Executive Director - Parks

Need more information on completing a job application? See the EPC Application process here.

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

Service Focused

• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Trustworthy
• Transparent

This recruitment effort is being managed by GMP Consultants. For consideration,  to apply.

The first round of reviews will take place the week of February 15, 2026.

$ - $ annually

Responsible for the management, administration, planning, and leadership of the Park Operations, Park Planning, Recreation and Cultural Services, and CSU Extension divisions within the Parks Department. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in‑person presence as an essential job function.

• Participates as an integral member of the County’s Executive Team to develop and guide the County’s vision and strategic goals. Exhibits and promotes the County’s Core Values: service focused, collaborative, accountable, trustworthy, and transparent. Establishes goals and objectives to meet the needs of the Parks Department while maintaining consistency with the mission of the organization.
• Directs Departmental activities and provides fiscal and strategic oversight and planning.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends and implements service and staffing changes to ensure the delivery of excellent and efficient service.
• Cultivates, fosters, and maintains positive working relationships with Elected Officials, Executive staff, and community/business groups to gain cooperation and support to further organizational and/or operational interests and objectives.
• Empowers senior departmental staff by providing leadership, inspiration, motivation, professionalism, and guidance to staff; resolves issues and conflicts. Directs division managers in the preparation of reports, recommendations, and presentations.
• Provides management and guidance to staff, including training, performance evaluation, professional development, discipline, and dismissal, subject to applicable County personnel policies and procedures.
• Advises and cooperates with County officials and community organizations regarding all Parks divisions.
• Provides recommendations and presents issues to the Board of County Commissioners concerning Park Operations, Park Planning, Recreation and Cultural Services, and CSU Extension Divisions.
• Serves as the County's representative on various community‑based organizations, boards, councils, and committees.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings and maintains liaison relationships with Elected Officials, managers, and State and Local agencies.
• Promotes teamwork, accountability, and productivity.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Anticipates and addresses difficult issues with courage, candor, professionalism, and the highest ethical standards.
• Orchestrates and aligns the strategic vision of the County and Department at all levels of the organization, anticipating and planning for future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough innovations and strategies.
• Engages, inspires, and instills trust at all levels, creating a positive culture in which people are motivated to do their best to help the Department achieve its objectives.
• Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple internal and external stakeholders while effectively building collaborative relationships.
• Guides and supports the training of staff with integrity and consistency while establishing and communicating clear performance expectations.

This classification requires managing and monitoring work performance of a department including evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, establishing broad organizational goals and realigning work…