Park Improvement Director

Austin, TX

Full Time

Manager/Supervisor

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's 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.

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Please provide examples of relevant work and a summary of two projects that you have managed that include:
*Scope
*Budget
*Timeline
*Lessons Learned
*Successes*

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Park Improvement Director

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