The Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) is dedicated to improving the quality of life and, through advocacy and awareness, promoting a successful leisure lifestyle for individuals with disabilities. Since 1972, M-NASR has been providing fun, recreational opportunities to individuals of all ages with disabilities. M-NASR is an extension of the Des Plaines, Golf Maine, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge and Skokie Park Districts as well as the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department.

Qualifications, Skills and Personal Characteristics:

Administer and direct the programs and services of M-NASR within the framework of the policies enacted by the M-NASR Board of Directors. Represent the agency through continued contact with the public, community groups, and professional organizations. Responsible for the planning and operation of the entire agency and its personnel.

• Demonstrable ability to provide strategic leadership and long-range planning practices which anticipate future opportunities, issues, and concerns.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Administration, Public or Business Administration or a related field. A Master’s Degree is desirable.
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of full-time experience in the field of Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation, or a related field with increasing responsibility in Management and Operations.
• NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) or National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) certification is strongly preferred.
• Administer and execute the policies and procedures set forth by the M-NASR Board of Directors.
• Direct the operation of all M-NASR programs and services; supervises administrative operations relative to legal, personnel, fiscal, capital development, public relations planning and other business functions.
• Attend all meetings of the M-NASR Board of Directors. Respond to Board inquiries regarding policy execution, personnel issues, programs, fiscal operation and other concerns of agency staff before the Board of Directors.
• Oversee the development of a flexible program of recreational activities for all segments, groups, ages, and interest levels of residents with disabilities from the partner communities.
• Oversee, control, and administer the annual budget and related materials for the agency.
• Develop cooperative and effective relationship with the Liponi Foundation Board of Trustees, and guide the Liponi Foundation in managing and implementing its fund development strategy.
• Provide leadership to the agency’s staff, constituents, and volunteers.
• Develop cooperative and effective working relationships with community agencies and groups both public and private.
• Prepare and/or direct the preparation of periodic and special factual and analytical reports for the consideration of the M-NASR Board of Directors on subjects including, but not limited to, personnel, financial, programmatic, and capital projects.
• Conduct meetings at which attendance is required for all full-time and office staff.
• Interpret M-NASR policies, objectives, and procedures to professional staff.
• Develop and implement enabling procedures for effective execution of M-NASR Board policy.
• Effectively promote M-NASR programs and facilities.
• Analyze financial and funding needs.
• Determine long-range planning and capital development needs.
• Establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with M-NASR personnel and the general public.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of professional employees.
• Remain self-motivated and achieve goals with minimal supervision or direction.
• Perform other duties necessary for the efficient and effective operation of M-NASR, as assigned.

The Board of Directors of the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation invites applications for the position of Executive Director. The Board is interested in the selected Executive Director to begin employment at the Association tentatively by June17, 2019. Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation is an equal opportunity employer.

Applications should be marked Personal and Confidential. All applicant packets must be received by March 15th, 2019 and must contain the information below in order to meet the Board consideration. Each numbered item below needs to be on a separate page. Please do not bind or staple.

1. Formal cover letter of application indicating reasons you desire to be a candidate.
2. Current resume needs to include, but not be limited to, employment history, duties, number of employees supervised and budget amount managed.
3. Provide at least 3 CURRENT (DATED) letters of recommendation. These written references ideally should include a balance of former employers, employees and Board Members.
4. Please also provide 3 PROFESSIONAL references with complete names, addresses and phone numbers. These references need to be different from those providing letters of recommendation.
5. Salary history for the past 5 years.
6. Written permission to contact past employers and permission to have a criminal background check completed.

All applications or inquiries should be referred to:

Laura McCarty, M-NASR Board President, Village of Lincolnwood, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, IL. 60712, lmccarty@lwd.org, 847-745-4724