The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that consists of parks and recreation professionals, students, and citizen advocates who share a common passion for advocacy, education, networking, and offering quality services to their communities. TRAPS was founded in 1937 to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experience to park, recreation, and leisure service professionals throughout the state.  After 82 years serving the park, recreation, and leisure services industries, TRAPS is larger than ever serving over 2,200 members across Texas.

The Board of Directors is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, visionary leader that has a passion for the Parks and Recreation industry, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. The new Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, focus, and direction in support of the Board of Directors and staff, and shall be highly ethical, with exceptional management, financial, and organizational skills. The Executive Director must have a sense of presence to successfully engage and nurture relationships with various local, state, and national agencies and partners in accomplishing the current and future efforts of TRAPS. 

The Executive Director must have both patience and perseverance to foster the vision and direction of TRAPS and seek “best practices” and trends for continued growth and relevance.  Outstanding listening and effective communication skills are imperative to ensure TRAPS is providing open, responsive, and customer-oriented service to its membership and partners. The Executive Director shall have experience working in the public sector and/or non-profit organizations and have a heart for advocating the mission and values of what TRAPS embodies.  Experience working in event planning, association management, membership growth and retention, strategic planning, and fundraising are key traits for leading this growing organization.  The Board is open to a hybrid work environment. 

Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Parks and/or Recreation Management, or related field.  Master’s degree is required.  Minimum of eight (8) years of increasingly responsible work experience in providing management services, including five (5) years of administrative or supervisory responsibility.  Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), and/or Certified Association Executive (CAE) credentials are ideal.