CEO / President

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits :

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Job Posting : Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President

Organization : Emancipation Park Conservancy

Location : 3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, Texas 77004

Position Type : Full-Time

Reports to : Board Chairman

Application Deadline : November 1, 2025

About Emancipation Park Conservancy

Founded in 1872 by former enslaved citizens, Emancipation Park Conservancy is Houstons first public park and a treasured 10-acre green space near downtown Houston, the Third Ward, and several educational institutions. Our mission is to enrich community well-being by preserving and promoting parks, recreation, education, cultural, and wellness programs that foster engagement, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.

Position Overview

We seek a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Emancipation Park Conservancy into a new era of growth, impactful guest experiences, and innovative programs. The CEO will be responsible for strategic leadership, operational management, financial sustainability, and stakeholder relationships. This role requires collaboration with the Board of Directors, staff, government officials, non-profit partners, and community leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

Provide visionary and strategic leadership, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Identify and cultivate talent, empowering staff to excel in their roles.

Financial Management

Oversee organizational financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue via grants, sponsorships, and rentals.

Program Development

Design and expand diverse recreational and cultural offerings to boost community participation and enhance the organizations profile.

Donor & Sponsor Engagement

Cultivate and sustain relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.

Lead fundraising strategies and campaigns to secure critical financial support.

Community Engagement

Serve as the organizations primary spokesperson at events, public meetings, and through media outreach, promoting our mission and values.

Board Collaboration

Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational performance.

Qualifications

Proven executive leadership experience, ideally in the non-profit sector, parks and recreation, or related fields.

Strong financial acumen with success managing budgets and enhancing revenue streams.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills capable of engaging diverse stakeholders and building lasting relationships.

Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship acquisition, and community engagement.

Passion for parks, recreation, K-12 education programs, and community service with commitment to enhancing community quality of life.

Preferred :

Masters degree in business administration, Public Administration, or related discipline.

Experience designing effective programs and impactful events within non-profit or recreational settings.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations affecting parks and recreation operations.

Application Process

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to :

Email : dwade@epconservancy.org

Subject Line : CEO Application - [Your Name]

Deadline : November 1, 2025

Emancipation Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Ready to shape the future of Emancipation Park Conservancy and make a lasting community impact? We look forward to your application!