VIRGINIA RECREATION & PARK SOCIETY
Director
Executive
To learn more about Virginia Recreation and Park Society visit: www.vrps.com
Mission: To unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia into one body.
ABOUT VRPS
The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a private, non-profit professional organization, founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Its purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia, into one body. The members work together to promote and improve the profession in all its diversity. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
VRPS Goals
Provide and encourage continuous training opportunities for members; Improve recreation, parks, and leisure services to the public; Update members on current trends and opportunities in the profession; Disseminate information to the public through use of publications and media; Maintain current academic curriculum; Involve interested citizens in advisory, participatory, and volunteer efforts supportive of parks, recreation, and leisure services programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia; Maintain a professional register of qualified recreation and park personnel.
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Organization Overview
The Board of Directors for the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, five directors and one lay person. The Board of Directors act as liaisons to the five Service Areas and the various Resource Groups. The Board of Directors sets the overall goals and initiatives for the Society and the policies and guidance to accomplish them. The Executive Director is appointed by the Board to carry out the direction and vision of the organization.
Service Areas
Eastern Service Area
Central Service Area
Northern Service Area
Southwestern Service Area
Western Service Area
Resource Groups
Aquatics Resource Group
Health & Wellness Resource Group
Park Operations Resource Group
Senior Resource Group
Special Event & Marketing Resource Group
Therapeutic Recreation Resource Group
The Foundation of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society has as its core mission the strengthening and enhancement of parks and recreation through scholarships and professional development. Through a tiered giving structure, the Foundation is positioned to increase its reserve, enhancing the level at which we fund scholarships, continuing education, and other needs of our profession. As we develop a culture of generosity, our desire is to Create a Legacy that will support the Foundation for future generations of students and professionals.
The Foundation has funded over $200,000 in scholarships and awards approximately 20 scholarships annually for higher education, conferences, and training opportunities. The Education Endowment Fund has a goal of $1,000,000 to help talented, hard-working professionals stay current with continuing education. This Fund has already raised over $225,000.
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
One of the most frequent benefits cited for belonging to VRPS is “professional interaction.” Workshops, conferences, and involvement at committee and board levels provide valuable training and the opportunity to see what other people in leisure services are doing. VRPS provides publications on current trends, job opportunities, awards, and scholarships. VRPS provides an on-line membership directory that will put you in touch with members throughout the state. VRPS offers professional special recognition, incentive, and credit for innovative projects and services to the Society. VRPS provides discounts on workshops and conference registrations.
VRPS Annual Conference
Each year VRPS members and friends gather for the Annual Conference. This educational exchange provides an opportunity for professionals to discuss trends and areas of common interest. Major speakers highlight the conference in addition to dozens of topical sessions. In addition to the educational aspects, the Conference provides the opportunity for networking and award recognition.
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MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
Total Membership 1,514
Organizations
Agency 87
College/University 2
Commercial 48
Individuals
Associate 203
College/Univ. Rep 1
Commercial Rep 72
Honorary 7
Life 34
Professional 869
Professional Agency 171
Retired 13
Student 7
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THE POSITION
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 Executive Director oversees the financial and administrative operations of the Society. The organizational structure includes one full-time Office Manager and volunteers, directly supervised by the Executive Director.
The Board of Directors is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director for one of the nation’s leading park and recreation professional organizations and its charitable foundation. The ideal candidate will have a passion for parks and recreation, a proven track record of leadership and management, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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TYPICAL DUTIES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Develop and implement strategies to advance the mission and goals of the organizations
Provide leadership and direction to the VRPS staff, Board of Directors, Foundation Board, service areas, resource groups, and planning committees
Cultivate and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including members, businesses, government agencies, and legislators
Manage and monitor the Society budget and daily financial functions, including but not limited to contractual services, investments, grants, sponsorships, and public/private partnerships or in-kind service delivery
Ensure the organization’s compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
Represent VRPS at the state and national level
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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
VRPS seeks an enthusiastic, innovative, forward-thinking leader to work in collaboration with the members, VRPS Board of Directors, and the Foundation Board and guide our 70 year old organization into the future. The Executive Director (ED) represents one of the nation’s leading park and recreation professional organizations; directs the financial and administrative operations of the Society; builds a culture of excellence, transparency, teamwork and member focus; to this end, recommends and formulates policy, executes its business, manages daily finances, and cultivates and builds effective relationships within the Society and with outside organizations, sponsors, and partners.
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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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
Exceptional management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers
Demonstrated success in event planning, fundraising, grant writing, association management, membership growth and retention, and strategic planning
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage and inspire a variety of audiences
Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes related to parks and recreation
A minimum of three years of association management experience is preferred
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and/ or Certified Association Executive (CAE) credentials preferred or within three years of hire.
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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Retirement: SEP-IRA annual contribution; 15% of salary, vested after 3 years
Monthly medical insurance allowance
15 paid holidays annually
Performance-based pay and cost of living pay increases
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Paid Leave Available at Job Start
Telework Opportunities
Mileage reimbursements
Cell Phone Allowance
All travel expenses incurred including lodging and meals for conferences and other VRPS functions
Salary Range $70,000 - $90,000
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APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references by June 12, 2023. Please submit your application to:
vrps@vrps.com
