Executive Director Recruitment Package - Hamilton Parks Conservancy

Lead the Future of Hamilton Parks:

Executive Director Recruitment Package

This is more than a parks job.

Hamilton is in the middle of one of the Midwest's most remarkable comeback stories. Over the past decade, public and private investment has transformed the city into a destination for recreation, arts, tourism, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization.

The Hamilton Parks Conservancy believes parks are far more than places to play. They are where neighborhoods gather, children discover nature, concerts bring thousands together, businesses recruit talent, visitors discover Hamilton, and communities build lasting memories.

Today, the Conservancy stands at an exciting moment. With an award-winning park system, committed public partners, growing philanthropic support, and tremendous momentum, we are seeking an Executive Director who will help write the next chapter, not simply by maintaining spaces, but by activating them, expanding their impact, and inspiring an entire community.

If you are energized by building organizations, connecting people, creating memorable experiences, and leaving communities stronger than you found them, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.

About the Hamilton Parks Conservancy The Hamilton Parks Conservancy (HPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship, activation, and long-term success of Hamilton's award-winning park system. Established in 2015, the Conservancy works in close partnership with the City of Hamilton to manage more than 1,300 acres of parks, trails, golf courses, natural areas, athletic facilities, and community gathering spaces.

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Conservancy provides leadership for one of Ohio's most diverse park systems. The Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive, reporting directly to the Board while leading approximately 90 full-time and seasonal employees responsible for parks, golf, recreation, programming, facilities, and operations.

Our places & spaces Hamilton's parks are woven into the fabric of everyday life. From neighborhood playgrounds and splash pads to Marcum Park, RiversEdge Amphitheater, the Great Miami River Trail, championship golf courses, sports complexes, picnic shelters, scenic natural areas, and miles of trails, the system serves residents of every age and attracts visitors from across the region.

Hundreds of community events take place throughout our parks and facilities each year, from festivals and youth sports to cultural celebrations and golf scrambles. These spaces strengthen neighborhoods, support tourism and economic development, improve health and wellness, protect natural resources, and create experiences that define Hamilton.

The next Executive Director will inherit an exceptional foundation and the opportunity to elevate Hamilton Parks into one of the premier park systems in the Midwest.

The leader we’re looking for We are seeking a visionary leader, community builder, and organizational champion who is inspired by the opportunity to shape one of Hamilton's greatest public assets.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to build and inspire high-performing teams, cultivate philanthropic support, strengthen strategic partnerships, modernize organizational systems, and tell the story of Hamilton Parks in a way that energizes residents, donors, partners, and the broader community. This leader will embrace both the operational excellence required to manage a complex organization and the creativity needed to imagine what's next.

Success in this role requires a leader who is equally comfortable presenting a long-term vision to community leaders, meeting one-on-one with major donors, collaborating with maintenance staff in the parks, engaging neighborhood organizations, and championing transformational projects that enhance Hamilton's quality of life. The Executive Director must be visible, approachable, and passionate about building relationships that advance the Conservancy's mission.

Salary Range:

$95,000–$125,000

Competitive benefits package with health insurance and retirement savings options.

What success looks like During your first three years you will have the opportunity to:

Develop the Conservancy's next strategic vision Expand recreation programming and park activation Increase philanthropic support and donor engagement Strengthen regional and community partnerships Modernize organizational systems and operations Elevate Hamilton Parks as a regional destination Build an organizational culture centered on excellence, innovation, and service

Qualifications & Desired Skills The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in a related field, with a demonstrated track record of managing teams, driving results, and leading organizations or departments through growth and change. Experience overseeing multi-site operations and building a strong, collaborative, and accountable team culture is essential. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Strong nonprofit leadership, operational excellence, and relationship-building skills are the key to success in this role.

Candidates should have proven success in board member relations, fundraising, donor

engagement, and partnership development, along with strong financial and budget management experience.

The ability to think strategically while also executing at a high level is critical, as is experience in improving or modernizing systems and processes.

Excellent communication skills are essential. The Executive Director must be comfortable with public speaking, media engagement, and building relationships across a wide range of audiences. This is a highly visible role that requires a high level of responsiveness, poise under pressure, professionalism, and the ability to build trust quickly and effectively.

Why Hamilton?

Hamilton is a city on the rise, with a strong foundation, a growing population, and a clear commitment to reinvestment and revitalization. Located in Butler County, just north of Cincinnati, Hamilton serves as a regional hub with a population of more than 63,000 residents and access to a broader metro market of over two million people.

Over the past decade, Hamilton has experienced a true renaissance. What was once a legacy manufacturing community has evolved into a city that is actively reinvesting in its neighborhoods, downtown, and public spaces. Major redevelopment projects, new housing, and continued private investment have reshaped the community and created new energy throughout the city.

Downtown Hamilton has emerged as a destination, anchored by local restaurants, small businesses, arts and culture, and regional attractions like Spooky Nook Sports, the largest indoor sports complex of its kind in North America. The city has also made significant investments in infrastructure, utilities, and public amenities, positioning itself for continued growth and long-term success.

At the same time, Hamilton has remained grounded in its neighborhoods. Efforts like Build Back the Block are focused on strengthening residential areas, creating new housing opportunities, and supporting long-term stability across the city. This balance between large-scale redevelopment and neighborhood investment is a defining characteristic of Hamilton’s approach.

Hamilton’s park system is a key part of this momentum. With two golf courses, more than 1,300 acres of parks, trails, and natural areas, the system plays a central role in quality of life, community identity, and economic development. As the city continues to grow, there is a strong expectation that the parks system will evolve alongside it, becoming more active, more visible, and more integrated into daily life.

This is a community that values progress, expects results, and is willing to invest in its future. The next Executive Director won't simply witness Hamilton's future, they will help shape it.

Image Credit: RiversEdge

Join us.

This is more than an opportunity to manage parks, it is an opportunity to help shape the future of an entire community. The next Executive Director will build upon a strong foundation while inspiring people, strengthening neighborhoods, growing a mission-driven organization, and creating places where memories are made for generations to come. For the right leader, this is a chance to leave a lasting legacy through one of Hamilton's most valued community assets.

If this opportunity aligns with your passion for leadership, community impact, and organizational growth, we encourage you to submit a cover letter and resume highlighting your leadership experience, approach to organizational management, and interest in serving as the next Executive Director of the Hamilton Parks Conservancy.

Salary Range: $95,000–$125,000, plus a competitive benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings options.

Deadline to apply is Friday, August 14, by 5 pm.

Please submit materials to: Jim Fitton, President of the Board hamiltonparksboard@gmail.com