Executive Director of Dix Park

About the role

The Executive Director of Dix Park provides strategic leadership to guide the continued transformation of Dix Park into a premier urban destination within the Raleigh Parks system.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Staff Development: Lead, mentor, and manage staff by fostering a collaborative, high-performing workplace. Provide clear direction, professional development opportunities, performance management, and team leadership to support organizational success.
• Park Planning and Development: Lead the implementation of the Dix Park Master Plan, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with long-term vision. Oversee capital projects, design initiatives, and planning, in coordination with City departments, consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Engagement and Visitor Experience: Support programming that provides a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational experiences and reflects the themes and guidance of the Dix Park Master Plan. Guide marketing and communications efforts to increase awareness, visitation, and community connection.
• Operations: Oversee park operations, including coordination with maintenance and facilities staff, to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming experience. Manage vendor relationships and service contracts (e.g. security, cleaning, traffic management), monitoring performance, budgets, and compliance with City standards and park policies.
• Partnership and Engagement: Build and maintain strong partnerships with other City departments, nonprofit organizations, namely the Dix Park Conservancy, community stakeholders, and private-sector partners. Provide management support to the Dix Park Commission and Dix Park Stewardship Committee.
• Budget and Administrative Responsibilities: Prepare and administer an assigned budget and assist in managing capital improvement and bond programs. Manage the annual operating revenue program and expenses of operating the park.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Art History, Historic Preservation, History, Museum Studies, or related field; 5 to 7 years’ experience in art history, historic preservation, museum management, or related field OR Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.
• Licensing and Certifications: Valid North Carolina Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.