Job Description

The West Fargo Park District is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the next Executive Director. This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity to drive our mission forward, lead a dedicated team, and foster meaningful relationships in our community. The Executive Director will be responsible for the following:

Community and Partner Relations:

• Strategic Direction: Develop and implement long-term plans for Park District operations, considering the needs and preferences of the West Fargo community. This includes strategic plans, master plans, and capital plans.
• Community Engagement: Develop positive relationships with the community, local organizations, and stakeholders, seeking input and feedback to guide Park District initiatives and improve services. Encourage the community to join in Park District decisions. Make it easy for people to share their thoughts, listen to them, and act on their feedback. Handle public relations, making sure the Board understands what the community wants, and manage complaints and questions from citizens.
• Partnership Development: Collaborate with other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses to leverage resources and enhance Park District services and facilities.
• Media Relations/Public Relations: Act as the representative of the Park District in providing information to the news media in supplying timely information to the public concerning Board policies. Manage communication between the Park District and the public, media and stakeholders.

General Administration:

• Staff Leadership: Develop and oversee an effective personnel management program, including policy creation, job descriptions, performance evaluation standards, recruitment and termination protocols, competitive compensation packages, affirmative action efforts, and ongoing training initiatives.
• Team Building: Encourage employees to collaborate toward the Park District's goals by hiring, training, and coaching staff. Ensure clear roles, adjust schedules as necessary, monitor progress, determine promotions, and handle any staff issues that arise. Work with HR on any issues that escalate to that level.
• Personnel Management: Supervise staff members, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce. Conduct staff meetings and training. Develop clear lines of supervision and communication amongst staff.
• Park Maintenance and Development: Oversee the coordination of maintenance activities to ensure Parks, facilities, and recreational areas are well-maintained and safe for public use. Additionally, oversee the planning and implementation of new park developments or renovations.
• Recreation Program Development and Management: Oversee the development of a diverse range of recreational programs and activities for all age groups and interests, overseeing their implementation and evaluation for effectiveness.
• Public Relations and Marketing: Oversee the promotion of Park District events, programs, and facilities through various marketing, social media, and public relations strategies to increase public awareness and participation.
• Board Relations: Report regularly to the Park District Board of Commissioners, providing updates on operations, finances, and strategic initiatives, and implementing board directives.

Planning:

• Budgeting and Financial Management: Oversee the preparation and management of the Park District's budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial regulations. Develop and recommend to the Board a multi-year financial plan and the yearly working budget following the guidelines set forth within North Dakota Century Code.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans at appropriate Park District facilities and events to ensure the safety of Park District staff and visitors during emergencies or natural disasters.
• Current and Future Interests: Lead the Park District in all matters pertaining to acquisition, zoning changes, land development, and related concerns with affect the Park District’s current and future interests. Make recommendations to the Park Board regarding land acquisitions and facility development. Plan and coordinate efforts to receive federal, state, and local funds to assist the Park District’s operations.
• Policy Development and Compliance: Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices, and ensure that Park District operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Grant Identification and Research: Conduct thorough research to identify potential grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and other funding sources that align with the West Fargo Park District's priorities and initiatives. This involves staying updated on available grants, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application requirements. Additionally, evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of each grant opportunity on the Park District's programs, facilities, and community needs.

Foundation:

• Foundation Duties: Serve as Executive Director of the West Fargo Parks and Recreation Foundation, overseeing all foundation activities and operations in alignment with North Dakota nonprofit laws. Act as an ex-officio member of the Board, collaborate with the Foundation Board Chair to fulfill the organization's mission, seek grant funding, manage finances, coordinate meetings, and report to the Board Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: The ideal candidate would have a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Sports Management, Management, Public Administration, Business, Finance, or related degree and five or more years of management experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Drivers Licenses 
• CPRP or CPRE certification, or willingness to acquire.

Required Skill In: 

• Strong leadership and managerial skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to effectively engage with an array of diverse organizations, groups, and individuals.
• Established and fosters an open culture of communication and effective working relationships.
• Highly motivated and take direction well.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Park Board Commissioners, stakeholders, including employees and the public.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in financial management and budget oversight.
• Knowledge of parks and recreation programming, facility management, and community engagement.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Proficiency in using relevant technology.
• Exceptional time and priority management.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to work in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to meet frequent deadlines. While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee may be required to occasionally perform a full range of motion with lifting and or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $150,000 + per year depending on experience, with competitive benefit package.

The West Fargo Park District’s Mission is to provide opportunities for its citizens to enjoy their leisure time in our public programs, facilities, and parks that
Contribute to the physical, mental, and social development of our citizens.
Contribute to the quality of community life.
Meet citizen’s needs and interests through quality services at a reasonable price.

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