Executive Director

Established in 1959, NOVA Parks, formerly known as the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, is a unique regional agency dedicated to the conservation of natural and cultural resources across six jurisdictions: Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NOVA Parks’ administrative offices are located in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

NOVA Parks is seeking a strategic and visionary Executive Director to be responsible for sustaining the organization’s success by building strong relationships, managing land conservation efforts and securing land acquisitions, and fostering a positive, high-performing organizational culture. This role requires a strategic mindset and a commitment to innovation to drive financial growth. The Executive Director fosters a culture of inclusivity, mentorship, and workforce development while leveraging technology and creative partnerships to engage various populations.

The successful candidate will have a degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, recreation management/administration, business administration or a comparable field, advanced degree preferred, and ten (10) years of senior level management experience, with at least five (5) years as executive or department head at a comparably complex public corporation or other self-contained organization that operates and functions like NOVA Parks. An equivalent combination of education and management experience will be considered.

The starting salary range for this position will be $190,000 – $230,000. In addition, NOVA Parks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; pet benefits; a deferred compensation plan; travel assistance; and tuition assistance. Employees also receive paid time off, sick leave, and a park use pass for themselves, their spouse, and children under 18.