AGENCY INFORMATION
Wheeling Park District is an essential unit of local government located 27 miles northwest of Chicago, IL.. This organization incorporated in 1961, provides a full range of recreation activities, public open space, recreational facilities, a fullservice country club, and district-wide events for its communities. The Park District has an estimated population of 45,000 residents living within the Village of Wheeling, and small portions of Prospect Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Arlington Heights. However, the Park District’s service area reaches far beyond its boundaries and is considered a regional destination.
Wheeling Park District employs 75 full-time staff and 400+ part-time and seasonal employees to provide a full spectrum of opportunities for preschoolers through seniors. Facilities include a full-service recreation center with an indoor pool and fitness center, an outdoor aquatic center, a sports complex with turf fields, an amphitheater, an 18 hole golf course with banquet facilities, and 22 park sites on approximately 350 acres, as well as a number of softball/baseball fields, football and soccer fields, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Wheeling Park District offers nearly 800 programs and events annually, offering guests of all ages an opportunity to socialize, learn a new skill, compete in sports, improve fitness levels, and have fun!
The Wheeling Park District has instilled a culture of accountability through Key Performance Indicators and diligently monitors overall organizational performance. In 2025, Wheeling Park District measured 503,715 guest experiences and achieved a 82.51% net promoter score.
The Wheeling Park District is committed to providing parks, recreation activities, programs, and spaces that are accessible for all through a commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful organizational culture.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
EAV: $1,395,625,555 (Estimate)
Revenues: $31,289,824
Expenditures: $29,684,153
Operating Expenditures: $19,035,334
The Wheeling Park District fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31. Wheeling Park District has a 5-year Capital and Improvement Plan of $29,597,309. The 2026 Capital Budget is set at $43,331,809, with a focus on facility and park improvements.
KEY PROJECTS
New Aquatic Center (Planned Replacement)
After more than 30 years of service, the Wheeling Park District’s Family Aquatic Center has reached the end of its useful life. The District is advancing plans for a modern and inclusive aquatic facility that improves operational efficiency while continuing its role as a premier regional destination.
The project is currently in the planning and design phase, with a conceptual site layout created to guide future development. The proposed facility emphasizes an enhanced guest experience, inclusive access, and long-term sustainability. This initiative represents a significant reinvestment and will require strategic leadership across planning, design coordination, budgeting, public engagement, and implementation.
Malibu Park Renovation:
The District is also undertaking a comprehensive renovation of Malibu Park to re-imagine one of Wheeling’s key neighborhood parks. The project focuses on modernizing amenities, improving accessibility, and enhancing the park’s functionality for year-round community use.
Together, these projects reflect the District’s commitment to thoughtful reinvestment and longterm stewardship of public spaces.
DIRECTOR
Reports To: Executive Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Superintendent of Marketing & Communications
SUMMARY
The Director of Public Relations is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and stewardship of the organization’s brand, public image, and communication strategy. This role oversees public relations, marketing, communications, media relations, and community engagement efforts to ensure consistent, transparent, and strategic messaging. This role provides strategic guidance on reputation management, public perception, and communication strategies that support organizational goals, values, and long-term vision.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead and oversee the District’s brand strategy, ensuring consistent messaging, tone, and visual identity across all internal and external communications.
• Direct public relations and media efforts, including press relations, spokesperson support, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and external organizations to support transparency and public engagement.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning related to communications, branding, and community outreach.
• Use research, analytics, and performance metrics to evaluate communication effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate marketing and communications staff, while managing external vendors and consultants.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency within communications and branding functions.
• Participate in organizational planning, reporting, training, safety initiatives, and special projects as assigned
• Participates in required training and safety programs as established by the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, brand strategy, or marketing, including demonstrated leadership experience.
• Ability to lead strategic planning efforts while effectively managing complex projects and priorities
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and guide teams effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization, as well as external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and align administrative functions with the organization’s mission and goals.
Salary Range: $135,000 - $165,000
In exchange for your time and talent, we offer a generous benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life Insurance (basic & voluntary additional coverage)
• Employee Assistance Program
• IMRF Defined Benefit Pension
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• 457 Defined Contribution Plans
• Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (Sick, Vacation, and Floating Holidays)
• Programs and Recreation Facility Use
• Professional development opportunities and support for continued education
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
DIRECT QUESTIONS TO:
Annie Gonzalez Director of Administration agonzalez@wheelingparkdistrict.com 847-465-7761
