Executive Director Brochure

• Lead a nationally recognized park system.

• Encourage park innovation and excellence.

• Positively impact the quality of life.

• Preserve natural, cultural and historical resources.

An invitation to apply for

• Foster an inclusive environment.

• Create equitable opportunities for all.

• Make a difference.

NATIO N

ARD AW

LD MED GO AL AL

Executive Director (Director Park Authority)

The County Fairfax County is a growing, ethnically diverse and financially sound community of more than 1.1 million people. It is rich in culture, history and recreational opportunities, residents love their parks and frequently use park trails and other amenities.

Located just outside our nation’s capital, Fairfax County is a leading commerce and technology center and is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies. The public school system is a national leader in K-12 education, boasting the nation’s top-ranked public high school and high graduation rates. Fairfax County is also a leader in higher education with five major colleges and universities.

FAST FACTS • Population: 1,147,532 (2019 estimate) • Area: 406 square miles • Median household income: $124,831

The Park Authority The Park Authority was created by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1950 after the Park Authorities Act was passed by the Virginia General Assembly. This permitted counties to establish individual authorities to preserve open space and acquire and develop park facilities. The Park Authority has been a vital part of the county’s landscape, contributing to our residents’ quality of life ever since.

In 2019, the Fairfax County Park Authority was awarded the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. It marked the fourth time the Park Authority received the prestigious honor.

2019 Gold Medal Video Best in the Nation In 2018, the Fairfax County Park Authority was reaccredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Becoming accredited is one of the highest benchmarks of excellence that an agency can attain and assures the public that our agency meets national standards of best practice. This was the Park Authority’s third CAPRA accreditation, meeting all 151 national standards set by CAPRA. FY19 Annual Report Learn More about the Park Authority

The County

The County is governed by a 10-member Board of Supervisors, and for 18 years has been recognized for excellence in performance management by the International City/County Management Association.

It consistently achieves high praise for fiscal stability, quality service and technological sophistication. With more than $4.4 billion in general fund revenues, Fairfax County maintains an exceptional Triple-A bond rating, the highest rating from all three national agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Service.

KEY RECenter Nature Center Historic Site Golf Course FCPA Park Land (Shaded Map Areas) Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail

LINKS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST Visit Fairfax US Census Bureau General Fund Revenues Bond Rating Fairfax County Public Schools Colleges and Universities in Fairfax County

PARK GOVERNANCE The 12-member Fairfax County Park Authority Board is appointed by the Fairfax County BOS. The Board is composed of one representative from each of the nine supervisory districts and three at-large members. The Park Authority Board sets policy and establishes park system priorities. Board governance is guided by bylaws that establish the Board’s officers and administrative, meeting and committee structures. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Fairfax Board of Supervisors and the Park Authority establishes respective authority’s roles and expectations.

Park Authority Master Plan and FY19-23 Strategic Plan

THE PARK AUTHORITY MISSION To enrich quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

VISION Inspire a passion for parks, healthy lifestyles, and stewardship by providing a sustainable, dynamic, and inclusive park system to support a thriving community.

ONE FAIRFAX On September 28, 2016, the Park Authority Board adopted the One Fairfax social and racial equity policy.

This joint policy commits the County and affiliates to consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services. One Fairfax offers a framework – or “lens” – for the county to look intentionally, comprehensively, and systemically at barriers that may create gaps in opportunity. The Park Authority has started the process of addressing equity in park planning, community access, funding equity and workforce diversity.

Our Workforce The Fairfax County Park Authority considers its employees, volunteers and friends groups to be its greatest asset. Working as a team, they represent a passionate workforce dedicated to providing recreational services, cultural and historic resource preservation and efficiently operating our park system.

• 450 merit employees • 2,555 seasonal or part-time employees • 4,099 volunteers in FY20 • 192,000 average annual volunteer hours valued at $5.2 million.

OUR FUNDING The Fairfax County Park Authority is funded by a variety of different sources. The summary below is from the FY22 Proposed Budget.

• $27.3 million General Fund appropriation for public access to parks, park grounds, community-wide events and stewardship activities.

• $40.7 million Park Authority Revenue Operating Fund is generated by park program and facility user fees.

• $21.8 million Park Improvement Fund. This balance fluctuates from year to year and supports updates for revenue-generating park facilities.

• $168 million in approved bonds for long-range capital improvement plan projects.

2020 Fairfax County Park Authority Comprehensive Annual Financial Report This publication presents audited financial statements of governmental activities and each major, Park Authority fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. In June, the agency received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its 2019 report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK FOUNDATION The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s growing needs for parkland, facilities and services. That annual support has grown from $3,039 when the foundation formed in FY01 to $1.18 million in FY19. The Park Foundation earned the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, a prestigious honor recognizing fewer than .01% of 501(c)(3) charitable organizations for, meeting all vital standards and ethical practices required for program and financial reporting.

PARK SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS • 429 parks • 23,620 acres of parkland • 80% of parkland is undeveloped • 334 miles of trails • 3 lakefront parks, 2 with campgrounds • 9 RECenters • 228 playgrounds • 2 fully accessible playgrounds and carousels • 2 skate parks • 8 golf courses • 3 water parks (2 outdoor and 1 indoor) • 1 ice skating rink • 264 athletic fields • 44 synthetic turf fields • 252 tennis courts • 127 basketball courts

• 11 off-leash dog parks • 3 equestrian facilities • 5 nature centers • 9 distinctive historic properties • 100+ historic sites • 940 archaeological sites and millions of artifacts • Resident Curator Program with 6 active properties • 10 Farmers Markets • 665 garden plots • 11 summer entertainment series • 5 amphitheaters • 1 horticultural center • 1 observatory • 1 working farm • 1 working grist mill • 150,010 class, camp and program registrations in FY19

Organizational Structure Park Authority Board

Administrative Assistant V

Executive Director (Director Park Authority)

Deputy Director Chief Operating Officer

Public Information Officer

Deputy Director Chief Business Development

Park Operations Division

Business Administration Division

Planning & Development Division

Park Services Division

Finance/ Purchasing

Resource Management Division

Golf Enterprises

Human Resources

Park Foundation

Information Technology

Community Connections

The Executive Director’s (Director Park Authority) Position

The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to head its park system. Under Park Authority Board direction, the Executive Director (Director Park Authority) implements established Board policies, analyzes countywide park and recreational needs and develops agency strategies to meet those needs. Serves as a land acquisition, resource protection, and facility and program development advocate to meet annual and long-range park system goals. Provides leadership, administration, oversight and fiscal accountability for the overall function of the authority’s staff and resources. The Executive Director also works collaboratively with constituents, partners, stakeholders, and government leaders and appointees to implement Board policies, champion natural and cultural resource preservation and protection, and facilitate park and recreation program and facility development.

For this important role, the county seeks a smart leader with a head for business, and a passion for parks and their users. Someone who lives with integrity, is collaborative, and has a solid decision-making history while working in a multi-faceted environment. Must have a clear understanding of what it takes to build a high-functioning, diverse workforce that focuses on the mission and the people it serves. The new Executive Director must also have a thorough understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and know how to actualize it and fully embrace One Fairfax.

The Executive Director’s (Director Park Authority) Position Minimum Qualifications Graduation from a four-year college or university and six years of experience in executive leadership in a large, complex public or private organization.

Preferred Qualifications The preferred applicant will have CEO abilities and strong financial background with a passion for and experience in the park and recreation field.

This applicant should have a clear understanding/fully embracing the need to build and sustain a park system that is available and welcoming for all Fairfax County residents. Specific competencies should include: • Proven business acumen and solid decision maker • A collaborative, positive, and effective teambuilder • A creative problem solver, with a history of solving complex problems • Ability to develop and maintain new partnerships • Proven ability to conceive, articulate, and implement innovative

approaches to revenue generation, business development, and

customer service delivery • A systems thinker who can effectively balance strategic goals and

available resources • Ability to market and “sell” all Fairfax County Parks to new and

existing customers and stakeholders • Innovative/visionary • Parks and Recreation and/or Project Management Certifications desirable

Total Compensation Package Pay: Salary is negotiable, depending upon qualifications Benefits: Automobile allowance; leave package including: sick leave and holidays; health insurance options; retirement spending plan; long-term care insurance; 16 hours of paid volunteer hours; deferred compensation program; flexible spending plan; long-term care insurance; eligible for performance-based pay increases; paid training and educational opportunities; Employee Assistance Programs (available to merit employees and members of their households); child care programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age; and, six weeks of Paid Family leave to eligible employees.

The Selection Process Resumes must be submitted through the Fairfax County Government online application system by April 16, 2021. For further assistance, please call (703) 324-4900. Applicants that best fit the position requirements will be interviewed, and subject to a criminal background investigation and credit history check.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact (703) 324-4900 for assistance. TTY (703) 222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.

Fairfax County Park Authority Human Resources Office 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Room 914 Fairfax, Va. 22035-1118 (703) 324-8792 email: fcpahcds@fairfaxcounty.gov

12055 Government Center Pkwy.

Fairfax, Va. 22035 (703) 324-8563 • TTY Va. Relay 711

NATIO N

ARD AW

Fairfax County Park Authority

LD MED GO AL AL