Executive Director

Title: Executive Director, Overton Park Conservancy

Position Summary

The Executive Director (“ED”) of the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC or Conservancy) will provide vision, leadership and oversight for the revitalization and ongoing administration of the Management Area (referred to in this Position Profile as “the Park”; approximately 184 acres, excluding the golf course, General Services, the Fire Station, Memphis Zoo, Memphis College of Art, Levitt Shell, and Brooks Museum) of the Park under the Management Agreement with the City of Memphis. The ED is responsible for working with the Board of Directors to create and execute a development and fundraising plan and revenue model to support the long term financial needs of the Park. The ED is responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the park, managing a high performance Conservancy staff, serving as liaison and advocate for the Conservancy with the City of Memphis and other key stakeholders groups. The ED reports to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Park Revitalization & Fundraising
  • Partner with the Executive Committee of the Board and others to develop and implement the OPC strategic plan (now being developed)
  • Provide oversight of all the park’s construction projects, including design management, contract procurement and quality control.
  • Provide oversight of the budget, schedule and successful implementation of all capital projects.
  • Assist the Chairman and Board of Directors in setting goals for all fundraising and oversee any capital and annual fundraising campaigns.
Park Administration & Operations
  • Ensure the Conservancy’s work supports its mission and goals.
  • Provide overall leadership of staff in the development and implementation of short and long range plans.
  • Build and maintain positive relations with the City of Memphis and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations with the City and other agencies as applicable.
  • Develop and oversee the general operating budget and annual planning process to ensure the fiscal integrity of the Conservancy and compliance with all applicable laws and appropriate internal controls working closely with the chair of the Finance Committee of the Board.
  • Work closely with the Chairman of the Board, Board Committees, and the Board of Directors in the creation of policies, programs, and strategic direction of the Conservancy. Provide support of all activities associated with the Board including staffing for all Board and Committee meetings, assist chairmen in creating meeting schedules, locations, development of agenda, and preparation of meeting materials, as needed.
  • Responsible for administration of overall operation of the organization. This includes the review and evaluation of program activities and events, OPC website, assurance that continuing contractual obligations are being fulfilled, allocation of resources for greater program effectiveness and efficiency, development of organizational and administrative policies and program objectives for Board consideration.
  • Select, retain, engage and lead a high performance Conservancy staff. This includes setting clear job and performance expectations, directing, delegating and holding team accountable while providing appropriate training, resources, and coaching. Ensure that all appropriate human resources systems and processes are in place.
  • Manage the cleanliness, planting and ground maintenance for the Park. Ensure there is a focused plan to maintain the Park to meet park users’ expectations.
Community Outreach, Programming & Marketing

  • Proactively establish relationships with the public, including interested user groups of OPC as well as neighborhood associations.
  • Serve as principal liaison between the Conservancy to public, private and governmental entities. Actively advocate for the Park interests in related discussions and decision-making.
  • Identify and create programs for people to interact with the park through recreational, volunteer, and educational activities.
  • Partner effectively with other Park stakeholders: Brooks Museum, Memphis Zoo, Levitt Shell, Memphis College of Art, as well as cooperating Park groups including Park Friends, Citizens to Preserve Overton Park, the Lick Creek Coalition, and interested neighborhood associations.
  • Manage the public relations and media plan for the Park and serve as the key spokesperson for the Conservancy.

Qualification Requirements

Education and/or Experience
  • College degree required.
  • Five to ten years of progressive experience in non profit or business, government, land conservation/preservation or related areas is preferred.
  • Demonstrated skills and capacity to mobilize significant fundraising efforts. Ability to effectively coordinate the staff efforts and follow up on donor leads with the Chairman and other Board members charged with fundraising.
Personal Characteristics
  • Must possess visionary and creative leadership with the ability to communicate with and inspire others to act on the best behalf of the Park.
  • Must have proven ability to build and lead a high performance team. Must possess the leadership skills necessary to set and accomplish goals and objectives through others and inspire others to optimum productivity.
  • Strong solutions-oriented problem solving skills. Proven ability to look ahead and anticipate problems, deal with changing conditions and adjust accordingly. Demonstrates tenacity, creativity and innovative thinking.
  • Demonstrates an executive presence that conveys energy, confidence and the ability to influence groups and individuals with outstanding communication and influencing skills. Positive reputation for keeping all stakeholders well informed and involved. Has the ability to handle conflict in a diplomatic manner and will foster positive and constructive relationships.
  • Possesses a bias for action, sense of urgency and demonstrates a passion for an inclusive community park and Conservancy focus with measurable quality outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain and balance various relationships with key stakeholders in the city government, especially the Mayor, City Council and the Parks Division as well as other park entities, patrons and park support groups. Demonstrates political savvy.
  • Possesses a high standard of integrity, credibility and business ethics.

How to Apply:

Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

Ray Pohlman, Chairman
Search Committee
Overton Park Conservancy
P.O. Box 41936
Memphis, TN 38174

Or to Acting Executive Director George Cates:

gcates@overtonpark.org

Applicant Deadline

March 2, 2012