Memorial Park Conservancy is a private, nonprofit organization that operates and maintains 1,100 of the Park’s 1,500 acres. Originally established as the “Friends of Memorial Park” in the early 20thCentury by Ima Hogg, whose brothers Will and Mike sold the land to the city of Houston in 1924 to be used for park purposes, Memorial Park Conservancy was formally established in 2000, dedicated to the care and management of Memorial Park through principles of exceptional park management and stewardship in a successful public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD). Since 2015, Memorial Park Conservancy has been the lead partner on the execution of the Master Plan and Ten-Year Plan, encompassing over $200M in capital improvements for Memorial Park. Memorial Park Conservancy has an operating budget of approximately $3.5M, annual capital spend of over $30M, assets of $43M, is governed by a 25-member Board of Directors and has a staff of 65.

Through the efforts and planning completed to date, by 2023, Memorial Park Conservancy strives to provide a transformational park user experience through tenaciously delivering the objectives of the Master Plan and managing the Park. It is their goal to establish Memorial Park as one of the world’s most recognized urban wilderness and recreational parks. The Vice President/Director of Operations will be a key leader in Memorial Park Conservancy, directing a significant staff in the execution of the priorities of the Park and the operations component of its long-range Strategic Plan and Master Plan, and advancing this ambitious vision.

Memorial Park Conservancy seeks an accomplished leader who demonstrates a keen understanding of, and passion for, the organization’s unique mission. This person must be ready to join with President & CEO, staff, and Board to assist the Conservancy in pursuing its strategic goals through knowledge of and experience with principles, practices and methods of strategic leadership, urban park management, conservation, park planning, horticulture, forestry, and facility management.

The ideal candidate will have a background that includes a high-level of strategic urban park management grounded in conservation/environmental principles combined with a sophisticated management approach. Demonstrated successful experience with budget planning, contract management, and program administration is required.

The candidate will also have a keen ability to establish and maintain a productive and positive organizational culture with all stakeholders (i.e., staff, partners, members, boards and commissions, government officials, and Park users). A keen focus on visitor experience, visitor and employee safety, and a genuine and authentic connection to nature and the outdoors is required. Management experience of 5-7 years in the fields of conservation, environment, and/or parks is required. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Bilingual in Spanish is highly desired.

To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/360rkad (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For more information about the Memorial Park Conservancy, visit https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/