Summary
Description
Our Mission
Texas Recreation and Parks Society advances the quality-of-life industry through Connections, Advocacy, Resources, and Education (CARE).
Our Vision
To be the champion for engaged communities, wellness lifestyles, and greenspaces.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, managing daily operations, overseeing office staff, and representing the Society as the statewide voice for parks and recreation professionals.
The Executive Director is expected to embody the values of TRAPS, including integrity, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and service, while advancing the organization's mission and vision. The Executive Director ensures that TRAPS delivers high-quality professional development, advocacy, and membership services that align with the CARE pillars and support and grow the parks and recreation field in Texas.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Governance & Board Relations
- Ensure compliance with TRAPS bylaws and legal obligations, including but not limited to compliance with state and federal regulations for non-profit organizations and CEUs for members.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the TRAPS Board of Directors and staff.
- Implement and administer policies, procedures, and strategic directives set by the Board.
- Support the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Branches, Committees, and Task Forces in governance, planning, and decision-making.
- Provide timely and accurate information, including financial statements, membership reports, and program updates.
- Coordinate and prepare agendas, action items, and reports for Board meetings.
2. Organizational Leadership & Management
- Direct the daily operations of TRAPS headquarters, staff, and contractors.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors.
- Foster a collaborative, professional, and inclusive workplace culture.
- Collaborate with Regions, Branches, Committees, and Task Forces to ensure alignment with TRAPS’ mission and strategic goals, supporting areas such as professional development, membership, equity, and sector advocacy.
- Encourage, support, and schedule regular virtual and phone touchpoints with volunteer leaders across all Regions and Branches to ensure strong engagement and representation.
- Actively engage with TRAPS members through in-person presence, including traveling throughout the state, attending regional meetings, conferences, and events, and representing the organization at statewide and national conferences.
- Manage external contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance and value.
- Maintain accurate records, including personnel files, contracts, membership data, and official documents.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal non-profit regulations.
3. Financial Stewardship
- Prepare, recommend, and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
- Ensure accurate accounting, financial reporting, and compliance with audit or financial review requirements.
- Oversee the collection and disbursement of all funds in accordance with established financial policies.
- Manage reserves, investments, and insurance policies to protect TRAPS’ financial stability.
- Pursue sponsorships, grants, and new revenue opportunities to diversify funding.
- Provide the Board with regular financial reports, including variance analyses and forecasts.
4. Membership Engagement & Services
- Lead strategies to recruit, retain, and engage with TRAPS members and partners.
- Ensure that TRAPS provides valuable connections through professional development, networking opportunities, leadership pathways, and board/region/branch/committee engagement.
- Respond to member inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Oversee membership records, renewals, and retention efforts.
- Expand member Resources through training, mentoring, publications, and digital platforms.
- Work with committees to expand membership benefits and enhance member satisfaction.
- Promote access and opportunity across TRAPS programs and services.
5. Education, Events, & Professional Development
- Strengthen and maintain TRAPS' position as the premier education provider for parks and recreation professionals in Texas.
- Oversee the planning and execution of the TRAPS Annual Institute & Expo, and all other educational events.
- Ensure that conferences, workshops, and CEU offerings meet professional standards and accreditation requirements.
- Utilize emerging research, technologies, and best practices in education.
- Support the Education Manager and Director of Operations in delivering training programs.
- Collaborate with Regions and Branches to develop relevant content and opportunities for professional growth.
- Secure and manage sponsors, exhibitors, and partners for events.
- Evaluate program outcomes and recommend improvements.
6. Advocacy & External Relations
- Serve as the official spokesperson for TRAPS, representing the Society in public, legislative, and professional forums.
- Lead and coordinate TRAPS’ advocacy initiatives at the state and national levels, collaborating with legislators, NRPA, allied organizations, and members to advance policies that strengthen parks and recreation in Texas.
- Maintain active relationships with state agencies, foundations, universities, and sponsors.
- Collaborate with allied organizations to promote policies and initiatives that benefit TRAPS members and the communities they serve.
- Recruit, engage, and maintain relationships with sponsors and corporate partners to expand TRAPS’ influence and capacity.
- Provide strategic leadership, guidance, and resources to the TRAPS Legislative Committee, Board of Directors, and other advocacy-focused groups to ensure coordinated and effective statewide advocacy efforts.
- Communicate legislative priorities, policy updates, and calls to action to members in a clear, consistent, and timely manner.
7. Communications & Marketing
- Oversee TRAPS’ branding, publications, websites, newsletters, and social media platforms.
- Ensure clear, consistent, and professional communication with members, sponsors, and the public.
- Promote TRAPS’ mission and programs through media engagement, presentations, and outreach.
- Monitor and adapt communication strategies to strengthen TRAPS’ visibility and impact.
- Highlight the CARE pillars in communications to reinforce TRAPS’ identity.
8. Strategic Leadership & Innovation
- Lead long-range strategic planning in collaboration with the Board and membership.
- Translate strategic goals into measurable objectives and an annual action plan.
- Monitor trends in association management and the parks and recreation profession.
- Recommend innovations and improvements to keep TRAPS relevant and sustainable.
- Ensure TRAPS remains a leading state association nationally by modeling best practices.
Additional information about this position is available here.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Non-profit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Kinesiology, or related field.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), or the ability to obtain certification within two (2) years of employment.
- Preferred:
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
- Certified Association Executive (CAE)
- Certified Non-profit Professional (CNP)
Experience
- Minimum of 8–12 years of progressive leadership experience, ideally in parks and recreation, member-based non-profit management, or association leadership.
- Experience with TRAPS is preferred.
- Demonstrated success in managing staff, budgets, and programs.
- Proven ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors and committees.
- Experience in advocacy, fundraising, and partnership development.
- Strong financial management background, including budgeting and revenue diversification.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to motivate staff and volunteers.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- High ethical standards and commitment to integrity, equity, and service.
- Ability to travel statewide and nationally to engage with members and represent TRAPS at conferences, legislative activities, and related events.
Compensation
- Hiring range is expected to be between $130,000 to $160,000 based upon qualifications and experience; the salary is negotiable and at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
- The TRAPS State Office is headquartered in Jonestown, Texas; however, the Board is open to a hybrid or alternative office arrangement based on organizational needs.
- The benefits package includes
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Retirement Contributions: 401K (SEP), 10% of annual salary
- Vacation (Annually): 1-5 years of service – 80 hours, amount increases with longevity
- Sick Leave: 8 hours per month
- Bereavement leave: 3 days annually, for immediate family members
- Holidays: 11 recognized paid holidays, the week of Christmas, 2 personal days
- Professional Development: CEU’s and other development encouraged
- Allowances for car and technology
- The Executive Director will receive an annual performance evaluation led by the TRAPS Executive Committee, with input from the full Board of Directors. Salary and contract recommendations will then be submitted to the Board for approval.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email the following to edsearch@traps.org:
- Cover letter describing interest and qualifications.
- Resume should highlight leadership experience, key accomplishments, and relevant credentials, and include detailed employment history with beginning and ending dates, total years and months of service, and the size of staff and budgets managed.
- List of six work-related references (two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues)
Submission Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Employment Disclaimer
The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment within the scope of the role.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between TRAPS and the employee. The TRAPS Board of Directors reserves the right to revise, modify, or change this job description as the needs of the organization and requirements of the position evolve.
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility Statement
The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TRAPS will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and current staff to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Formal application, evaluation of education and experience, oral interviews, reference checks, criminal background checks, and drug screenings are required. Additional job-related assessments may also be administered as part of the selection process.
