AbouttheHamilton ParksConservancy
TheHamiltonParksConservancy(HPC)isanindependent 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, andcommunitygatheringspaces.
Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Conservancy provides leadership for one of Ohio's most diverseparksystems.TheExecutiveDirectorservesasthe organization's chief executive, reporting directly to the Board while leading approximately 90 full-time and seasonalemployeesresponsibleforparks,golf,recreation, programming,facilities,andoperations.
Ourplaces&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,scenicnaturalareas,andmilesoftrails,thesystemservesresidentsof everyageandattractsvisitorsfromacrosstheregion.
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 economicdevelopment,improvehealthandwellness,protectnaturalresources, andcreateexperiencesthatdefineHamilton.
ThenextExecutiveDirectorwillinheritanexceptionalfoundationand theopportunitytoelevateHamiltonParksintooneofthepremierpark systemsintheMidwest.
Theleaderwe’relookingfor
We are seeking a visionary leader, community builder, and organizationalchampionwhoisinspiredbytheopportunity t h fH ilt ' t t bli t
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'squalityoflife.TheExecutiveDirectormustbevisible,approachable,and passionateaboutbuildingrelationshipsthatadvancetheConservancy'smission.
Salary Range:
$95,000–$125,000
Competitivebenefitspackagewithhealth insuranceandretirementsavingsoptions.
What s lo li
Duringyourfirst threeyearsyou willhavethe opportunityto:
DeveloptheConservancy'snextstrategicvision
Expandrecreationprogrammingandparkactivation
Increasephilanthropicsupportanddonorengagement
Strengthenregionalandcommunitypartnerships
Modernizeorganizationalsystemsandoperations
ElevateHamiltonParksasaregionaldestination
Buildanorganizationalculturecenteredonexcellence, innovation,andservice
Qualifications &DesiredSkills
Theidealcandidatewillhaveaminimumof fiveyearsofprogressiveleadership experienceinarelatedfield,witha demonstratedtrackrecordofmanaging teams,drivingresults,andleading organizationsordepartmentsthrough growthandchange.Experienceoverseeing multi-siteoperationsandbuildingastrong, collaborative,andaccountableteamculture isessential.Abachelor’sdegreeispreferred.
Strongnonprofitleadership,operational excellence,andrelationship-buildingskills arethekeytosuccessinthisrole.
Candidatesshouldhaveprovensuccessin boardmemberrelations,fundraising,donor
engagement,andpartnership development,alongwithstrong financialandbudget managementexperience.
Theabilitytothinkstrategically whilealsoexecutingatahighlevel iscritical,asisexperiencein improvingormodernizingsystems andprocesses.
Excellentcommunicationskillsare essential.TheExecutiveDirector mustbecomfortablewithpublic speaking,mediaengagement, andbuildingrelationshipsacross awiderangeofaudiences.Thisis ahighlyvisiblerolethatrequiresa highlevelofresponsiveness,poise underpressure,professionalism, andtheabilitytobuildtrust quicklyandeffectively.
WhyHamilton?
milton is a city on the rise, with a strong foundation, a owing population, and a clear commitment to reinvestment and revitalization. Located in Butler County, just north of Cincinnati,Hamiltonservesasaregionalhubwithapopulation of more than 63,000 residents and access to a broader metro marketofovertwomillionpeople.
Over the past decade, Hamilton has experienced a true enaissance. What was once a legacy manufacturing communityhasevolvedintoacitythatisactivelyreinvestingin ts neighborhoods, downtown, and public spaces. Major redevelopment projects, new housing, and continued private investment have reshaped the community and created new energythroughoutthecity.
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-termsuccess.
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’sapproach.
amilton’s park system is a key part of this momentum. With o golf courses, more than 1,300 acres of parks, trails, and tural areas, the system plays a central role in quality of life, mmunity identity, and economic development. As the city ntinues to grow, there is a strong expectation that the parks stem will evolve alongside it, becoming more active, more sible,andmoreintegratedintodailylife.
Thisisacommunitythatvaluesprogress,expectsresults,andiswillingtoinvest in its future. The next Executive Director won't simply witness Hamilton's future, theywillhelpshapeit.
Joinus.
This is more than an opportunity to manage parks, it is an opportunity to help shapethefutureofanentirecommunity.ThenextExecutiveDirectorwillbuildupon a strong foundation while inspiring people, strengthening neighborhoods, growing amission-drivenorganization,andcreatingplaceswherememoriesaremadefor generationstocome.Fortherightleader,thisisachancetoleavealastinglegacy throughoneofHamilton'smostvaluedcommunityassets.
If this opportunity aligns with your passion for leadership, community impact, and organizational growth, we encourage you to submit a cover letter and resume highlightingyourleadershipexperience,approachtoorganizationalmanagement, 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 healthinsuranceandretirementsavingsoptions.