Job Title: Park Improvement Director
Reports to: Chief Design & Implementation Officer
Position Status: Full Time; Exempt
Date available: February 2025
About Austin Parks Foundation
Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. A non-profit established in 1992, APF fills the city’s funding and resource gap needed to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s nearly 300 parks, trails and green spaces.
Job Summary
The Park Improvement Director will work closely with the Chief Design & Implementation Officer, APF Park Design team, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department, consultants and contractors to implement capital improvement projects for the Austin Parks Foundation. The role will primarily focus on project and construction management for the implementation of park, recreational and open space improvement projects for Austin Parks Foundation on public parkland and more complex APF awarded grant projects.
Essential Functions
- Coordinate and direct the design and consultant teams for park improvement projects
- Plan, schedule and coordinate project activities to meet deadlines
- Lead and coordinate project meetings with internal staff and project partners
- Develop & evaluate plans, criteria, etc. for a variety of projects, programs activities, etc.
- Develop detailed project schedules, reports, cost estimates, communication plans, and other official documents related to project implementation and construction
- Prepare and disseminate regular project status updates to advise the leadership team of the status of ongoing projects
- Coordinate and collaborate with City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department partner liaisons to ensure projects incorporate feedback and meet PARD design criteria
- Maintain adherence to relevant City of Austin PARD standards, including design elements, construction details, and procurement processes
- Coordinate community engagement needs to support project design and implementation with APF team and PARD community engagement specialists
- Document construction progress and share with team and project partners
- Track metrics of work performed and project performance over time
- Monitor project budgets, process consultant and contractor invoices, and ensure timely and accurate payments
- Assist with preparation of annual budget and tracking of ongoing project funding needs
- Support project grant pursuits with APF team
- Support APF events in the community such as It’s My Park Day, Party for the Parks, and others as needed
- Serve as an ambassador of APF in the community and build relationships
- Gain knowledge of non-profit structure, management, and funding mechanisms. Other duties as assigned (marketing support, design input, etc.)
- Regularly travel to different locations around Austin
Requirements/Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (or related field) from an accredited college or university
- Minimum of 6 years professional experience, with a minimum of 2 years managing built projects (trail, park, landscape, architecture)
- Licensed Landscape Architect in Texas
- Experience in park design and production of conceptual plans
- Experience in bidding, contracting and construction administration
- Highly organized with multi-tasking skills
- Team player with a passion for parks and community connection
- Excellent collaboration skills and understanding of the value of partnerships
- Ability to communicate professionally, both in writing and in public speaking engagements, such as community events, team meetings, board meetings and with stakeholders
- Ability to work on a small non-profit team and step in to assist with various needs of the organization
- Flexibility and problem-solving skills
- Expertise in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets; Powerpoint/Google Slides
- Ability to drive to on-site locations
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required
- Valid TX Driver License and a clean driving record
Physical Demand & Work Environment
- Must be able to perform frequent standing, driving, and walking
- Spend significant time outdoors and making site visits to assess site conditions and project progress
- Hybrid work environment; partially remote with frequent in-person meetings (both internal and external)
- Work hours typically M-F 9-5 PM CST; required occasional evenings and weekends
Benefits
APF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, vision, disability, 401K match program, and generous PTO.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities Commitment
We value collaboration, innovation, dependability and inclusiveness. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Salary Range Transparency
$80,000-100,000 USD per year, based on experience; Higher salary may be possible with additional relevant park construction experience.
Salary Range Disclaimer
The base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, certifications and credentials. The range listed is just one component of APF total compensation package for employees.
How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, three references, examples of relevant work and a summary of two projects that you have managed that include:
- Scope
- Budget
- Timeline
- Lessons Learned
- Successes
Open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Application Link