60 Hallmark District Manager Jobs Hiring Near You

TitleGeneral Manager - Lockwood ParkDepartmentLockwood ParkStatusFull TimeOffice LocationWebbs Norman CenterReports ToOperations DirectorFLSA StatusExemptPosition DescriptionThe 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 assignedLeadership 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.