The Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is seeking to hire a Parks & Open Space Director. Boulder County is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as the next Parks & Open Space Director. This is a unique opportunity to guide one of the top county parks and open space organizations in the nation that is dedicated to conserving natural areas, connecting communities, and providing exceptional visitor experiences and education programs. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader, skilled strategist, and trusted advisor to the Office of County Administrator, Commissioners, Staff and the Department’s appointed Advisory Board. This is a role for someone who thrives in complex environments, can balance big picture thinking with operational excellence, and understands how to bring diverse stakeholders together to achieve ambitious goals. They will have proven ability to navigate politically nuanced settings, guide large teams with accountability and empathy, and transform policies into action to advance the mission and goals of the organization. They are a leader who can move seamlessly between public meetings and one-on-one conversations, equally at ease engaging with elected officials as they are listening to and talking with community members.

Examples of Duties
Operations Through a team of senior managers: Directs the day-to-day operations of approximately 163 FTEs and 50 seasonal employees in nine divisions who are experts in their fields of acquiring and protecting land and water resources, supporting recreational use, protecting biodiversity, managing for sustainable agriculture, managing lands in the wildland urban interface for both fire preparedness and healthy forests, and improving soil health and carbon sequestration including:

1. Preservation of lands through acquisition of fee and conservation easements, with 1,100 properties and more than 108,000 acres in the county’s current portfolio. Maintenance of an active agricultural program, with 65 leaseholders operating approximately 130 leases
2. Design, construction, maintenance, and public safety of more than 120 miles of trails, 32 trailheads, 22 restrooms, and 15 shelters, for public use with nearly two million annual visits
3. Preservation of more than 1,800 cultural resource sites, more than 350 historic buildings and structures, and management of four small museums
4. Habitat protection and restoration for more than 1,700 native plants and 750 native wildlife species and protection of a water resources portfolio valued at more than $340M for agriculture, recreation, and environmental benefits
5. Planning, design, and construction for natural and built environment
6. Responsible for related services including: Coordinated high-impact volunteer and youth corps programs, education and research programs in cooperation with Colorado State University; and management of the Boulder County Fairgrounds which hosts community events, shows, and exhibitions
7. Supports innovation and use of best management practices in the stewardship of public lands, including safety standards and organizational processes.

Strategic Leadership

1. Develops and articulates a clear, compelling, shared vision and strategy for Parks & Open Space; serves as primary spokesperson for the department
2. Recommends new or revised policies and initiatives to enhance the acquisition, maintenance, and management of Parks & Open Space properties and balance the varied needs of resource protection, agriculture, and public access for recreation
3. Responsible for meeting the Board of County Commissioners’ Land and Water Stewardship and other Strategic Priorities with other Department Directors and Elected Officials
4. Implements and aligns the department’s Strategic Plan, Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusion Strategic Plan, Vision 2025, and Culture of Collaboration Plan
5. Develops and fosters strategic relationships with community partners, cities and towns, and water conservation districts to advance conservation and support recreation and community health through enjoyment of open space
6. Engages internal and external stakeholders to achieve the department’s mission through visionary, adaptive leadership.

Administration and Finance

1. Overall responsibility for development and execution of an annual operating and capital budget of approximately $70 million
2. Ensures allocation of resources to continue acquisition of critical open space parcels with capacity planning for management, maintenance, and infrastructure for current portfolio
3. Overall direction for administrative and business services including GIS and other technologies; planning, design, and project management activities; and informing and engaging the public and other stakeholders.

Management and Internal Leadership

1. Provides inspirational leadership and management for a highly qualified staff, assuring a culture that promotes excellence, continuous quality improvement, shared leadership, and a high degree of collaboration
2. Supports a knowledgeable, effective and trustworthy team of scientific and subject matter experts, creating opportunities for growth and development across the organization
3. Encourages team development crossing disciplines to build cohesion
4. Establishes a culture that emphasizes the best in public service and employee retention
5. Advocates for the department with the Board of County Commissioners and the Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee
6. Evaluates the performance of direct reports, counsels employees concerning performance, and takes personnel actions in the areas of hiring, discipline, and termination
7. Works collaboratively with other Boulder County Department Directors and Elected Officials to develop policies, implement county priorities, and resolve conflicts
8. With Boulder County Elected Officials and Department Directors, manages comprehensive disaster response and recovery operations for economic and environmental disasters.
9. Provide overall leadership for the department, including strategic planning, budgeting, and staffing
10. Direct the planning, acquisition, design, and development of open space facilities, parks, trails, natural and historic areas, ensuring compliance with county goals, policies, and standards
11. Develop and implement operating policies and procedures; research, draft, interpret, and recommend policy to county leadership
12. Represent the department to the Deputy County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, Advisory Committees, and other stakeholders; present issues, provide recommendations, and implement directives
13. Thoughtfully and respectfully interact with community organizations, special interest groups, and advisory bodies to identify needs, address concerns, and guide land acquisitions, land management and conservation and program development
14. Collaborate with county departments, municipalities, state and federal agencies, and citizen groups to advance open space and recreation initiatives
15. Represent Boulder County at local, state, and national meetings, conferences, and professional forums
16. Provide strategic leadership setting the tone and direction for the department; oversee staff supervision, mentoring, and evaluation to support professional growth and team success while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and belonging
17. Performs related work, as required
18. May be reassigned during emergency situations