General Manager –Lockwood Park at Rockford Park District

Brief Description

Title

General Manager – Maintenance

Department

Operations

Status

Full Time

Office Location

Webbs Norman Center

Reports To

Operations Director

FLSA Status

Exempt

Position Description

The General Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the entire Lockwood Park Campus, including the Perks Family Equine Center, Trailside Stable, Sarver Children’s Farm, the horse boarder program, trail system, playgrounds, shelters, observatory, and all programs and events. A top strategic priority for this position will be to further develop and expand animal- and nature-assisted services, with a particular emphasis on equine-assisted services and a trauma-informed care farm approach to achieving therapeutic outcomes. Responsibilities include long range planning, budget and resource management, grant oversight, staff development, and ensuring safe, high quality, and financially sustainable operations aligned with District priorities. The General Manager also represents Lockwood Park within the community and nationally to strengthen partnerships, expand programming, support fundraising efforts, and ensure therapeutic outcomes are successfully delivered and documented.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to “help people enjoy life” by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team’s operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team’s operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Leadership by Values

• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with staff, guests, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Provide 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.
• Leads 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.
• Support and ensure a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging exists in all areas of the Park District.

Operational Excellence

• 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.
• Builds 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.
• Conducts research, prepares reports, and recommends improvements to programming and operations.
• Leads the development of mental health, educational, and social emotional programming through equine, animal, and nature based activities, ensuring adherence to professional and ethical standards.
• Shapes a positive, supportive work environment by developing managers and team members.
• Implements and oversees the Manager on Duty system and also 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.

Programs and Services

• 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.

Performance Management/Development

• Partners with the Human Resources Department to attract and recruit high-quality team members.
• Monitors, evaluates, and supports team member performance through regular feedback and goal alignment.
• Creates and supports training and development opportunities that enhance skills, build capability, and strengthen the District’s culture.
• Collaborates closely with internal operations, sharing information, addressing challenges, and developing solutions that support organizational goals.
• Assesses staffing and operational needs and makes strategic recommendations to meet current and future demands.
• Stays informed on trends and best practices in equine science, agriculture, mental health, recreation, and leadership development.
• Provides training, guidance, coaching, and performance evaluations for staff; promotes continuous learning and leadership growth.
• Presents program outcomes, operational updates, and development efforts to the Park Board and Advisory Committees as needed.
• Promotes cross-department collaboration to ensure consistent service standards and operational alignment.

Customer Satisfaction

• Implements, monitors, and analyzes customer feedback systems to improve programs and services.
• Ensures the campus is appropriately maintained and provides physically and emotionally safe learning environments.
• Ensures the provision of a reasonable level of privacy and confidentiality related to the nature of mental health programming provided.
• Delivers high-quality customer service to all employees, patrons, and guests.

Inspection/Maintenance

• 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.

Financial/Budget

• 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.

Grant Leadership & Development

• 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.
• Prepares required progress reports, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain accurate grant databases across all funding streams.
• 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.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• 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.
• Works closely with the Rockford Park District Foundation to coordinate fundraising initiatives, develop cases for support, and ensure consistent communication with donors.
• Supports revenue generating activities such as private events, programming, and marketing driven initiatives to expand financial sustainability.

Teamwork

• 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/Reports

• 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.

Compliance

• 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 safety practices, effective emergency response readiness, and compliance with District safety initiatives.
• Conducts regular reviews of procedures, hazards, and operational risks, identifying improvements that reduce liability and support safe program delivery.
• Ensures employees understand and consistently follow compliance, safety, human resources, and regulatory expectations, providing training, coaching, and reinforcement as needed.
• Stays informed on current issues, trends, and changes in risk management, equine operations, mental health service standards, and recreation industry regulations to maintain best practice operations.
• Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures.
• Participates in safety trainings, drills, and educational in service programs, ensuring proactive compliance and preparedness across all operational areas.

Requirements

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Business Management/Administration, Equine Science and Management, Human Services, Sociology, or related field, plus 8 to 10 years in facility or organization management and supervision. Experience in equine assisted learning and therapies; stable, farm, and horse management is required. PATH/EAGALA or similar certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within one year is acceptable.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, And AbilitiesTo Perform This Job Successfully, An Individual Must Be Able To Perform Each Essential Duty Satisfactorily. The Requirements Listed Below Are Representative Of The Knowledge, Skill, And/or Ability Required. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions:

• Comprehensive knowledge of equine assisted services, recreational riding, and farm facility operations, including best practices in program development and service delivery.
• Advanced understanding of equine behavior, psychology, training methods, health care, nutrition, forage management, and industry standards, with the ability to make sound, evidence-based recommendations on horse and farm animal care.
• Ability to oversee and direct equine and farm animal management, including natural horsemanship principles, training approaches, and USDA regulatory requirements.
• Strong behavioral observation skills to assess equine temperament, workload tolerance, and suitability for various programs.
• Experience designing programs informed by demographics, trends, therapeutic needs, and educational standards, including equine, animal assisted, recreational, and wellness initiatives.
• Strong grant management and fundraising capabilities, including research, grant writing, proposal development, reporting, compliance, and donor engagement.
• Strategic planning and capital planning experience, with the ability to align long term vision to operational needs and stakeholder expectations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills to succeed in a fast paced environment, engage diverse stakeholders, and represent the District professionally.
• Strong leadership skills, including staff development, conflict resolution, group facilitation, committee leadership, and the ability to manage complex projects involving multiple vested interest groups.
• High proficiency in analyzing data, evaluating program results, and using insights to guide decision making and operational improvements.
• Knowledge of HR standards, risk management practices, safety regulations, cash control, and accounting procedures applicable to public sector operations and equine/agricultural environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including comfort presenting to large groups, boards, committees, donors, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications, basic office equipment, and equine handling equipment, including industry standard rolling stock.
• Ability to network professionally, develop community partnerships, and publicly represent the District, reflecting its mission, values, and community impact.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with volunteers, partners, vendors, and donors while maintaining a team oriented approach.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities in a high stress, dynamic environment, demonstrating sound judgment, flexibility, and resilience.
• Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Heavy Work

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects and equipment.

Ability to work in a wide range of environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, wind, precipitation, and dusty or uneven outdoor surfaces.

Mounted riding ability, including riding horses consistently for periods of up to an hour or more, often while monitoring programs or patrolling campus areas.

Ability to safely work in close proximity to large animals that may exert significant, sudden, or unpredictable force.

Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and like using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.

Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balance exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Kneeling: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.

Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and sping.

• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.

Ability to respond quickly in physically demanding or emergency situations, including assisting with animal handling, guest safety issues or facility needs.

Work Environment

The Work Environment Characteristics Described Here Are Representative Of Those An Employee Encounters While Performing The Essential Functions Of This Job. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions:

The work environment includes indoor, outdoor, barn, and stable environments across the Lockwood Park campus and involves regular exposure to dust, dirt, uneven terrain, and extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. The role involves working in close proximity to horses and other farm animals, with inherent risks associated with equine activities, animal behavior, and agricultural operations.

The General Manager must be comfortable working in an active, dynamic environment that frequently involves unpredictable conditions, high activity levels, and interacting with guests of all ages, volunteers, staff, and community partners. This position routinely requires navigating large outdoor areas, monitoring program and facility operations, and responding to emergent or safety-sensitive situations.

BenefitsThe Rockford Park District Offers An Extensive Benefits Package Designed To Support Employees' Health And Wellness, Financial Security, And Overall Work-life Balance. Key Highlights Include:

Health & Wellness Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.

Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.

Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.

Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.

Financial Security Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.

Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage

Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.

Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses

Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.

Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.

Additional Perks Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.

Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more

Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options

This robust benefits package reflects the District’s commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Summary

The General Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the entire Lockwood Park Campus, including the Perks Family Equine Center, Trailside Stable, Sarver Children’s Farm, the horse boarder program, trail system, playgrounds, shelters, observatory, and all programs and events. A top strategic priority for this position will be to further develop and expand animal- and nature-assisted services, with a particular emphasis on equine-assisted services and a trauma-informed care farm approach to achieving therapeutic outcomes. Responsibilities include long range planning, budget and resource management, grant oversight, staff development, and ensuring safe, high quality, and financially sustainable operations aligned with District priorities. The General Manager also represents Lockwood Park within the community and nationally to strengthen partnerships, expand programming, support fundraising efforts, and ensure therapeutic outcomes are successfully delivered and documented.