Executive Director - Grant Cooper & Associates

CLIENT DESCRIPTION:Our client, The Great Rivers Greenway District (formerly known as the Metropolitan Parks and Recreation District), was created as the result of the successful passage of the Clean Water, Safe Parks & Community Trails Initiative in November, 2000.  St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles all adopted the measure. The Great Rivers Greenway District is funded by a 1/10th of 1 cent sales tax which generates a 2009 annual operating budget of over $11 million. The 2009 capital budget is in excess of $17 million.  The mission of the District is to work for a clean, green, connected St. Louis region. To deliver upon this mission, the District is spearheading the development of The River Ring, an interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails that will encircle the St. Louis region, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. Eventually, The River Ring will encompass a 600-mile web of more than 45 greenways that will crisscross the region and provide access to trail and greenway projects developed by the Metro East Park and Recreation District in Madison and St. Clair counties, Illinois.                                                                     

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: 

Reports to:  Board of Directors, The Great Rivers Greenway District 

Supervises:  Deputy Director of Planning, Deputy Director of Administration and Administrative Assistant and an overall staff totaling seven people.  The Executive Director is accountable for the effective performance of all Great Rivers Greenway employees and numerous contractors, and oversees all operations of the organization. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Executive Director is responsible for the development and implementation of an integrated strategic plan for the District.  The Executive Director is accountable for working with the Board of Directors to create a vision and to engage and recruit a diverse range of constituents, as well as attracting and retaining a talented staff to achieve the organization’s strategic goals.  Maintaining the financial health and well-being of the organization is a critical component of this role.  This includes having the responsibility to garner additional funding and resources through bond issuance, grants, and solicitation of individuals, corporations, or foundations. The Executive Director is the public spokesperson for the organization.  Thus, he/she must possess the confidence, energy and charisma to command the immediate respect of community leaders, local and state government officials, and be able to successfully advance the organization’s goals. Specific roles and responsibilities include: ·         With the Board, set the strategic direction of the organization and be accountable for the implementation of all strategic goals.·         Serve as the chief PR and Marketing Officer for the organization.  This includes designing, implementing, and consistently communicating the organization’s mission, values, and brand to all key stakeholders (e.g., civic and community groups, local governments, elected officials, and citizens, etc.).·         Set standards and oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of all Great Rivers Greenway professionals.  Ensure that immediate reports are clear about their roles and coach them to achieve optimum growth and performance.·         Work with the Board of Directors to diversify revenue sources and secure the financial resources necessary to accomplish the mission and goals of the District.  The Executive Director will assist with all fundraising efforts, expand individual and corporate benefactor relations, solicit major gifts and lead future capital campaign efforts.·         Ensure the organization is fiscally sound and is managed in accordance with all federal, state, local, accounting and ethical standards.·         Participate in state, local and national forums to learn best practices and promote the organization’s successes.   

QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor’s degree is required.  Academic preparation in parks & recreation management, public planning & administration or related fields is preferred. Additionally, the selected candidate should offer the following:      

·         Significant experience in executive management with demonstrated positive results. 

·         Executive or high-level volunteer leadership experience in a parks conservancy, cultural institution, social services, or other non-profit cause is desired.

·         A passion for and ideally possessing demonstrable experience in parks and recreational management.  This includes experience with linear parks, greenways and multi-use trails.

·         Experience in leading organizations through long-range planning processes in a collaborative manner.

·         Polished and professional businessperson with an ability to build effective relationships with a broad range of civic, business, and political leaders.

·         Excellent written presentation and verbal skills.

·         Comfortable in reporting relationships that require consensus building.

·         Demonstrated success in fundraising, including experience with capital campaigns and major gifts solicitation.  Familiarity and established relationship with local (STL), regional (Midwest) and national funding sources is highly desirable.

·         Knowledge of community/urban planning, architectural/landscape design, construction management, and/or building/landscape maintenance is desirable.

 COMPENSATION: A competitive and negotiable compensation package, plus benefits.

RESPOND:  (in strict confidence): nfwilliams@grantcooper.com Representing An Equal Opportunity Employer