LOCATION:   1300 W. WASHINGTON

                        PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007           

SALARY:        $129,500-$142,811

GRADE:            E4

UNCOVERED POSITION

FIRST REVIEW DATE:  FEBRUARY 6, 2012

 ***This position is not covered by the State Personnel Rules and serves at the pleasure of the Arizona State Parks Board.

Position Requirements:  United States Citizen, Required to possess a current Class D Arizona Driver’s License at time of appointment.  Ability to travel and stay overnight throughout Arizona. 

The mission at Arizona State Parks is managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people both in our parks and through our partners.  It is our vision to be indispensable to the economies, communities, and environments of Arizona. Over the last 5 years Arizona State Parks has received large budget reductions to its appropriated and non-appropriated funds forcing the Arizona State Parks Board to make drastic reductions agency-wide to include closing parks due to the economic downturn and severe budget shortfalls. The number one priority of the Arizona State Parks Board is to keep the parks open; by working with both public and private partners, in 2012, 27 of 28 state parks will be open at least seasonally.

We are currently looking for an energetic and motivated professional to serve our Board as the Executive Director providing the passion, direction, and leadership for Arizona State Parks.  This executive-level position is responsible to the Arizona State Parks Board for the general supervision and control of all activities, functions and employees of the Agency and currently sits on the Governor’s cabinet. 

The Executive Director oversees the administration, development, maintenance and operation of the State Parks System through three assistant director positions. The incumbent directs the operations and maintenance, acquisition, and development of 28 state parks and natural areas providing safe and enjoyable facilities and programs for over two million visitors annually.  The incumbent will focus on long and short-term plans for acquisition, capital improvements, maintenance, and visitor services, in addition to overseeing community grants, historic preservation, motorized and non-motorized trail programs, and local park development.  The Executive Director maintains and develops relationships with stakeholders to include local governments, tribal councils, private corporations, lessees, federal agencies, volunteers, friends groups, Arizona State Parks Foundation and citizen advisory groups. Oversees the department’s budget (approximately 10 Appropriated and Non-appropriated fund sources) and revenue streams as well as recommending approximately $40 million in financial incentives distributed annually to both government and non-governmental entities through various grant programs. 

This position serves as the agency representative on the Governor’s Cabinet with a variety of task forces designed to improve state government.  The Executive Director interacts with the state legislature and other agency directors in addition to providing overall direction in the establishment and execution of the agency budget and strategic planning.  A legislator is proposing legislation to protect park-generated revenue. While this bill alone does not solve the agency’s financial challenges, it is a very important tool. The ideal candidate must have experience working with elected officials and legislative bodies.

The Executive Director will be knowledgeable on the multiple uses of land to include preservation, conservation, planning and study of natural resources; human resources, positive employee relations; financial management and administration to include contract negotiations; strategic and operational planning; public policy; federal and state legislative processes and science-based research. The Executive Director acts as the final arbiter on employee grievances in addition to championing the agency assets and programs. In addition this position will negotiate and manage leases and contracts for profit and non-profit operations to provide cultural, educational, recreational and value-added services and facilities on public parkland. 

Arizona State Parks has faced severe fiscal reductions to its operations, capital and grant budgets. In January 2009, the Arizona State Parks Board took action to close two-thirds of the park system due to lack of budget. Through 19 innovative agreements only one state park does not have plans to be open in calendar year 2012. Today, seven parks are open but operated by other entities. It is critical for the Executive Director to maintain and build upon these partnerships to keep parks open.

Ideal candidate has the ability and skill to set and adjust strategic plans/goals based on environmental or policy changes to include customer feedback; initiate and facilitate cultural and technological change; adaptive/situational leadership style; create a work environment where individuals are treated equitably; promote wide ownership of the organization's vision and mission; communicate effectively with internal and external customers; solid negotiation and collaboration skills; fiscal responsibility; budget and staff management; strong sense of change management designed to support and empower the organization; conflict resolution and the ability to respond to others with tact and diplomacy.

Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, park management, historic preservation, resource conservation, business administration or a closely related field or equivalent skills and successful experience including a minimum of 10 years executive level management experience working in a parks environment. Prefer experience working with /for a citizen’s board. 

Selection Process:

Resumes of all applicants will be reviewed to determine the most suitably qualified applicants to be invited to Phoenix, Arizona for an interview with the Arizona State Parks Board subcommittee.  From the interviews, the Parks Board subcommittee will determine the top candidates who will be invited to a second interview before the Board.  This position will remain open until filled.  The first review of resumes will occur on February 6, 2012.  Reference checks will be performed on top candidates prior to the second interview. 

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including: 

• 21 days vacation
• 12 sick days with accumulation benefits
• 10 paid holidays
• Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System *** New state employees hired on or after July 20, 2011 are subject to waiting periods.
• Deferred Compensation
• Superior health care options  *** Insurance benefits for new state employees hired on or after July 20, 2011 are subject to a 90-day waiting period.
• Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account (options available)
• Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are available
• Discounted auto and/or home insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Many more benefit programs are available

To learn more about how Arizona State Parks strives to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations, please visit our website at: http://azstateparks.com

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the State will make reasonable accommodation(s) during the employment process.

Effective January 1, 2008 all newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification Program. 

How to apply:  Please apply on line at www.azstatejobs.gov and search on keyword “AZPARKS” 

The City of McMinnville, Tennessee is accepting applications from qualified individuals for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation. The ideal candidate will possess highly developed technical, presentation and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge and experience in management of Parks and Recreation. The ideal candidate will have significant operational experience, and will be responsible for the general administration of the department’s operating budget and enforcement of city policies regarding employees, facility use and overall supervision of the activities of the Park and Recreation Department. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to, preparing operating budget, working with City Administrator and Park and Recreation committee to develop capital plan and budget for department, overseeing and coordinating the various programs offered at city facilities, and the ability to plan, organize, delegate, supervise and inspect work of subordinates.  

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