Northwest Special Recreation Association, Executive Director

Company: Illinois City / County Management Association (ILC
Location: Rolling Meadows
Posted on: March 29, 2025

Job Description:

The Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) in Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking a creative and collaborative leader to be its next Executive Director. The successful candidate will have the ability to think strategically, deliver high-quality special recreation services, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and attract, develop, and empower their talented and dedicated team members. They will also be expected to continuously demonstrate the interpersonal skills and judgment to create trust, deliver results, mentor staff, and influence a positive culture.NWSRA, founded in 1974, is the largest provider of recreational services for children and adults with disabilities in Illinois. NWSRA offers public access, year-round recreational programming to over 6,000 individuals with disabilities in its service area, serving 17 northwest suburban park districts located within Cook County and southern Lake County.NWSRA is a leader among peers with over 15,000 registrations in more than 2,000 programs. The organization is a two-time National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) National Gold Medal Award winner and is recognized as a Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, an honor only 10% of Illinois park and recreation agencies have received. NWSRA has also received the NRPA Excellence in Inclusion award, recognizing its leadership in service and promotion of inclusive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.SKILLS AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership as well as short-term and long-term planning using innovative ideas and practices to anticipate future needs, issues, concerns, and opportunities.
• Highly motivated, energetic, self-starting, outgoing and confident with exceptional interpersonal skills, including a good sense of humor and excellent communication skills.
• Proven record of outreach and collaboration with service entities and community partners through professional and personal commitments to civic and community activities and events.
• Ability to create a sound fiscal program that includes budget development/management and capital projects, along with experience in seeking new and expanded revenue sources through fundraising, donations, and grants.
• Knowledgeable in State and Federal legislative processes and the ability to develop working relationships with State and Federal elected and appointed officials who may assist in fulfilling the mission of NWSRA.
• Willingness to collaborate with parent organizations, member agencies, and staff on strategies to raise the agency's visibility within the member communities.
• Management style includes well-developed organizational skills as well as leadership and motivation by personal example. An effective Executive Director will encourage high standards of performance, accountability, productivity, and respectful and ethical conduct from all NWSRA personnel.CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
  • A Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation Management, or Business Administration or related field; certification as either a Therapeutic Recreation or Parks and Recreation Professional is preferred; a Master's degree or at least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in the field and history of progressive advancement is highly desirable.SALARY AND BENEFITS
    • The approved salary range for the Executive Director position is $125,000 - $188,000, with a starting salary of $150,000+ commensurate with qualifications. A standard benefit package is offered including a car allowance. NWSRA is a member of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.HOW TO APPLYSubmit your application online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five (5) professional references by Friday, April 11, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to: Joe DeLuce, MGT Senior Consultant, Tel: 847-380-3240 X 155 or Steve Scholten, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, Tel: 847-380-3240 X 185.NWSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from diverse candidates.
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Keywords: Illinois City / County Management Association (ILC, Chicago , Northwest Special Recreation Association, Executive Director, Executive , Rolling Meadows, Illinois