Location:               Hybrid – based in Arkansas

Position Title:       Part-Time Executive Director

Reports to:            Board of Directors

Salary Range:       $20,000-$25,000 + Bonus Incentives

Position Summary:  

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the executive director is responsible for overall management and operation of the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association and protection of the organization’s financial assets while ensuring compliance with the board directives, as well as federal and state requirements.  This is a hybrid, non-office-based leadership position that integrates remote work, virtual coordination, and consistent in-person engagement with community partners, stakeholders, and program sites.

Association Description:

Organized in 1964, the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) is a non-profit professional organization for park, recreation and leisure services professionals. As a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) affiliate, ARPA strives to provide recreation, park and leisure services professionals with an active organization that broadens recreation, park and leisure opportunities for all Arkansas citizens by:

• Promoting the growth, accessibility and professional consistency of programs
• Educating the public to the increasing importance of recreation, leisure and preservation of our natural history
• Strengthening the quality of professional leadership in recreation, park and leisure services through continuing
• education and training opportunities
• Uniting all recreation, park and leisure services personnel within Arkansas
• Fostering and maintaining high standards of professional qualifications and ethics

Position Responsibilities:

• The executive director is to provide leadership in fund raising, marketing/public relations, delivery of programs, services and products, budget and financial management, community relationships, and board administration for the 501(c)(4) non-profit known as the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.
• Oversee all accounting functions including those necessary for auditing, budgeting, financial analysis, capital asset and property management and payroll in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the board of directors' policies and procedures, and all other applicable rules and guidelines.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are essential.
• A high level of computer literacy to manage virtual communications (such as E-mail, Facebook, website management, survey software, E-mail distribution systems) and operational needs (Microsoft Office, content management).
• A proven track record of strong fiscal management as well as development and fundraising success.
• Experience with marketing programs to encourage and increase membership participation in the organization's activities.
• Demonstrated ability to run conferences and to work with leadership, as well as vendors, planners and society committees. Knowledge of event management and venue contract negotiations such as annual conference; publications management; associations and membership programs.
• Ability to motivate and manage volunteers, particularly the ability to collaboratively work with and support a board of directors.
• Ability to supervise staff effectively through creating a team environment, providing effective delegation, and holding staff accountable to meet deadlines and produce desired outcomes.
• Outstanding management and organizational skills with the ability to maintain a "big picture" strategic view.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines with multiple stakeholders and with competing interests.
• Ability to translate policies into daily routine operations.
• Demonstrated analytic skills; the ability to identify challenges and opportunities facing the Society and to offer feasible solutions for addressing them.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed/motivated.
• Self-assured, confident, and goal oriented.
• Excellent outreach and networking skills.

Education and/or Experience:

The executive director must possess the above skills, knowledge and qualities which may result from a college degree or at least four years of experience in business, non-profit operational and financial management, or related areas. Parks and Recreation experience is preferred.

Required Documents to Apply:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• (3) Three Professional References

 To Apply:

Please submit all application materials and/or inquiries to ARPA President Junior Rodemeyer at junior.rodemeyer@bentonar.gov by 5pm on June 30^th, 2026.