Executive Director
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
Rockford, Illinois
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $130,000 - $160,000 per year |
| Deadline | Mar 28, 2025 |
| Experience | 7+ years |
The Forest Preserve District of Winnebago County is seeking an Executive Director to serve as its chief executive officer. The Executive Director is the senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all operations of the District, including land management, conservation efforts, partnership development and coordination, community outreach, and financial health.
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Commissioners and ensures alignment with the District’s mission to protect and preserve natural resources for public enjoyment. The position requires strong leadership skills, knowledge of environmental stewardship, and experience in managing complex operations within a public agency setting. FPWC is seeking applications from persons with appropriate education and work background who have ability, motivation, and tenacity, and who can demonstrate a high level of achievement. If you qualify and are interested, please send a cover letter and resume, detailing your qualifications and experience.
About the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is dedicated to protecting, conserving, enhancing and promoting Winnebago County’s natural heritage for the environmental, educational, and recreational benefit of present and future generations. Founded in 1922, the FPWC is comprised of 44 preserves, 3 golf courses and 3 campgrounds, as well as shelter houses available by reservation. The District’s holdings include 11,500 acres of woods, wetlands, rivers, prairies, and ponds. Hundreds of species of plants and animals inhabit these restored and managed lands. The District has 35 employees, and the headquarters are located in Rockford, Illinois, in the county of Winnebago. The 2024-2025 annual budget for the organization is $12,040,000 — which includes a corporate budget of $7,379,000 and a capital budget of $3,723,000.
Core Values of the organization are as follows:
- Protecting and preserving natural lands and natural communities.
- Connecting people to nature,
- Educating the community on the benefits and history of the land.
- Being responsive to recreational needs while minimizing impact on the environment.
1. Cover Letter
Please indicate reasons why you think you would be a good candidate and a good fit for the organization.
2. Resume
Please include the following:
• Employment history, duties, number of employees supervised, and budget amount managed.
• List of accomplishments/completed projects.
• Describe your management style. Include your philosophy of forest preserve management and sustainability principles. Delineate the issues you consider to be critically important to the field today.
3. References
Please provide a list of three current references. This may include a balance of former employers, employees, associates and/or board members. Also, please provide names of two professional associates for references. Please indicate if confidentiality of your application is required.
Submit Applications and any questions to: Alan Howard Illinois Association of Park Districts ahoward@ilparks.org
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
| Category | Admin & Leadership, General / Stewardship |
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