Executive Director Job Announcement
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Bismarck, North Dakota

As the Executive Director of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District in Bismarck, North Dakota, you will lead a Gold Medal Award winning and CAPRA accredited parks and recreation district with 69 full-time and more than 1,100 part-time employees and provide oversight of a $28.2 million annual operating budget. You will manage BPRD operations as the chief administrator and develop, along with the Board of Park Commissioners, the operations, capital improvements, staffing, maintenance, acquisitions and financing plans to provide and maintain a comprehensive public parks and recreation program utilizing multiple facilities and grounds. BPRD owns and manages more than 2,700 acres of park land with more than 85 miles of recreational trails and creates programs and places for residents and visitors to enjoy a wide variety of recreation throughout the year. 

Candidates must be able to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and using technology; develop and foster relationships that are beneficial to BPRD with other governmental entities, user groups, clubs, organizations and associations; maintain confidentiality; and work in a team setting, independently with direction and self-directed. Candidates must be able to set and achieve goals, meet timelines, and demonstrate leadership in a group setting with varied audiences and interests, along with creativity, resourcefulness and confidence. The final candidate must be able to pass BPRD’s background check process. 

Candidates will be screened for these minimum qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration or a bachelor’s degree related to sport and leisure management with public administration emphasis and a related master’s degree. Position also requires a minimum of 10 years of full-time progressively responsible administrative and executive level management leadership experience. Applicant must possess a current professional certification (CPRP or CPRE) through the National Recreation and Park Association with documented evidence of continuing education. A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may also be considered. The applicant must possess or have the ability to attain a valid North Dakota driver’s license and must be able to lift 30 pounds alone or heavier lifting with other employees. Preferred qualifications include additional education, experience or certifications related to the job description.

Starting bi-weekly salary range is $5,087.88 - $7,631.80 and will include the comprehensive full-time employee benefits of the BPRD.

A cover letter, BPRD job application, resume, and two letters of recommendation must be received by 5:00pm CT on February 2, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Mail:    Executive Director Search, ES Attorneys, 1100 College Drive, Suite 5, Bismarck, ND 58501

Email:  ParkDistrictApplication@esattorneys.com

The job description and application can be viewed and obtained at the Bismarck Parks and Recreation Office at 400 East Front Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58504 or at  https://www.bisparks.org/jobs/executive-director/.

For additional information about this position, please contact ParkDistrictApplication@esattorneys.com.

EOE

About Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District serves residents and visitors in the City of Bismarck and Burleigh County. Bismarck, the state capital, is located along the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of North Dakota. Vision Provide the highest quality public parks, programs, facilities, and leisure services. Mission Collaborate with the community to provide residents and visitors the highest quality park, program, facility, and event experiences. Core Purpose Provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable public park and recreation services. Values Accountability, Collaboration, Community, Inclusion, Integrity, Professionalism History and Overview BPRD was established in 1927 and is governed by five publicly elected park commissioners. BPRD owns and manages more than 2,700 acres of park land and more than 85 miles of recreational trails. Its diverse facilities and programs – from horse arenas to hockey rinks, from public art to pollinator gardens, from soccer fields to splash pads – offer recreation opportunities for residents and visitors year-round. More than 280 partnerships are a cornerstone of BPRD’s park and recreation services. These relationship...s have leveraged public and private resources, both funding and volunteer time, making possible significantly more offerings to support healthy, active lifestyles for the community than would be possible alone. Staff professionalism and commitment to best practices is evident at BPRD. In 2008, BPRD became the first – and is still the only – accredited parks and recreation agency in North Dakota. BPRD was reaccredited in 2013, 2018, and 2023. BPRD is also a 1993 and 2017 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management recipient and a six-time Gold Medal Award finalist. For almost 100 years, BPRD’s unique relationships, community support, leadership, and shared resources have had a positive impact on the quality of life in Bismarck. BPRD is proud of its staff, appreciative of a supportive elected board and community, and always strives to meet the highest professional standards.

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Connections working at Bismarck Parks and Recreation District