General Manager –Lockwood Park

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with staff, guests, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Provides day-to-day leadership for all Lockwood Park facilities while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, values-driven culture.
• Develops and coaches managers and team members to support a high-performing, service-oriented work environment.
• Led operational team meetings and participates in District and community committees.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Friends of Lockwood advisory group, the Rockford Amateur Astronomers, and the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board, ensuring strong collaboration, clear communication, and alignment on program and funding objectives.
• Represents Lockwood Park in community and national networks, strengthening relationships and expanding strategic opportunities.
• Safeguards and fosters a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all areas of the Park District.
• Oversees the supervision, recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, and evaluation of approximately 10 full-time, 2 part-time, 40+ seasonal staff, and more than 100 volunteers.
• Directs the expansion, quality, and maintenance of equine, recreational wellness, animal-assisted, and nature-based programming.
• Develops and manages the annual budget, marketing and operational plans, strategic priorities, and capital improvements.
• Leads financial reporting and analysis, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with District standards.
• Buys and maintains relationships with community organizations, agencies, and professional groups to support program awareness, collaboration, and service expansion.
• Partners with Marketing to implement and evaluate strategies for promotions, private parties, print materials, website content, and media outreach.
• Counsels and supports the development of managers and team members.
• Implements and oversees the Manager on Duty system and personally serves as an on-site Manager on Duty to support safe, consistent daily operations.
• Leads long-term master planning efforts, guiding campus development and future growth.
• Oversees and assists in the delivery of high-quality, enriching, educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs.
• Develops and leads effective outreach efforts to broaden participation and ensure inclusive access throughout the Rockford region and beyond.
• Ensures efficient facility scheduling and constructive relationships with neighbors, partners, and community groups.
• Partners with the Human Resources Department to attract and recruit high-quality team members.
• Makes strategic recommendations to meet current and future staffing and operational needs.
• Stays informed on trends and best practices in equine science, agriculture, mental health, recreation, and leadership development.
• Promotes cross-department collaboration to ensure consistent service standards and operational alignment.
• Implements and oversees the Manager on Duty system and personally serves as an on-site Manager on Duty to support safe, consistent daily operations.
• Leads long-term master planning efforts, guiding campus development and future growth.
• Oversees facility maintenance, implements preventative maintenance planning, and ensures equipment is maintained to the highest standards.
• Collaborates with District Maintenance and Capital teams to identify project priorities, timelines, and completion.
• Establishes risk management practices, theft-prevention measures, and liability mitigation strategies.
• Ensures compliance with Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), federal, and state regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate records, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains working knowledge of safety procedures and participates in required safety and in-service trainings.
• Develops and manages facility budgets and operational plans, ensuring efficient, compliant use of financial resources.
• Prepares ongoing analysis of revenues and expenses; identifies and implements strategies to increase revenue and control costs.
• Oversees cash handling procedures and ensures strict adherence to accounting and financial policies.
• Maintains appropriate inventory levels to support safe, consistent operations.
• Collaborates with District grant writers and the Rockford Park District Foundation to maximize funding opportunities and align long-term financial strategies including grant planning, seeking, writing, identifying funding sources and aligning proposals with program and campus needs.
• Manages all grant-funded programs, including implementation, tracking, documentation, communication, and outcome reporting.
• Coordinates with donor agencies, the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board, and other funders to maintain strong relationships and fulfill shared expectations.
• Evaluates program outcomes and financial data to support future grant proposals, research, and continuous improvement.
• Actively contributes to fundraising efforts by identifying opportunities, building relationships, and collaborating with internal and external partners to grow philanthropic support.
• Engages the Friends of Lockwood group, partner agencies, and community stakeholders to promote the campus mission and encourage donor involvement.
• Supports revenue-generating activities such as private events, programming, and marketing-driven initiatives to expand financial sustainability.
• Coordinates staff and volunteer schedules to support programming needs.
• Works flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require.
• Collaborates with HR, Finance, Purchasing, Capital, Marketing, and the Foundation to ensure effective and aligned operations.
• Promotes a team-oriented environment and supports the success of colleagues across the District.
• Documents and reports budget variances and financial results monthly.
• Prepares and presents required Board reports and operational updates as requested.
• Measures productivity and program effectiveness by analyzing performance data, financial data, and activity reports.
• Leads the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of all safety, risk management, and emergency procedures across the campus, ensuring staff, volunteers, guests, and animals are protected at all times.
• Ensures full compliance with PDRMA standards, Rockford Park District policies, and all federal, state, and local regulations, including requirements related to equine and animal care, facility operations, mental health and equine-assisted programming, and workplace safety.
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation, including operational checklists, safety logs, inspections, training records, incident reports, program documentation, and regulatory filings, ensuring all records meet audit-ready standards.
• Coordinates with Risk Management, Park Police, and safety partners to ensure the highest level of safety and security.

Qualifications

Required:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a leadership role within a similar organization.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as recreation, human services, psychology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in managing and supervising a team of staff and volunteers.
• Experience in developing and implementing successful programs and services.
• Strong understanding of financial management and budgeting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and conflict resolution.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and risk management practices.
• Experience with grant writing and securing funding.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

• Strategic planning and long-range thinking.
• Financial management and budgeting.
• Grant writing and securing funding.
• Team management and leadership.
• Program development and delivery.
• Customer service and satisfaction.
• Facility maintenance and management.
• Grant management and reporting.
• Community engagement and outreach.
• Grant management and reporting.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Pay

$75,000 - $85,000 annually.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with some evening and weekend availability as needed.