ABOUT THE DARKE COUNTY PARK DISTRICT:

Established in 1972, the Darke County Park District is organized in accordance with Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code. Located in North West Ohio, Darke County is one of the largest counties in square miles in the state with a population of more than 54,000. The district is funded by two county-wide 1/2 mil property tax levies which generates annual revenue of approximately $1.5 million. The first levy was replaced in 2013 running through 2025, and the second passed in 2020, the levy runs through 2029.

Approximately 14 Full Time and Part Time employees along with over 150 volunteers of Darke County Parks proudly manage 14 parks, almost 20 miles of Bike Trails and 18 miles of walking trails totaling almost 1250 acres of land.  Darke County Parks prides itself on 50 years of innovation, creativity, and serving the Darke County community with the best parks, trails, and resources available. From the modest beginnings to the recent times of rapid growth, the goal remains to offer places and opportunities for people of all ages.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY:

The position of Executive 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.

The Director has authority to recommend the hiring, transfer, suspension, layoff, promotion, discharge or reward of employees under their direct supervision. The Director has authority to carry out any discipline they deem necessary for employees under their direct supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1.    Serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Darke County Park District.
2.    Works closely with the Park District’s Financial Administrator in preparation and execution of annual budget. 
3.    Directs and documents all phases of the management of the Park District in accordance with the policies, by-laws, and rules and regulations authorized by the Board and the Ohio Revised Code, Section 1545. 
4.    Works toward the accomplishment of the district-wide goals and objectives in the areas of land acquisition, preservation, development, restoration, protection, promotion, and operation. 
5.    Makes final preparations for all regular and special meetings of the Board of Park Commissioners, and keeps accurate and permanent records of all proceedings; also responsible for the execution of all documentation resulting from Board action. 
6.    Develops policy recommendations for Board approval, oversees implementation of all Park District policies and resolutions. 
7.    Discusses and communicates pertinent Park District matters to Board members between regularly scheduled and special Board meetings. 
8.    Serves as chief spokesperson for the Board to the staff, the public, organizations, governmental agencies, legislators, media and others in the day-to-day operation of the Park District. 
9.    Identifies for the Board the availability of all annual and long-range funding sources, both public and private, coordinates all funding source requests including grant funding and tax levy campaigns. 
10.    With the knowledge and approval of the Board of Park Commissioners, negotiates with landowners and executes land purchases in keeping with established Board approved land acquisition principles and long-range Park District land acquisition goals. 
11.    Establishes goals, priorities, policies, work standards and procedures for managers; provides direction and guidance to all management staff. 
12.    Coordinates preparation of budget with Financial Administrator and finalizes department manager’s requests for Board of Park Commissioners approval. Develops and recommends annual operating, capital improvements, and land acquisition budgets to the Board of Park Commissioners. 
13.    Develops the Park District strategic plan in conjunction with the Park Commission; Responsible for overall implementation; monitors progress to ensure strategic goals of the Park District are met. Responsible for ongoing updating of strategic plans to ensure the desires of the public are met. 
14.    Leads and directs the Park District leadership team in the development and implementation of overall organizational strategies and objectives. 
15.    Ascertains the constraints of the budget, the personnel available, the public’s expectations, and recommends and establishes priorities.
16.    Gives direction to all functions of the Park District, and is responsible for the overall management of its performance. 
17.    Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the Park District's external constituencies: local, state, federal governmental agencies; recreation, conservation, planning organizations; volunteer and service organizations. Serves as an advocate for the Park District. Serves on various Committees and Boards as necessary to further the advancement of the Park District. 
18.    Monitors all public legislation affecting the Park District, and makes recommendations to the Board. 
19.    Represents the Park District through various public relations activities, speaking engagements, and communications with the media. 
20.    Develops organizational human resources system and authorizes the employment, promotion, transfer, demotion, and termination of all personnel in accordance with Board policy. 
21.    Other duties as assigned by the Board of Park Commissioners that are deemed appropriate and essential for the position.