The New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)
seeks a State Parks and Recreation Division Director. This position serves as
part of the DNCR Commissioner’s senior leadership team and must be an
experienced, inspiring, and effective manager.
The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of five divisions at the DNCR, which
along with the Division of Forests and Lands, the Division of Historical
Resources, the New Hampshire State Library, and the New Hampshire State
Council on the Arts share the following mission: to protect, preserve, promote,
and manage the State’s natural and cultural resources, supporting New
Hampshire’s high quality of life, and strengthening the experiences of our
residents and guests.
The parks system includes 39 day-use areas, 23 campgrounds, 22 beaches, 7 waysides, 16 historic
sites, 6 natural areas, 668 buildings, many retail and concession sites, Cannon Mountain state-operated ski area, Sunapee ski area (under lease), 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails, 1,100 miles of
ATV trails, and 259 miles of roads accessing 145,000 acres of private timberlands. The Division shares
management responsibility for over 489,000 acres of state reservations with the Division of Forests
and Lands.
The total operating budget for the Division is $34 million. The Division operations and administration
are entirely self-funded through fees and other sources of revenue. Capital investment and
improvements are funded by a combination of general funds, Land and Water Conservation Funds,
and surplus revenue. Work is carried out with approximately 1,100 employees (100 of which are full
time), 126 volunteer motorized trail clubs, 36 volunteer organizations (primarily hiking trail groups),
and 11 statutory boards and advisory committees.
The Division’s management is innovative and
dynamic, emphasizing outstanding customer
service, meeting diverse needs, and developing
strong partnerships with other public and
private entities. The State parks are valued and
recognized as a critical contributor to New
Hampshire’s economy and unique quality of life.
This position is appointed by the Governor of
New Hampshire and is approved by the
Executive Council.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
By law, the Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation, under the supervision of the Commissioner of
Natural and Cultural Resources, is responsible for all matters related to the design, development,
administration, operation, and maintenance of the state park system as described Section 216-A:2 Duties,
Director of Parks and Recreation.
The intent of the park system is set forth in Section 216-A:1 Intent. In general, daily duties include the direction
of the state parks system and program operations including park, historic site, and trail management and
operations; compliance with state financial and human resource requirements; business systems
management such as camping and property admissions; policy and standards development and
implementation; stakeholder and partnership relations and permits; property capital improvements; complex
issue management; fiscal responsibilities; disaster response; interpretation and education; and the general
leadership of staff and volunteers.
The Director:
• Leads legislative processes, including monitoring legislation for effects on the Division, drafting
legislation, and preparing and delivering testimony.
• Secures support for the Division through productive relationships with the Governor’s Office, Executive
Councilors, state legislators and legislative committees, congressional members, town and municipal
officials, community organizations, special interest groups, advisory boards and groups, the business
community, and constituents.
• Negotiates complex agreements and partnerships with third party business, towns, non-profit
organizations, state and federal agencies, and others.
• Oversees the preparation and management of the budget and is responsible for overall financial health
and security of the Division.
• Leads the organization with vision and integrity. Works closely with the agency senior leadership to
support their efforts and build trust with all agency staff and park system users.
• Incorporates proactive and strategic communications that connect the Division’s work to existing and
new audiences using appropriate media platforms and approaches.
• Develops and implements goals, policies, and programs to effectively manage park and trail resources
for citizens and visitors.
Attributes of a successful Director:
• Ability to set priorities and develop and measure program outcomes.
• Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholder groups and work
collaboratively to resolve problems and satisfy expectations.
• Ability to foresee and identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use
sound judgment and appropriate context to evaluate alternatives and make and implement decisions.
• Outstanding written and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, establish credibility,
and influence leaders, staff, and partners, at all levels.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, natural resource management, business
administration, hospitality, or related field.
• Five years senior management work experience in parks and recreation management, natural resource
management, business administration, hospitality, or related field.
• Executive-level composure and presence.
• Highly effective communication skills – written and oral.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to develop and implement high-impact solutions.
• Excellent judgement with analytical and decision-making ability for immediate and long-term decisions.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, lead, and guide all aspects of department administration including
budget development and management.
• Must be able to lead, motivate, and develop talent to achieve organizational strategy.
• Good understanding of the shared interests and diversity of recreation opportunities.
• Fundamental knowledge of the legislative process and government operations.
Benefits
Please see attached link: das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.html for details on all benefits, to include the following:
• Health & Dental Insurance
• Flex Spending Heath Care
• $50,000 State Paid Life Insurance
• Prescription Drug Plan
• NH Retirement Defined Benefit Plan
• Deferred compensation
How to apply
Applicants are asked to apply by submitting the following:
This posting will remain open until filled. Application packages should be sent to:
Sarah Stewart, Commissioner
NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Sarah.L.Stewart@dncr.nh.gov
603-892-5523
For more information about the Division of Parks and Recreation, please visit nhstateparks.org.