The position offers a competitive starting salary which is negotiable and commensurate with experience. The position also offers an attractive benefits package including health insurance, vacation, holidays, sick leave and employer contribution to Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Internal Number: 23 - Ross
About the Ross County Park District Situated in the picturesque foothills of the Appalachian Region of America, Ross County is home to more than 77,000 Ohioans. Located in Southern Ohio, the county is rich in history and has a long legacy of outdoor exploration.
The Ross County Park District exists to provide county residents and visitors with opportunities to discover, protect and play. The District maintains six parks and the 22 miles of paved bike trails of the Paint Creek Recreational Trail covering more than 2,200 acres around the county. The signature park. Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve conserves nearly 1200 acres of the most rugged and scenic country in the area. Over five miles of forested trail meander past ponds, vernal pools, the crumbling remains of old homesteads, and deep, wooded ravines. A walk on the South Point Lookout Trail offers magnificent views of the vertical cliffs of sandstone and shale that descend into the beautiful Paint Creek Gorge.
Over the years, each park has been developed to enhance the natural, cultural and historical aspects in their respective areas. The first park levy was passed in a 10 year 0.5 mil operating levy, was passed in 2019. With the approval by voters, improvements are being made to existing parks and opportunities for new facilities and expanded programs for the area residents are planned.
General Description and Summary The position of Director directs and manages the overall operation of the Park District in accordance with the mandate of Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code and the Board of Park Commissioners. Major responsibilities include the overall effective operation of the Park District; design of long-range plans for the acquisition and development of park areas; strategic planning; managerial staff relations and development; negotiations and purchase of land; community and public relations; and development and management of Park District budget and projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to:
Directing the activities of the Park District in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code 1545 and all policies and Procedures established by the Board of Directors.
Organizing and supervising an efficient administrative organization for the Park District. Developing, reviewing, analyzing and implementing operational procedures required to effectively manage day-to-day operations and implementing Board-approved policies.
Assisting the Board of Directors in establishing and implementing strategic plans for park facilities and programs that meet the needs of the residents of Ross County.
Recommending policies, plans and programs and providing the Board with information necessary to its policy-making functions.
Oversees the development and maintenance of all District parks and facilities to meet the needs of the community.
Becoming aware of and representing the Park District in all matters pertaining to zoning changes, land development and related concerns which affect the Parks District’s current and future interests.
Making recommendations to the Board concerning land acquisition and facility development reflecting thorough analysis of available Park District resources, competing and current public needs and projected community needs.
Working with the Board and citizen committees and implementing methods of involving the public in the Park District planning/decision making process.
Developing and recommending to the Board an annual budget. Exercises sound fiscal management by reviewing and analyzing current fiscal conditions and projecting financial needs and resources.
Planning and coordinating efforts to receive federal, state and local funds to assist the District’s operations and supervising the preparation of requests for grants from various state and federal programs related to parks and recreation.
Working with the Park Board and department heads in determining current and future staffing needs and appropriate personnel organization.
Maintaining good relations with the public, accurately representing to the Board the needs of various groups within the community. Developing, maintaining and servicing an effective program for handling citizen complaints and inquiries.
Developing and maintaining a comprehensive marketing program to promote the District’s image, parks, facilities, programs and special events.
Acting as the representative of the Park District in providing information to the news media and supplying information to the public concerning Board policies.
Promoting greater understanding and support of Park District activities by participating and representing the District at various governmental, civic and community functions.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of best management practices, procedures and techniques in park and recreation operations, natural resource management, public finance and public relations.
Ability to understand and interpret statistical data and develop and implement both short term and long term strategic plans.
Broad knowledge of natural resource management, ecological restoration and land acquisition.
Knowledge of processes required prior to the acquisition of property, as well as the variety of methods available for the acquisition of land for trails.
Demonstrated understanding of all aspects of levies and levy campaign including the ability to organize, strategize, articulate ideas and goals, and make recommendations for levy campaigns.
Outstanding ability in budgeting and public sector fiscal policy including tax funding and distribution.
In-depth interpersonal competency; ability to establish and sustain critical relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to bring about and manage institutional change and effectively engage employees through performance management, shared leadership, recognition and employee development.
In depth knowledge of Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Ability to inspire and be persuasive in the promotion of new ideas, concepts and action plans to influence positive outcomes with both internal and external audiences. Proven problem solver.
Excels at all aspects of customer service.
Ability to exemplify the highest ethical standards in professional and personal conduct.
Exhibits a high level of integrity, honesty, responsibility, transparency and trustworthiness that establishes credibility and generates respect and support from District stakeholders and staff.
Priority Competencies
Planning and Organizing: Arrange tasks in a logical order. Establish priorities systematically, differentiating between urgent, important, and unimportant tasks. Use a "to do" list, task plan, or similar planning devices to note action plans, deadlines, etc. Monitor & adjust priorities and/or eliminate tasks on an ongoing basis.
Financial Acumen: Financial planning is the task of determining how a business will afford to achieve its strategic goals and objectives. Usually, a company creates a Financial Plan immediately after the vision and objectives have been set.
Coaching / Developing Others: Facilitating the development of other’s knowledge and skills; providing timely feedback and guidance to help them reach goals.
Key Actions: Use relationship skills effectively Maintain or enhance self-esteem Listen and respond with empathy Encourage involvement Provide support without removing responsibility Agree on expected outcomes Agree on actions to take Explain and illustrate the process to use Observe while learner performs process Provide immediate and specific feedback
Leadership: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals (direct reports, peers, and senior managers) toward goal achievement; modifying behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved.
Motivational Fit: The extent to which job activities and responsibilities, the organization’s mode of operation and values, and the community in which the individual will live, and work are consistent with the type of environment that provides personal satisfaction, the degree to which the work itself is personally satisfying.
Empowering Job Design: Determining the most effective organization and job structure to accomplish a goal or strategy; appropriately reconfiguring jobs to maximize opportunities for associates’ empowerment, continuous improvement, and flexibility.
Bachelor’s Degree, and at least five years of successful supervisory management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of natural resources is an asset. Demonstrated experience in long-range planning and implementation, and the development and administration of programs designed to improve understanding of the organizations’ objectives and achievements. Knowledge of property value and acquisition methods is useful. Demonstrated decision-making abilities essential and experience representing the organization to a number of constituencies including the media is highly desired. Must possess a valid driver’s license and current CPR and First Aid certification.
