Executive Director Job Opening

Job Description

JOB INFORMATION

• Classification: Administration
• Salary Range: Salary adjustments are determined on an annual basis by the Board of Park Commissioners
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District are provided
• Supervisor(s): Board of Park Commissioners

JOB SUMMARY

Manage operations of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (District) as Chief Administrator. Develop with the Board of Park Commissioners (Board), management teams, staff, and volunteer organizations the operations, capital improvements, staffing, maintenance, acquisitions, and financing plans to provide and maintain a comprehensive public parks and recreation program utilizing multiple facilities and grounds owned and operated by the District.

Formulate and implement operating policies, procedures, and guidelines within the District as they relate to personnel, public relations, planning, purchasing, record keeping, accounting, maintenance, development, and programming in accordance with local, state, and federal law.

The position is responsible and accountable to the Board for the management and supervision of the District’s financial assets, operations, properties, facilities, and staff to provide public park and recreation opportunities for the community of Bismarck.

JOB DUTIES AND TASKS

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the individual within this classification. They are not to be considered an exhaustive or all-inclusive listing of the position’s duties and tasks, as they may change or be adjusted as situations require.

Essential Functions

Board Relations

• Prepare and distribute comprehensive, detailed, complete, orderly, and timely information to the Board as it relates to meeting agendas and operational information.
• Make forthright, decisive, sound, and thoughtful presentations and recommendations to the Board.
• Respond promptly and compliantly to directives from the Board.
• Provide clear, concise, timely, and accurate reporting of District finances to the Board.

Community Relations

• Develop relationships with and operate in a credible, straightforward, and cooperative manner with the media.
• Provide enthusiastic, supportive, comprehensive, accurate, and sincere interpretations of programs and policies to the community.
• Develop and distribute in an appropriate manner appealing, concise, accurate, user friendly, and worthwhile communication and publications of the District to the community (reports, newsletters, brochures, etc.).
• Develop and maintain cooperative, responsive, and credible relationships with user groups, clubs, and associations within the policies of the District.
• Provide and foster straightforward, cooperative, open, and beneficial relationships with other governmental entities and community groups (CVB, Chamber, etc.).
• Participate with and serve as a resource to user groups, clubs, and associations in program and facility development.

Personnel

• Serve as the District’s Personnel Director.
• Monitor, evaluate, and define hiring procedures of full-time personnel to fill positions appropriately with qualified candidates in the best interest of the District in a timely manner utilizing applicable methods.
• Assess utilization of full-time staff to ensure personnel are appropriately matched to position with individual management knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Maintain a comprehensive salary and benefit package at a realistic level within the pay and benefit plan of the District.
• Annually complete full-time staff evaluations administered with employee review to serve as a tool for employee growth and improvement.
• Promote and develop on a professional basis positive employee relations indicating team efforts in accomplishments and operation of the District.
• Collaborate with Executive Team to promote staff development through ongoing education and training opportunities which will benefit the District.

Finance

• Develop an annual operating budget that is comprehensive, clear, and accurate, indicating District needs defined and developed with planning for improvements, general operation, and programming.
• Define, establish, and control fiscal management of the District within the policies and procedures established by the Board, ordinances, and state law.
• Analyze and adjust operations of the District to ensure cost effectiveness and maximize available resources.
• Complete an annual audit of District finances in accordance with District policies, local ordinances, and state laws.
• Plan, direct, assist, and implement revenue generation opportunities from sources other than tax levies through user fees, matching grants, corporate and civic sponsorships, rentals, leases, and capital fundraising campaigns.
• Purchase only through the purchase order/One Card system per District policies.

Planning

• Identify and define clear objectives, policies, and procedures for program management as related to user groups, clubs, and associations.
• Monitor and evaluate facility and program management, identifying problems and improvements, activity summaries, area budgets, and recommendations with annual written reports.
• Annually review, adjust, and update comprehensive and long range and strategic planning to serve as a basis for establishing goals for improvements and anticipated expenditures.
• Responsible for the overall quality assurance of District facilities, natural resources, programs, and services.

Other Essential

• Communicate information openly, consistently, and on a regular basis with the Board, directors, managers, staff, and community.
• Serve as Clerk of the District as appointed by the Board of Park Commissioners.
• Authorization to approve various District plans, procedures, and policies (including but not limited to the Risk Management Plan, Communications Plan, etc.), which serve to guide decision-making within the District.
• Manage District facilities and grounds as resources with appropriate and necessary maintenance, well presented in appearance to the public, and maximizing utilization.
• Serve as administrative liaison to other governmental entities and community-based organizations.
• Follow all District ordinances, policies, and procedures, including, but not limited to, the Human Resource Policy and Procedure Handbook, Accounting Manual, and risk management program, as well as applicable federal and state laws.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Bismarck Police Department and Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department.
• Serve as Executive Vice President of the Bismarck Recreation Council.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Park Commissioners.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration or a bachelor’s degree related to sport and leisure management with public administration emphasis and a related master’s degree, along with a minimum of 10 years of full-time progressively responsible administrative and executive level management leadership experience. A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered. 

Applicant must possess a current professional certification (CPRP or CPRE) through the National Recreation and Park Association with documented evidence of continuing education, possession of or ability to attain a valid North Dakota driver’s license, and a capability to lift 30 pounds alone or heavier lifting with other employees.

Preferred qualifications include additional education, experience, or certifications related to the job description.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Possess a strong knowledge of operational policies, procedures, accepted standards, and methods of public parks and recreation, sport, leisure, and public agency management.
• Develop and foster relationships that are beneficial to the District with other governmental entities, user groups, clubs, organizations, and associations.
• Effective organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in a group setting with varied audiences and interests.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and confidence.
• Effectively communicate using technology.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Work in a team setting, independently with direction, and self-directed.
• Maximize available computer resources and programs.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Set and achieve goals and meet timelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working conditions of the position include individual private office, direct clerical services, computer, private printer, internet, and private phone line.
• Office location is in the District Administrative Office with up to 15 District employees on site.
• Responsible to provide personal vehicle for work. A vehicle allowance is provided at the District’s defined rate for the position.
• Responsible to provide and maintain a personal cell phone and internet service for work. A defined service reimbursement is provided.
• Travel is required as part of professional involvement and representation of the District and may require multiple overnight stays per month.
• Position will require periodic evening, weekend, and holiday work dependent on responsibilities, meetings, programs, and event schedules.
• Administration office hours are 7:30am – 5:00pm. Position’s actual time in the office is varied and subject to multiple interruptions with an extensive schedule of meetings.
• General public contact is extensive and vital to the success of the position.
• Work interruptions while in the office and in public are extensive.
• Position is considered a representative of the District at various public functions as the Executive Director and representative of the Board.
• Position will receive an annual performance evaluation by the Board.

Reviewed December 2025