Executive Director - NOVA Parks (Virginia) - Government Jobs : Job Details

First review of applications will occur on May 27, 2025.

Established in 1959, NOVA Parks, formerly known as the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, is a unique regional agency dedicated to the conservation of natural and cultural resources across six jurisdictions: Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NOVA Parks' administrative offices are located in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

NOVA Parks is seeking a strategic and visionary Executive Director to be responsible for sustaining the organization's success by building strong relationships, managing land conservation efforts and securing land acquisitions, and fostering a positive, high-performing organizational culture. This role requires a strategic mindset and a commitment to innovation to drive financial growth. The Executive Director fosters a culture of inclusivity, mentorship, and workforce development while leveraging technology and creative partnerships to engage various populations.

Leadership Opportunities:

Expanding Revenue-Generating and Community Programs

The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on the organization's financial success by identifying and developing new revenue-generating features while maintaining the popularity of existing attractions. This includes strengthening partnerships with municipalities to enhance community programs, securing additional grant funding for Title I and underserved populations, and exploring innovative recreational offerings that appeal to a wide-ranging user base.

Parkland Expansion and Enhancing Regional Trail Connectivity

The Executive Director can lead efforts to expand parkland through strategic acquisitions and donations, fostering relationships with key stakeholders to secure new green spaces for public use. Additionally, with the success of the dual-trail pilot along the W&OD Trail in Falls Church, there is a significant opportunity to extend this model to other jurisdictions, improving safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians.

Advancing Organizational Vision and Inclusivity

As the region evolves, the next Executive Director will be responsible for steering the organization toward long-term sustainability by anticipating future trends rather than reacting to them. This includes embracing technology to enhance user experiences, ensuring accessibility across diverse socioeconomic groups, and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for both employees and visitors.

Compensation and Benefits:

The starting salary range for this position will be $190,000 $230,000. In addition, NOVA Parks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; pet benefits; a deferred compensation plan; travel assistance; and tuition assistance. Employees also receive paid time off, sick leave, and a park use pass for themselves, their spouse, and children under 18.

Desired Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, recreation management/administration, business administration or a comparable field, advanced degree preferred, and ten (10) years of senior level management experience, with at least five (5) years as executive or department head at a comparably complex public corporation or other self-contained organization that operates and functions like NOVA Parks. Experience in public parks and recreation is desirable but not essential. An equivalent combination of education and management experience will be considered.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and/or Certified Park & Recreation Executive (CPRE) designation as granted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is a plus. Successful candidates will demonstrate visionary leadership, a passion for building community and quality of life, and successful experience in cultivating effective working relationships with the Board and staff at all levels of an organization.

Special Instructions:

This position is open until filled; however, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply no later than May 27, 2025. For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze at [email protected] or 312-###-####.