EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCRPA
ABOUT THE POSITION
The South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association (SCRPA), a statewide educational 501(c)(3), seeks a dynamic, member?driven Executive Director to lead a network of more than 1,300 parks and recreation professionals and advocates. As the Association’s chief executive and strategic champion, the Executive Director will advance SCRPA’s mission by strengthening member value, expanding professional development, and elevating the visibility and impact of parks and recreation across South Carolina through sound governance, fiscal stewardship, and strong partnerships with agencies, stakeholders, and elected officials.
This role offers the opportunity to lead a stable, mission aligned organization through its first significant leadership transition in four decades. The charge is purposeful evolution, modernizing advocacy efforts, programs, and operational systems while honoring the relationships, credibility, and institutional knowledge that have long defined SCRPA’s success.
Reports to: Board of Directors
Located: Lexington, SC
The full position profile can be viewed here: SCRPA Executive Director Profile
The Ideal Candidate:
The next Executive Director of the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association will be a trusted, credible leader in the parks and recreation profession who understands both the practical realities of local agencies and the strategic role of a statewide association. This leader will step into an organization that is stable, respected, and mission?aligned, following nearly forty years of consistent leadership, and will be expected to honor that legacy while thoughtfully guiding SCRPA into its next chapter.
Success in this role requires someone for whom advocacy is second nature. The Executive Director must be comfortable serving as SCRPA’s public voice at the State House, building long term relationships with legislators, state agencies, and partners, and navigating politically nuanced environments with confidence and emotional intelligence. Credibility matters deeply; members and partners expect a leader who genuinely understands how parks and recreation agencies operate day to day and can advocate authentically on behalf of both large urban systems and small rural departments.
Internally, the ideal candidate is a relational, trust based leader, skilled at managing a small staff with deep institutional knowledge and strong autonomy. The organization values stability, respect, and clear communication, and change must be introduced deliberately and with context. The Executive Director will need to balance the needs of long?tenured staff with the expectations of newer, more tech savvy talent who are eager for flexibility, innovation, and growth.
Looking forward, the Board and stakeholders are aligned that modernization is necessary but without disruptive overhaul. The next Executive Director will be expected to strengthen SCRPA’s technology infrastructure, digital presence, and data systems, which currently limit member engagement, sponsorship growth, and operational efficiency. At the same time, the core mission, advocacy and professional development, must remain front and center, with expanded educational offerings and member services that reflect the evolving needs of the profession.
This role calls for a leader with sound judgment, political savvy, and strong interpersonal instincts with the ability to bridge tradition and progress, manage competing expectations with diplomacy, and represent SCRPA in a way that feels authentic, approachable, and grounded in service to the profession. The right candidate will see this opportunity not as a mandate to reinvent, but as a chance to steward a respected organization forward with care, credibility, and purpose.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Budget and Finance
Prepares annual budget for presentation to the SCRPA Treasurer and Board of Directors. Recommends and projects future growth of the Association. Works with the SCRPA Endowment Committee regarding investments and disbursements. Schedules and prepares for audits. With the exception of membership dues, sets all fees and charges as necessary. Seeks and administers grants and other alternative funding sources.
Staff Supervision
Interviews, hires and discharges any staff for positions with the Association, in accordance with the By-laws and Personnel Policy Manual. Supervises or oversees the supervision of all SCRPA staff. Provides objective annual performance evaluation for all staff.
Board Relations
Provides guidance on Association elections and appointments. Serves as staff liaison to Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and the membership. Prepares and presents written and oral reports to the Board of Directors at each quarterly meeting. Reviews and recommends changes in policies, By-laws and other operational procedures. Assists Board and committees in developing and achieving their goals. Monitors committee and groups activities to ensure adherence to Association policies and mission.
Legislative Activity
Coordinates the association’s legislative program with the Board of Directors, the SCRPA Legislative Committee (Past Presidents), and/or contracted lobbyists. Coordinates SCRPA’s Federal legislative program with the Board of Directors, Legislative Committee, NRPA and the SCRPA membership. May serve as a registered lobbyist for the Association. Recommends and communicates issues, concerns, and positions to all pertinent audiences. Prepares the Association’s annual legislative platform with input from the Legislative Committee and the General Membership.
Association Representation
Makes presentations to various groups at conferences, workshops, college campuses and other locations. Prepares articles, reports and other written copy for SCRPA, NRPA and other publications as required. Acts as the agent for the Association on all contractual agreements with outside agencies. Works closely with state and federal agencies to advance the Association’s mission, vision and objectives. Interacts with state and local community leaders to enhance the value and image of the parks and recreation profession and further the efforts of the SCRPA membership. Develops partnerships and supports coalitions that further parks and recreation mission in South Carolina. Maintains active contact with other parks and recreation related organizations; serves on various state and national committee and councils such as the NRPA Council of State Executive Directors, Municipal Association of South Carolina, etc.
Member Services
Coordinate recruitment and retention services, evaluate membership offerings and services and recommends enhancements and new programs. Responds to member and non-member requests for technical assistance of parks, recreation and SCRPA-related information with a direct response or by referral(s). Facilitates the annual SCRPA state conference by securing sites for future conferences, working with vendors and with the annual conference programming committee. Acts as the agent for the Association on all contractual agreements with outside agencies including the following: annual conference and workshop sites, conference decorator service, NRPA, auditors and other state affiliates.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Business, Association Management, or a related field; a master’s degree and professional credentials (CPRP, CPRE, or CAE) are strongly preferred.
- Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation, association management, or a closely related field, including oversight of staff, volunteers, and advisory boards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of parks and recreation systems, nonprofit governance, and strategic planning, with the ability to lead and administer a statewide association.
- Proven financial acumen, including budget development, revenue and expense management, audits, and grant or alternative funding oversight.
- Experience working within legislative and advocacy environments, including the ability to educate and engage elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public presentations, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience developing, marketing, and delivering educational programs, conferences, and professional development offerings.
- Proficiency with modern office technologies, including Microsoft Office and web-based tools.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout South Carolina and nationally and hold a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
TO APPLY
The application period will remain open until June 7th. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the FGP team with final review occurring the week of June 8th.
Questions about the role may be directed to Christin Mack, Practice Lead, Public Sector, Nonprofit, and Community Impact Executive Search, at cm***@*gp.com.
