Executive Director, Lake County Forest Preserves

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Dynamic, progressive organization seeks a skilled and experienced leader dedicated to natural resource management to serve as its next Executive Director. Lake County is home to over 700,000 residents and a diverse and prestigious business community. Located in northeastern Illinois, Lake County is uniquely situated with Lake Michigan to the east, Wisconsin to the north and convenient access to the City of Chicago to the south. The District owns, maintains and protects 30,000 acres of habitat for 136 endangered and threatened species and hosts 3.5 million visitors each year at 65 preserves, 160 miles of trails and a wide range of award winning education and recreation facilities. The District enjoys an excellent reputation with its residents who in 2008 voted by a 66% majority to authorize $185 million in bonds for land acquisition and development. The District has 190 full-time and 30 part time employees (plus several hundred seasonal employees) and an annual operating budget of $60 million. The District has a AAA bond rating reflecting its history of sound financial management.

Responsibilities:

• Report to the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board
• Plan, organize, staff, direct and control all activities to achieve the Forest Preserve’s mission and specific goals and objectives

Requirements:

• Strong background in large natural resource based agency management, financial management and public administration. Preferably ten years
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, parks and recreation management, environmental science, finance, or a related field
• Master’s degree strongly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• An approachable, welcoming style with the county residents, businesses and staff
• Proven record in creative problem solving
• Strong written, oral, and collaborative skills
• team-oriented management style

To Apply:
Send resume, cover letter and five professional references to Heidi Voorhees here.
Salary starts at $170,000