POSITION OVERVIEW
The President & CEO of Klyde Warren Park holds one of the most visible and influential civic leadership roles in Dallas. The Park has become a symbol and focal point for urban renewal both in the region and across the globe.
This position calls for a leader with a creative mind, a servant’s heart, and the diplomatic nature to build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Board Chair, Board of Directors, donors, sponsors, community partners, neighbors, media, and staff. Given the diverse constituencies and participants, it will take an individual savvy in managing multiple interests and styles, utilizing those for the overall success of the Park. The ideal candidate is both a collaborator and a catalyst, someone who will serve and support the Board's vision while also shaping a legacy of their own.
The Park enjoys strong and sustained community support. At the same time, its governance structure, organizational capacity, and base of support continue to evolve and mature. The Chair and founder remains actively engaged, currently leading an ambitious $100+ million expansion that will not only increase the Park’s footprint but also introduce new capabilities and uses. The President and CEO will have a rare opportunity to help imagine and shape what these spaces will become and the role they will play for generations to come.
Today, generating revenue through fundraising, corporate sponsorships, private events, and other sources is a central responsibility of this role. Equally important is the ability to design and deliver dynamic programming and events that draw people together and continue to make the Park a beloved gathering place for all. The role demands intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial energy, operational excellence, and a passion for broadening the Park’s reach and exploring how its influence and platform might extend beyond its current boundaries.
This role requires a flexible approach to the work week, reflecting the operating cadence of a highly active, seven-day-a-week public space. For the right leader, it offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a vital nonprofit institution and to experience the unique fulfillment that comes from stewarding one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Organizational Oversight
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to a team of 20 professionals who are responsible for all aspects of the organization.
- Oversee financial performance of organization in partnership with EVP of Finance & Administration, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for a $7M annual budget.
- Partner closely with Board of Directors to set goals, support governance, and advance organizational priorities.
Revenue Generation and Development
- Serve as primary relationship builder and fundraiser for the organization.
- Oversee planning and execution of critical revenue streams such as membership societies, Party in the Park, external event rentals and partnerships, and food and beverage partnerships.
- Guide strategic direction of Donor Relations department, including sponsor solicitation, membership growth/renewals, and new donor acquisition.
Programming and Events
- Provide executive leadership and sponsorship development support for major Park events, including Independence Day Celebration, Tree Lighting Celebration, Trick-or-Treating in the Park, Cover-to-Cover Music Festival, Family Night and other traditions.
- Collaborate with programming department to identify, develop and execute more than 1,300 free public programs annually.
- Support recruitment and management of sponsored activations and event rentals.
Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
- Guide overall marketing, communications and brand positioning, including messaging, campaigns, publications and content direction.
- Serve as primary media spokesperson and guide PR strategy in partnership with external firm.
- Direct key communications, including a weekly newsletter, social media, an annual report, and donor materials.
Government, Civic and Community Relations
- Maintain close working relationships with neighboring organizations, including Downtown Dallas, Inc., Visit Dallas, Dallas Arts District, and Uptown Dallas, Inc., to align programming, partnerships and strategic initiatives.
- Serve as primary liaison with City of Dallas leadership, including City Council and key departments.
- Communicate regularly with neighbors and the Public Improvement District (PID).
Operations and Guest Experience
- Provide oversight of in-house operations and outsourced security and custodial relationships in collaboration with EVP of Operations.
- Ensure high-quality experiences for the Park’s 2 million annual visitors.
- Coordinate across departments to ensure operational readiness for daily use and major events.
Strategic Initiatives and Capital Projects
- Lead and support major initiatives and large-scale activations, including international events and public viewing experiences.
- Secure partnerships, sponsorships and necessary approvals for special projects.
- Contribute to Park expansion and other capital campaign efforts including supporting campaign development and securing major gifts as needed.
Other Duties
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Strong collaborator with a track record of building trusted relationships with various stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in achieving fundraising, sponsorship, and broader revenue-generation goals, with a strong track record of building philanthropic and corporate support within the Dallas market.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams while building programs that effectively engage volunteer leaders.
- Financial acumen with experience overseeing budgets and organizational performance.
- Strong event strategy, programming, marketing and brand management skills.
- Prior operational leadership of a venue or public space, including management of the related vendors.
- Creative thinker with the ability to pursue partnerships and opportunities that expand the organization’s impact and long-term sustainability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media engagement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
- Availability for weekend, evening, and holiday events as needed.
ORGANIZATION CULTURE REQUIREMENTS
- Commitment to treating coworkers, clients and partners with respect.
- Commitment to fostering collaboration and positivity within the workplace.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
- Ability to thrive in an environment characterized by growth, change, and public visibility.
- Strong commitment to community engagement and the Park’s mission.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time, including during events, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to lift or move objects of up to 25 pounds for event support, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to engage with guests, partners, and staff in a public-facing environment, with or without reasonable accommodations.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to create an employment contract, express or implied, and does not alter the at-will nature of employment with Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. Employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, by either the employee or the organization, subject to any applicable legal requirements. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the organization.
