee Township Park District into its next chapter of excellence.

View the Full Executive Director Job Packet:

Executive Director Job Packet (PDF)