Job Description

Posting number: ExDir2026

Department: Executive Administration

Job classification: Executive Director

Posting type: Open

Categories: Management

Summary

This recruitment process will be administered by GMP.

Please do not submit your application through Parks Tacoma NEOGOV, but rather with GMP directly (click here)

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Parks Tacoma, overseeing all aspects of the District’s operations. Accountable to the Board of Park Commissioners, the Executive Director is responsible for leading the District’s operations, advancing the Board’s strategic direction, implementing Board policies, and ensuring the District fulfills its mission and statutory responsibilities while maintaining organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and public trust.

Examples of duties

• Provide vision and strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the Board approved policies, mission, goals and objectives.
• Assist the Board in conducting District business in all matters and performs other duties and assumes responsibilities as the Board directs.
• Oversee districtwide operations and major departmental functions to ensure effective, efficient, and high-quality delivery of Parks Tacoma services; establish organizational goals, monitor performance, identify and address performance gaps, and ensure accountability across the organization.
• Provide strategic and in-depth financial leadership that aligns with organizational goals and ensures fiscal sustainability including long-term forecasting, maintaining appropriate reserves, identifying emerging financial risks, and ensuring timely corrective action when financial performance deviates from established plans.
• Provide the Board with timely, candid, accurate, and complete information regarding organizational performance, financial condition, significant risks, and emerging issues; implement Board-approved strategic priorities and ensure alignment of planning, policies, and performance measures across the organization.
• Establish and implement management policies and procedures, including human resources and financial standards, and articulate District philosophy, goals, and objectives to the Board, staff, and community.
• Represent Parks Tacoma in interactions with governmental agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and public bodies; participate in meetings and deliver presentations to advance partnerships and resolve issues.
• Provide inclusive and effective leadership by setting clear expectations, fostering a culture of trust, candor, collaboration, and accountability, supporting staff development, involving employees in decision-making, and ensuring accountability for organizational outcomes.
• Oversee the development and progression of long- and short-term plans and capital improvement strategies to respond to evolving community needs, enhance existing services, and plan new programs and facilities; lead the organization to maintain strong financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
• Effectively manage budget, programs, and projects in alignment with core values and guidelines.
• Establish clear work plan expectations and provide direction in order to effectively lead.
• Encourage personal/professional growth by providing continuous feedback and developmental opportunities for staff.

Qualifications

• 12 years of management experience in a public sector organization with at least 5 years in a senior management level position overseeing and supervising teams and operations, strategic planning, working directly with elected officials, and driving financial and community initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration. recreation and park administration or related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Valid Washington driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Preference will be given to those that possess a current Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification.

Supplemental information

For additional information, including working conditions, view full job description.

To be considered for this position, please apply directly with GMP, click here.

For questions on this position, please contact:

Greg Young

GMP Consultants

gyoung@gmphr.com

(360) 410-8626