Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Lancaster Rec, providing visionary leadership and strategic direction while overseeing the organization's daily operations. Unlike a traditional municipal parks and recreation department, Lancaster Rec operates through a unique nonprofit partnership model that leverages public, private, philanthropic, and community resources to meet the evolving needs of Lancaster residents. Less than 10% of the organization's operating revenue is derived from public funding, requiring an entrepreneurial leader who can successfully balance mission-driven programming with financial sustainability through fundraising, grants, partnerships, earned revenue, and community engagement.
This position requires an individual capable of leading a complex, entrepreneurial nonprofit with multiple revenue streams, public-private partnerships, and a high degree of community impact.
The Executive Director is responsible for advancing Lancaster Rec's mission by leading recreation, childcare, and community programs; overseeing staff, facilities, and financial operations; cultivating strategic partnerships; directing fundraising and marketing initiatives; and serving as the primary liaison to the Recreation Commission and Board of Directors. The Executive Director directly oversees Lancaster Rec’s department staff Directors, including the Director of Marketing and Development, Director of Operations, Director of Recreation, and Director of Child and Family Services, providing leadership, direction, and accountability to ensure alignment across all areas of the organization. The Executive Director also leads the Lancaster Rec Foundation Fund, ensuring that philanthropic efforts align with organizational priorities and support the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization. Through collaborative leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to innovation, the Executive Director strengthens Lancaster Rec's impact throughout the Lancaster community.
Essential Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning
· Develop, implement, and evaluate the organization's strategic plan to advance Lancaster Rec's mission, vision, and long-term sustainability.
· Provide visionary leadership that promotes innovation, organizational growth, and continuous improvement.
· Serve as the primary liaison to the Lancaster Recreation Commission and Foundation Board of Directors by preparing agendas, reports, recommendations, and supporting effective governance.
· Monitor industry trends, emerging community needs, and best practices to ensure programs remain relevant and impactful.
· Ensure organizational policies, procedures, and practices comply with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and nonprofit best practices.
Operations & Program Management
· Direct the day-to-day operations of Lancaster Rec, ensuring high-quality recreation, childcare, and community programs.
· Oversee program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement using participant feedback and performance data.
· Ensure all programs operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations.
· Oversee facility scheduling, maintenance, usage, and rental operations in collaboration with municipal and community partners.
· Respond to community, participant, and stakeholder concerns while promoting exceptional customer service.
Leadership & Human Resources
· Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture.
· Promote professional development, employee engagement, accountability, and leadership growth.
· Support a workplace culture grounded in equity, diversity, inclusion, respect, and teamwork.
Financial Management & Fundraising
· Oversee the organization's financial operations in partnership with the Board and finance committee, including budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term fiscal planning.
· Ensure responsible financial stewardship and effective internal controls.
· Oversee fundraising initiatives, including grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsorship development, annual giving, capital campaigns, and special events.
· Direct the Lancaster Rec Foundation Fund, ensuring fundraising strategies support organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.
· Oversee grant administration, reporting, and compliance requirements.
Marketing, Communications & Community Relations
· Oversee marketing, branding, and communication strategies that increase awareness, participation, and community engagement.
· Serve as the primary spokesperson for Lancaster Rec with media, government officials, donors, and the public.
· Build and maintain strong partnerships with the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, School District of Lancaster, businesses, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and other community stakeholders.
· Represent Lancaster Rec on local, regional, and statewide boards, committees, coalitions, and advisory groups that advance recreation, childcare, parks, and community services.
· Advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen recreation, childcare, and community programming throughout Lancaster County and Pennsylvania.
Administration & Organizational Excellence
· Maintain accurate organizational records related to finances, personnel, programs, facilities, and compliance.
· Establish organizational goals and performance measures that promote accountability and continuous improvement.
· Assess organizational risks and implement strategies that strengthen operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
· Ensure the effective coordination of organizational resources to maximize community impact.
QualificationsRequired
· Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, recreation, business administration, or a related field.
· Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit, municipal, recreation, childcare, or community service organizations.
· Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational leadership, financial management, fundraising, and board relations.
· Experience supervising staff, managing facilities, and overseeing community-based programs.
· Strong budget development, financial oversight, and grant management experience.
· Outstanding leadership, communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
· Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships across government, education, nonprofit, and private sectors.
· Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.
Preferred
· Master's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, recreation administration, business administration, or a related field.
· Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), or other relevant professional certification.
· Experience working with nonprofit boards and municipal recreation commissions.
Organizational Culture
Lancaster Rec is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and community-centered workplace where innovation, accountability, and service excellence thrive. We value diverse perspectives, invest in employee growth, and work together to provide accessible, high-quality recreation, childcare, and community programs that enrich the lives of Lancaster residents.
Benefits
We’re committed to supporting our employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote your health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth.
- 17 Paid Holidays – Enjoy 17 paid holidays throughout the year.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – Paid leave options, including vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty.
- Health Insurance – Medical, dental, and vision insurance available after 30 days of employment.
- Retirement Benefits – 6% employer contribution to your retirement account after one year of service.
- Flextime Scheduling – Flexible scheduling options to help support work-life balance.
- Tuition Reimbursement – Financial assistance for eligible educational and professional development opportunities.
- Free Recreation & Childcare Programs – Access to free and reduced cost recreation and childcare programs for employees and their dependents.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
