Parks & Gardens Director

About the Opportunity

New Hanover County is seeking a strategic, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Director of Parks & Gardens. This dynamic role is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, development, operations, and stewardship of more than 1,800 acres of county parks, greenways, open spaces, and recreational assets, including the iconic and historic Airlie Gardens. The ideal candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach to parks management, fostering innovative partnerships, ensuring sustainable development and maintenance practices, and enhancing public access to quality recreational and natural spaces. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of outdoor experiences in one of North Carolina's most vibrant and environmentally rich counties.

Position Overview

Reporting to an Assistant County Manager, the Director leads a department of approximately 70 full-time and 9 part-time staff, managing an annual operating budget of around $9 million. The role encompasses oversight of capital improvement projects, long-term strategic planning, and efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors through creating a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable system of parks, gardens, recreational facilities, and trails that foster wellness, environmental stewardship, and community connection. A key area of focus over the next 5 to 10 years will be the continued expansion and improvement of the county's interconnected trail system, developed in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), New Hanover County Planning and Land Use, and other local, state, and federal partners. The Director will play a critical role in overseeing federal funding and ensuring timely and effective project implementation and completion. In addition, updating the Parks and Gardens 10-Year Master Plan will be a key priority for the director in the first two years, which will help guide investments for parks improvements and expansions, including the newly-acquired Bryan tract on Independence Blvd.

The Director serves as Executive Director of the department's three affiliated boards: the Parks Advisory Board, the Parks Conservancy Board, and the Airlie Foundation Board. The latter two operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, supporting the mission and vision of the department. Airlie Gardens, a centerpiece of the department and a treasured public space, draws approximately 165,000 visitors annually and is managed with a separate $1.6 million budget through the Airlie Foundation. The Director will be responsible for strengthening relationships with these boards, guiding their strategic priorities, and overseeing the growth and sustainability of the Gardens.

Essential Responsibilities

The Director provides strategic leadership for all aspects of the Parks & Gardens Department, including operations, programming, planning, and public engagement. This role is responsible for implementing department-wide goals, overseeing the design and construction of parks and facilities, coordinating land acquisition, and ensuring that projects align with public input, budget guidelines, and the Park's Master Plan.

The Director ensures that department programs and services reflect innovation, environmental sustainability, and equitable access. Responsibilities include managing education initiatives, securing and administering grant funding, and building partnerships with local universities, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders. The position also leads emergency preparedness and response efforts within the department and ensures continuity of services during disaster situations.

This leadership role plays a critical part in representing the department in high-visibility settings, responding to media and public inquiries, and promoting the department's initiatives through outreach and strategic communication efforts. The Director ensures that all operations align with the County's broader mission to provide high-quality services and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Why New Hanover County?

Located along the beautiful southeastern coast of North Carolina, New Hanover County is a vibrant, fast-growing community with a deep appreciation for its natural resources and quality of life. At fewer than 200 square miles, it is the second smallest county in the state, yet one of the most densely populated, home to more than 240,000 residents. As the center of rapid urbanization in the southeastern region, New Hanover County is not only a great place to live but also a thriving environment for innovation, business development, and public service.

New Hanover County operates under a Governing Board/Manager form of government, where the Board of Commissioners sets policy and the County Manager oversees day-to-day operations. The County is guided by a comprehensive strategic plan framed by a clear vision and mission and anchored in the shared values of professionalism, equity, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and accountability. These principles shape every decision and ensure transparency, trust, and progress in how the County serves its residents.

The County is deeply committed to good governance and equitable opportunities and aims to provide exceptional public services that support a safe, healthy, secure, and thriving community for all. The Parks & Gardens Department plays a vital role in this mission, fostering connections between people and nature and enhancing overall well-being through outdoor spaces that are accessible, engaging, and sustainable.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a multidisciplinary team and advance the department's mission. Candidates should bring strong knowledge of capital project management, public engagement, nonprofit governance, and environmental planning. This level of expertise is typically supported by a minimum of a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation or a related public sector leadership field, combined with seven years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation or public sector leadership, including at least two years at a management level; or by 11 years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation or public sector leadership, including two years in management; or by an equivalent combination of training and experience necessary to perform the essential duties of the role.

• Valid North Carolina Driver License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• Certified Leisure Professional preferred.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.