EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - NORTHWEST SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION, IL

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. The successful candidate will also be expected to continuously demonstrate the interpersonal skills and judgment to create trust, deliver results, mentor staff, and influence a positive culture.

The Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), founded in 1974, is the largest provider of recreational services for children and adults with disabilities in the state of Illinois. NWSRA offers public access, year-round recreational programming to over 6,000 individuals with disabilities in its service area. NWSRA serves 17 northwest suburban park districts located within Cook County and southern Lake County.

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, in addition to experience in seeking new and expanded revenue sources through fundraising, donations and grants.
• Knowledgeable in State and Federal legislative processes as well as 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. Nurturing, encouraging, developing, and expecting a culture that values: Teamwork, Respect, Enthusiasm, Collaboration, Diversity, and Communication.
  
  

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 Apply

Submit 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.

J-18808-Ljbffr