Vacancy Announcement: Executive Director

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is currently seeking a dynamic strategic leader to serve as Executive Director. Working closely with the Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director provides strategic direction and organizational leadership to the District which includes responsibility for developing and executing the District’s mission and vision; providing day to day management of the District’s operations and services; overseeing the effective management of the District’s financial resources; and acting as a representative of the District to the citizens of Champaign County. This is a full-time position with a salary range of $95,000 to $125,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience and will include an excellent benefit package. The position is primarily located in Mahomet, Illinois, with travel required. Please click here to view the complete job description.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible management experience required. Experience at a park district, conservation district, forest preserve, or similar agency preferred.
• Knowledge of conservation and preservation trends, personnel management, risk management, public relations, and state and federal statutes affecting forest preserve operations.
• Experience in the creation of a sound fiscal program including: capital projects, budgeting, forecasting, development of projects through the referendum process, and other alternative funding sources; e.g. foundations/federal/state grants and enterprise operations. Ability to understand tax levy and appropriation ordinances and modified accrual fund accounting.
• Experience in successfully working with independent citizen advisory and fundraising boards.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to work cooperatively and decisively to discern needs, develop plans and set priorities in order to make the best use of the District’s human, physical, and financial resources.
• Ability to work effectively with the Board, the public, and District staff and to collaborate with volunteers, external constituents, and similar groups and agencies.
• Understanding of the importance of involving communities in collaborative processes for District planning and a belief in the strength of community involvement and participation. A passion for public parks and preserves and the ability to enhance broad public understanding and support of the District’s services and future needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to recognize the complexities, coordination, and intergovernmental relations aspects involved in directing District plans, facilities, programs, and services.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment and the ability to deal with stressful and demanding situations.
• Commitment to uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior and to act with integrity and accountability.

Application Procedure

To receive full consideration, interested applicants should submit an application packet no later than October 17, 2017. The application packet should include the following:

• Formal letter of application indicating the reasons you desire to be a candidate
• Current resume that includes, but is not limited to, employment history, duties, number of employees supervised, and budget amount managed.
• Five (5) or more professional references. Please include complete names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
• Response to the following question. Please limit your response to no more than one page.
  • Describe your natural resource conservation philosophy or land ethic. Provide your ideas for management of the forest preserves to adequately meet the balance between land preservation and recreational use of natural areas.

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The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.