mParks Leadership Team Opportunities
mParks is seeking passionate leaders to help guide the association and advance parks and recreation across Michigan. Whether you're interested in governance, advocacy, or member engagement, there are many ways to get involved and make an impact.
Available Positions:
All mParks leadership roles require active engagement, including participating in meetings, collaborating with peers and staff, contributing to strategic initiatives, and demonstrating a commitment to advancing the parks and recreation profession. Some positions may also require prior involvement with mParks, attendance at the 2026–2027 Leadership Retreat, and additional responsibilities such as serving on committees or leading initiatives.
Apply
To apply, candidates must complete a Candidate Profile Form that includes contact information, desired position, professional background, prior involvement, a statement of interest, leadership goals, a current resume, and a professional photo. Applicants must also certify that they are a member in good standing, meet the eligibility requirements, and agree to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
Available Positions:
- President-Elect
- Director at Large
- Advocate Committee Chair
- Unite Committee Chair
- Focus Area Chair(s)
- Task Force Volunteers
All mParks leadership roles require active engagement, including participating in meetings, collaborating with peers and staff, contributing to strategic initiatives, and demonstrating a commitment to advancing the parks and recreation profession. Some positions may also require prior involvement with mParks, attendance at the 2026–2027 Leadership Retreat, and additional responsibilities such as serving on committees or leading initiatives.
Apply
To apply, candidates must complete a Candidate Profile Form that includes contact information, desired position, professional background, prior involvement, a statement of interest, leadership goals, a current resume, and a professional photo. Applicants must also certify that they are a member in good standing, meet the eligibility requirements, and agree to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026.
Board of Directors
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President-Elect
Serves as a key member of the mParks Board of Directors and Executive Committee, supporting the President and preparing to assume the presidency. This role is part of a six-year leadership progression (President-Elect, President, Past President), ensuring continuity, strategic alignment, and long-term impact for mParks. |
Director at Large
Serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors, representing the membership and contributing to the overall governance and strategic direction of mParks. |
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Terms of Service
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this role will change and evolve as the selected candidate moves from President-Elect, to President, to Past President. Board of Directors Election Timeline
Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026. By May 21, 2026, the Nominating Committee will present a proposed slate to the Secretary/Treasurer for approval. On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Secretary/Treasurer shall authorize the distribution of the official ballot to the eligible voting members. Elections will close at 5:00 pm on June 15, 2026. The official announcement of election results will be on or before July 8, 2026. |
Terms of Service
Key Responsibilities
Board of Directors Election Timeline
Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026. By May 21, 2026, the Nominating Committee will present a proposed slate to the Secretary/Treasurer for approval. On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Secretary/Treasurer shall authorize the distribution of the official ballot to the eligible voting members. Elections will close at 5:00 pm on June 15, 2026. The official announcement of election results will be on or before July 8, 2026. |
Committee Chair
mParks Committees are charged with investigating, recommending, and taking action on initiatives that support the Association’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities. The four mParks Committees represent the mParks Pillars.
The Advocate Committee Chair provides leadership in advancing the parks and recreation profession through policy engagement, legislative awareness, and strategic relationship building. This role guides the committee in monitoring key issues, recommending positions to the Board, and activating members in advocacy efforts that support local, state, and national priorities—ensuring mParks remains a strong and credible voice for the field.
The Unite Committee Chair leads efforts to build connection, belonging, and inclusive engagement across the mParks community. This role guides the committee in advancing strategies that promote diversity, expand participation, and create welcoming environments for all members—ensuring the association reflects and supports the communities it serves.
The Unite Committee Chair leads efforts to build connection, belonging, and inclusive engagement across the mParks community. This role guides the committee in advancing strategies that promote diversity, expand participation, and create welcoming environments for all members—ensuring the association reflects and supports the communities it serves.
Terms of Service
- Term Length: Two-year term aligned with the mParks leadership cycle (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2028)
Eligibility & Key Responsibilities
- Eligibility: Minimum of one year of service on the committee is required to apply
- Appointment Process: Application submitted to the Executive Board; recommended candidates approved by the Board of Directors
- Time Commitment: Participation in virtual meetings (typically quarterly or bi-monthly), plus ongoing communication and leadership responsibilities
Committee Chair Appointment Timeline
Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026.
By June 24, 2026, the President will submit a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
The official announcement of the appointment will be made on or before July 8, 2026.
By June 24, 2026, the President will submit a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
The official announcement of the appointment will be made on or before July 8, 2026.
Focus Area Chair
Focus Areas reflect the evolving needs, challenges, and specialties of professionals working in parks and recreation.
The Focus Area Chair provides leadership for a specific area of interest, creating space for members to connect, share knowledge, and grow professionally. This role facilitates discussions, guides meeting agendas, and aligns activities with the mParks Strategic Plan, fostering engagement, collaboration, and meaningful contributions from members across the association.
The Focus Area Chair provides leadership for a specific area of interest, creating space for members to connect, share knowledge, and grow professionally. This role facilitates discussions, guides meeting agendas, and aligns activities with the mParks Strategic Plan, fostering engagement, collaboration, and meaningful contributions from members across the association.
Terms of Service
- Term Length: Serve a one-year term (October 1 – September 30) and are elected annually by members of the Focus Area.
Eligibility & Key Responsibilities
- Eligibility: A mParks member in good standing employed in a position that is relevant to the focus area.
- Appointment Process: Elected annually by members of the Focus Area.
- Time Commitment: Meetings typically occur virtually in the fall, winter, and spring, with no meetings in June, July, August, or February. The Fall and Spring Joint Meetings serve as the primary in-person gatherings (in November and April), providing opportunities for collaboration and connection across the association.
Focus Area Chair Election Timeline
Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026.
By September 30, the Focus Area will vote on the chair position.
The official announcement of the appointment will be made in October 2026.
By September 30, the Focus Area will vote on the chair position.
The official announcement of the appointment will be made in October 2026.
Task Force Volunteer
Task Forces contribute to a specific project or initiative that supports mParks ' strategic priorities. Task Force Volunteers bring ideas, expertise, and energy to advance focused work, collaborate with peers, and deliver meaningful outcomes within a defined timeframe.
Advocate Task Force Volunteer
Teach Task Force Volunteer
Inspire Task Force Volunteer
Unite Task Force Volunteer
Teach Task Force Volunteer
Inspire Task Force Volunteer
Unite Task Force Volunteer
Terms of Service
- Term Length: Varies based on the scope and timeline of the task force
Eligibility & Key Responsibilities
- Eligibility: Must be a mParks member in good standing with interest or experience relevant to the initiative
- Selection Process: Appointed by the Committee Chair
- Time Commitment: Short-term, project-based involvement with meetings and work sessions as needed to complete objectives
Taskforce Volunteer Appointment
Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026.
Committee Chairs will review the roster of Task Force Volunteers and appoint members as needed from October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2028.
Committee Chairs will review the roster of Task Force Volunteers and appoint members as needed from October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2028.
Election Timeline
- Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 17 to May 18, 2026.
- By May 21, 2026, the Nominating Committee will present a proposed slate to the Secretary/Treasurer for approval.
- On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Secretary/Treasurer shall authorize the distribution of the official ballot to the eligible voting members.
- Elections will close at 5:00 pm on June 15, 2026.
- The official announcement of election results will be on or before July 8, 2026.
Questions and Additional Information
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please e-mail [email protected].
