Executive Director for Iconic Explore Washington Park

Job Description

Executive Director for Iconic Explore Washington Park Hybrid Portland OR

Become part of someones story.

Title: Executive Director

Salary: $115000$130000

Location: Hybrid 3 days a week onsite

Acumen is deeply honored to partner with Explore Washington Park (EWP) the gateway to some of Portlands most beloved cultural and natural treasures from the Oregon Zoo to the Japanese Garden to the World Forestry Center and Hoyt Arboretum.

EWP is seeking a bold strategic and people-centered Executive Director to lead this dynamic ecosystem delivering an exceptional visitor experience through strong on-the-ground operations coordinated marketing and communications that promote access and deep multi-agency partnerships.

• This is not a conventional nonprofit ED role -- not just because of the mission but because of the park-scale operating environment and the breadth of partnership required. Its a signature role at the intersection of public service and place-based experience to shape how millions of people experience Washington Park each year diversify funding streams and lead a high-performing team while working with a complex board of civic cultural and public-sector stakeholders.

Why This Role Matters

Washington Park is a living breathing system; a place where nature culture and city life intersect. As Executive Director you will:

• Lead a multi-stakeholder ecosystem: Make visitor-centered operational and transportation decisions in partnership with city bureaus cultural institutions transportation partners and neighborhood representatives; choices that impact millions of visitors.
• Operate a high-traffic public system: Manage shuttles parking access visitor flow and marketing and communications to promote transit and offsite parking options set expectations and make limited onsite parking work while ensuring safety equity and outstanding visitor services.
• Innovate revenue streams responsibly: Protect current funding while introducing new partnerships and programs that enhance access and sustainability.
• Inspire and empower a talented team: Lead a small high-performing and passionate staff aligning them around shared goals and impact.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a vision for Washington Park that unites visitor-centered operations transportation options and financial sustainability.
• Translate complex city and stakeholder dynamics into actionable plans.

Board and Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison to a 10-member governing board and multiple partner organizations.
• Navigate competing priorities with diplomacy transparency and consensus-building.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee day-to-day park operations including a parkwide free shuttle system traffic management offsite parking services visitor information services and park planning. Ensure high standards for safety accessibility and visitor services.
• Coordinate with cultural institutions within the park and oversee marketing and communications to build awareness of transit options reduce the need for car trips and provide timely information for park visitors.

Revenue Diversification:

• Identify and implement new revenue streams while maintaining existing funding sources.
• Develop partnerships sponsorships grants and programming that align with Washington Parks mission.

Organizational Management and Finance:

• Lead organizational management including budgeting financial planning forecasting and day-to-day fiscal stewardship.
• Oversee administrative functions and systems (contracts and vendors policies and compliance and operational reporting) to ensure a well-run accountable organization.
• Partner with the board and staff to establish annual goals and manage resources to deliver safe accessible visitor-centered operations.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Hire coach and mentor a small staff of 7.
• Foster a collaborative high-performance culture that encourages innovation accountability curiosity and celebration.

Performance and Evaluation:

• Track and report on key transportation indicators and financial health.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex multi-stakeholder organizations or systems.
• Strong track record in operations that impact the public directly preferably in transportation or visitor experience settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage boards and public-sector relationships effectively.
• Experience translating systemslevel analysis into practical operating models workflows and decision frameworks.
• Strategic thinker with financial acumen and experience in diversifying revenue.
• Political savvy diplomatic skills and comfort operating in nonprofit and public sector environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead mentor and inspire small teams.
• Familiarity with public-facing amenities cultural institutions or civic infrastructure is preferred.
• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree in public administration business or related field a plus.

What Youll Achieve

• Strengthen Washington Park as a world-class accessible and welcoming destination through visitor-centered operations and outstanding visitor services.
• Create practical sustainable strategies for revenue growth.
• Guide a small team to deliver big impact.
• Foster a culture of innovation inclusion and accountability across all aspects of park operations.

Procedure for Applying

To apply or see our other positions available please go toAcumen Executive Searchtosubmita resume and brief cover letterindicatingyour interest in the opportunity. If our current open positions are not the right fit for you and you would like us to share relevant opportunities please send your resume and a brief cover to.

About Explore Washington Park

Explore Washington Park is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to connecting people with the culture diversity and wonder of nature in Washington Park. Our mission is to provide an accessible inclusive and cohesive experience for all who visit Portlands destination park. Explore Washington Park was established in 2013 in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation and cultural institutions in the Park and is funded primarily through the Parks parking meter revenue. For more information please visit .

Washington Park is one of Oregons top tourist destinations and one of Portlands oldest parks. At 410 acres it is home to the Hoyt Arboretum Portland Japanese Garden World Forestry Center Oregon Zoo and the International Rose Test Garden as well as memorials an archery range playgrounds tennis courts picnic areas and 15 miles of trails.

About Acumen

Established in 2007 Acumen Executive Search is a 3-time recipient of the Portland Business Journals Most Admired Award and is recognized as the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search Partner in the Pacific Northwest with a global clientele. We deliver high-impact results and higher than national average retention rates while nurturing genuine long-term relationships. Acumen works shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients to deliver customized meaningful and proven leadership solutions that empower organizational success.

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