Director of Guest Experiences - Central Region

Are you a passionate leader who thrives on inspiring and empowering diverse teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences? Great Parks is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to oversee and elevate operations across our central region, including education, adventure, golf programming, snack bars, wet playground, the boathouse, campground, golf courses, and welcome booths, Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center, Highfield Discovery Garden, and Guest Relations.

In this pivotal role, you will drive collaboration, accountability, and creativity while maintaining a focus on safety, financial performance, and outstanding customer service. Your leadership will directly shape unforgettable experiences for our guests and contribute to the overall success of the Guest Experiences division.

If you’re ready to tackle high-impact challenges, foster innovation, and lead with purpose, join our team and help us create seamless, memorable moments that inspire connections with nature and community.

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends. 

The successful candidate will:

• Establishes work priorities, provides direction and ensures facilities are operated according to expected quality standards and park district policy.
• Champions exceptional guest service by prioritizing quality and creating guest experiences.  Proactively addresses questions, resolves complaints and ensures timely correction to maintain high standards of satisfaction. Leads continuous improvement in processes. 
• Manages assigned employees and makes personnel decisions in consultation with Division Chief and Employee Services.
• Delegates job responsibilities, maintains effective organizational communications, and consistently follows sound management principles and practices. 
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Great Parks’ policies and applicable laws. Plans, directs and evaluates performance of direct reports. 
• Establishes priorities, performance requirements and professional development goals that align with Great Parks’ goals, objectives and initiatives. 
• Regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvements and development. 
• Responsible for hiring recognizing performance; Responsible for administering disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Oversees enforcement and compliance with safety regulations and policies to ensure safety of staff, volunteers and guests.
• Develops revenue projections and expenditure budgets and provides oversight in the management of budgets included in assigned departments.  
• Oversees all revenue opportunities, constantly evaluating the product given by GP, comparing to competitors and industry standards for quality, pricing and effectiveness.  
• Oversees the implementation of innovative programming across the region, collaborating with interpreters to design creative and engaging programs.  
• Works closely with the Director of Programming to align strategies and evaluate program effectiveness and impact. 
• Responsible for the operational and fiscal performance of assigned facilities; analyzes and evaluates operations to maximize efficiency while maintaining an appropriate level of service; develops and implements action plans to adjust for business conditions. 
• Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.
• Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Bachelor’s degree in parks & recreation or business management, or related field required

Minimum of five years of management experience in a related field which evidences a comprehensive knowledge of retail or recreation management.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

License or Certification Requirements 

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets current carrier guidelines. ServSafe Food and TiPS Alcohol certification within one year of employment.

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.