Executive Director

ABOUT THE LA COUNTY PARKS FOUNDATION

The Los Angeles County Parks Foundation (LACPF) is a leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting and revitalizing public parks across Los Angeles County. LACPF supports the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) by fundraising and supporting park upgrades, youth sports, after‑school programs, wellness programs, and emergency response efforts. LACPF fund raises for the following priorities of the LA County Parks:

• Equity in Park Access – Ensuring all communities have equitable access to quality green spaces and recreation opportunities.
• Youth Sport Access – Keep youth sports programs affordable to support youth’s physical, emotional, and academic development.
• Park Renovation and Restoration Projects– Rebuilding damaged ecosystems and helping bring forward park upgrades that reimagine public spaces improvements.
• Corporate & Community Fundraising – Mobilizing businesses and residents to provide sustainable funding for park improvements.

The Executive Director will shape the future of the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation driving a bold vision where every community has access to vibrant, resilient, and culturally reflective public spaces. This leader will strengthen the Foundation’s fundraising capacity, expand its infrastructure, and deepen collaboration with the LA County Parks.

The ideal leader believes deeply in the public value of parks, open spaces, and recreation areas as vital community assets. They recognize that parks are not only places of leisure, but essential infrastructure for health, culture, belonging, and resilience.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Create and implement a development strategy built upon a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, including building relationships with leaders of family foundations, institutional philanthropic organizations, corporate philanthropy, high‑net‑worth individuals, and other current and potential donors.
• Lead innovative fundraising initiatives that inspire a broad base of philanthropy — engaging individuals, institutions, corporations, and public partners who believe in transforming parks as essential public infrastructure.
• Build and steward a strong pipeline of major donors; cultivate and solicit gifts; ensure thoughtful stewardship and retention.
• Build collaborative campaigns and signature events that elevate the visibility of the Foundation and spark long‑term community investment.
• Partner with the LACPF Board to expand networks and drive donor engagement.
• Partnership with LA County Department of Parks & Recreation
• Identify opportunities to leverage philanthropic investment in the Department’s projects and park equity initiatives.
• Collaborate with LA County Parks leadership, including the Director, LA County Board of Supervisors and their representatives, to identify, design, and assess innovative programs and opportunities that reflect the Foundation’s vision and respond to evolving community needs.
• Ensure the Department’s programs are well‑funded, data‑informed, effectively administered, and aligned with LACPF’s mission and the LA County Parks’ strategic priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to LA County Parks, ensuring collaboration, alignment, and mutual accountability for the LA County Parks’ strategic priorities.
• Lead grant writing and reporting in partnership with the Department’s staff

Administrative & Financial Management

• Build and manage a small, high‑performing team; oversee operations, budgeting, contracts, and compliance.
• Strengthen organizational systems that support strategic growth, ensuring transparency, quality stewardship, and scalable infrastructure for future expansion.
• Responsible for all aspects of the organization’s charitable status, including compliance with all applicable laws, annual audits, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Assure all legal and regulatory documents are filed in a timely manner in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and fiduciary requirements.
• Establish and monitor all internal controls, regularly monitoring the budget and ensuring sound financial controls are in place.
• Set…