Chief of Planning and Design

Great Parks, an Ohio park district in Cincinnati, is seeking a strategic-thinking professional for the exiting position of Chief of Planning and Design. Great Parks is a conservation-centered political subdivision of the State of Ohio. Great Parks serves Hamilton County, Ohio, which has a population of more than 800,000 people and includes the City of Cincinnati and surrounding communities in the county. Funding for the agency comes from concurrent 1.0 mill and 0.95 mill property tax levies, self-generated revenue, grants and private funding through our philanthropic partner, Great Parks Forever. Great Parks’ operating budget in 2024 is projected to be more than $46 million. The capital improvement budget is projected to be over $100 million over the next five years.

Key Job Responsibilities

The Chief of Planning and Design implements the Comprehensive Master Plan and Park and Facility Master Plans (http://www.greatparks.org/about/master-plan) by leading a supporting team of 15 full time staff, including landscape architects, engineers, project managers, planners, an administrator and a GIS professional. This position serves as one of eight Division Chiefs that serve on the Executive Team as trusted advisors to the Chief Executive Office and Chief Operating Officer.

This position will help fulfill the community’s needs in their parks for the future by leading the team that plans and improves the spaces and parks beloved by Hamilton County and Greater Cincinnati.

Qualifications

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, or related field is required.
• More than 10 years’ experience which evidences a comprehensive knowledge of park planning, capital improvement, general construction, and administration.
• Collaborates effectively with executive leadership and other senior management.
• State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets Great Parks current carrier guidelines.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

The salary range for the position is $111,280.00 to $167,024.00.

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.