Career Center

General Description
The Executive Director of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) is the leader of a park and recreation professional association focused on communication and connectivity with its members, stakeholders, and corporate partners. VRPS is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1953. The ED oversees the financial and administrative operations of the Society. To this end, he or she recommends and formulates Society policy, executes its business, manages ongoing finances, and cultivates effective relationships within the Society and with outside organizations. The organizational structure includes one full-time Office Manager and volunteers, directly supervised by the ED.

Specific responsibilities are enumerated below:

Board Responsibilities
• Develop and sustain an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors and Foundation Board
• Provide reports and policy recommendations to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Foundation Board
• Translate the overall organization strategy into actionable, tactical steps to be achieved by end of year one
• Assist the President in performing his or her duties and responsibilities
• Coordinate and plan Board, Executive Committee, and Foundation Meetings monitor and assist committees of the Boards
• Monitor activities of Resource Groups, Service Areas and other committees in order to provide organizational support for developing and achieving goals, and to ensure adherence to Society policies
• Understand and work within the laws governing not-for-profit corporations and ensure the legal integrity of the Society

Budget and Finance
• Prepare the Society budget in cooperation with Finance Team, with an assessment of short-term and long-term financial needs
• Manage and monitor the Society budget and daily financial functions, including but not limited to contractual services, investments, grants and sponsorships
• Coordinate the annual audit of the Society’s finances and financial records
• In conjunction with the Society Treasurer, report on organizational finances at Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings
• Develop additional revenue sources and coordinate fundraising opportunities through grants, sponsorships, public/private partnerships or in-kind service delivery
• Develop relationships and partnerships that produce sponsorships for conferences, trainings and the Foundation

Central Office Administration
• Maintain the organizational structure and administrative policies for the central office and the related staffing structure
• Recruit, hire and train staff and volunteers
• Administer an effective personnel program which includes job descriptions, performance expectations, performance appraisals, and a compensation system

Member Services and Information Exchange
• Develop recruitment and retention programs in conjunction with the Board of Directors
• Evaluate and enhance member services
• Ensure Society staff responds to member inquiries in a timely manner
• Coordinate publication of the magazine, monthly/quarterly reports, and other member communications
• Maintain current and effective website for the Society
• Coordinate and facilitate communication and networking among members and external constituents
• Prepare written articles, documentation and correspondence where appropriate
• Represent the Society with the business, government, association, and affiliate groups on both state-wide and national levels including but not limited to National Recreation and Park Association’s Council of Executive Directors and serves as a spokesperson for the Society in conjunction with the President.

Advocacy
• Assess economic, political and social trends in the world of recreation and parks
• Monitor state and national bills and/or legislative activity for potential impact on the Society and/or its members
• Strengthen the leadership position of VRPS relative to the field
• Develop external advocacy relationships with groups having similar legislative interests
• Coordinate annual legislative activities and special legislative events

Education and Certification
• Assist in the planning, contracting and scheduling of continuing education programs
• Work with the Professional Certification Committee to implement the Society’s certification and professional development programs
• Ensure that the Society policies and procedures are maintained by this Committee

Event Management
• In conjunction with the appropriate committees, organize and conduct special events for the Society, including but not limited to the Annual Conference, Leadership Training Institute, the Management Conference and other future or applicable events
• Communicate conference policy to event committee members
• Assist with preparation and monitoring of event budget
• Execute all contracts
• Coordinate efforts to solicit advertising for various event publications and exhibitors
• Coordinate efforts to secure conference and event sponsors

Minimum Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in nonprofit/association management, parks and recreation, leisure services, or related field preferred
• Robust experience working with nonprofits, government officials and related organizations
• Demonstrated success in staff recruitment, management, and development
• Demonstrated success in event planning, fundraising, grant writing, association management, membership growth and retention, and strategic planning
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated creativity when addressing challenging situations with, at times, limited resources
• A minimum of three years of association management experience is preferred
• NRPA Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification preferred or within three years of hire
• American Society of Association Executives Certified Association Executive (CAE) preferred or within three years of hire
• Must have current driver’s license
• Ability to be bonded