Director of Visitor Services

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF WILL COUNTY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF VISITOR SERVICES

DEPARTMENT: VISITOR SERVICES

LOCATION: SUGAR CREEK ADMINISTRATION CENTER

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

BASIC FUNCION:

The Director of Visitor Services is responsible for the planning, development, coordination, oversight, and operation of the Visitor Services Department, its personnel, visitor facilities, programming sections and programs, as well as assisting other departments in planning and management of Forest Preserve lands and facilities.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Visitor Facility Supervisors and Permitting & Recreation Supervisor

Works Closely With: Directors of Planning & Land Preservation, Maintenance & Operations, Finance, Information Technology, Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, and the Deputy Chief of Police

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop, manage, and execute the administration of the department, including policies, procedures, and personnel.

2. Develop, manage, and oversee the day-to-day operations of six (6) visitor facilities including operational, interpretive, and programmatic facility planning.

3. Develop, manage, and direct all educational, recreational, and interpretive programs and services for the Forest Preserve as well as large-scale events and exhibitions.

4. Manage and oversee the Forest Preserve’s Permitting & Recreation section which includes picnics, camping, facility rentals, program registrations, and dog park permits.

5. Track and analyze annual data, and develop performance metrics annually, to assess Permitting and Facility quality and success including attendance, revenue, and programs and services.

6. Develop and execute long-term strategic plans to ensure continued growth, quality, success, and forward movement of the Forest Preserve’s programs, services, and visitor facilities.

7. Prepare and administer the departmental budget.

8. Develop departmental policies and procedures for staff management including hiring, training, evaluation, and professional development.

9. Propose, coordinate, and manage capital projects and improvements in relation to visitor facilities, recreational sites, and interpretive exhibits in cooperation with the Planning & Land Preservation Department.

10. Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Department Directors, and The Nature Foundation of Will County Executive Director on District-wide initiatives and projects.

11. Manage and enhance the Forest Preserve brand throughout visitor centers, exhibits, exhibitions, programs, and events

12. Represent the District and its interests pertaining to assigned or appropriate inter-governmental partnerships.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to meet deadlines and work with minimal direction

• Excellent initiative and ability to plan and create proposals

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

• Ability to participate in project and event planning

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task

• Strong budgeting, fiscal management, solid judgement, a must

• Strong supervisory and motivational skills

• Strong understanding and knowledge of natural and cultural history

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Parks and Recreation Administration, or related field.

• Ten-years’ experience with managing a visitor facility, recreation department or similar with emphasis on recreation, interpretation, and environmental education.

• Seven – ten years’ experience with supervision and administrative responsibilities.

• Accomplished public speaking and presentation skills including the use of technology

• Exceptional computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office and permitting/reservation software

• Must possess and maintain a current valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional / Executive certification strongly preferred

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully preform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Manual Dexterity: Ability to move between sitting at a computer/meeting, standing, walking for 6-8 hours.

Physical Effort: Ability to lift on occasion up to 40 lbs.

Working Conditions: Ability to work out-of-doors with occasional exposure to moderately disagreeable weather in the preserve while both on and off trial.

Hazards: Negligible

Remote Work: Following a 90-day probationary period from the date of hire, the Director of Visitor Services may be eligible for remote work up to 16 hours per week in accordance with Forest Preserve policies and at the discretion of the Executive Director.

PAY RANGE AND ANNUAL SALARY:

Pay Grade: 16

Salary Range: $84,927 (min) – 104,036 (mid) – 127,444 (max)

Resumes will be accepted until Monday, February 13, 2023.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing interest and resume to:

Donna Suca, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815.722.5667 (desk)

815.722.3608 (fax)

Humanresources@fpdwc.org