The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis
About us
The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis, now a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), has served for more than three decades as a champion for transformative investments in the city’s parks and public spaces ensuring these assets are vibrant, accessible, and equitable for all. The Parks Alliance mobilizes resources, partnerships, and advocacy to strengthen public spaces and advance equity, placemaking, and quality of life across more than 200 parks and an extensive network of trails throughout Central Indiana. Our work is powered in part by flagship events such as Indy’s Lunch for Parks, Par for Parks, For the Love of Parks, BINGO Night for Parks, and Park5K, along with other community and donor-focused gatherings that inspire connection and support.
The Parks Alliance operates within the broader CICF Collaborative, which includes Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana a $1 billion collective of philanthropic organizations committed to creating a community where everyone has equitable opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of place, race, or identity. For more than 100 years, the CICF Collaborative has helped people invest in causes that matter most to them, awarded grants to effective nonprofits, and provided leadership to make Central Indiana a better, more beautiful, and more equitable community.
Our vision is to make Indy a nationally recognized parks city by demonstrating the transformational power of parks.
Scope of position The Executive Director of The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis is responsible for leading a collaborative, fundraising-focused effort to enhance the city’s parks, trails, and public spaces. This role provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, and builds partnerships with donors, the City of Indianapolis, and community stakeholders to maximize investment, drive activation and awareness, and foster innovation.
Embody the mission of The Parks Alliance, serving as a passionate advocate for equitable public space and an inspiring public presence.
Lead all aspects of the fund’s strategy, fundraising, and operations.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with donors, community partners, and the City of Indianapolis.
Serve as a visible spokesperson for the mission while advancing public-private partnerships.
Ensure sound financial stewardship and compliance within CICF’s governance framework.
Inspire and manage staff, contractors, and volunteers to deliver results.
This position reports jointly to the CICF CEO and Chair of the Advisory Board of the fund and collaborates closely with the Director of Indy Parks, the City of Indianapolis, and various community and philanthropic leaders.
Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Develop and lead fundraising strategies, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and events.
Serve as the primary architect and champion of flagship fundraising events such as Lunch for Parks and Par for Parks, ensuring they meet revenue and engagement goals.
Plan and oversee a variety of other donor cultivation events and community activations that connect giving to impact.
Oversee preparation and delivery of grant requests, including coordination with consultants as needed, monitor grant budgets and compliance.
Steward donors through regular communication, recognition, and impact reporting.
Lead project- and park-specific campaigns to align donor giving with visible outcomes.
Community & Government Partnerships
Serve as the primary liaison with the Mayor’s Office, City-County Council, City Controller, and agencies including Parks & Recreation and Public Works.
Advance public-private partnerships that leverage city resources and philanthropic investment.
Represent the organization in public forums, media, and community events.
Build and sustain strong relationships with CICF and key funding partners such as AES Indiana, Lilly Endowment, and Citizens Energy Group.
Leadership, Board, & Operations
Provide strategic direction and oversee day-to-day operations.
Work closely with the Advisory Board, Finance Committee, and CICF leadership to ensure effective governance, financial oversight, and organizational sustainability.
Prepare and monitor annual operating and project budgets, ensuring compliance with CICF standards and regulatory requirements.
Manage staff and contractors with a culture of trust, accountability, and inclusion.
Mentor and coach team members, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
Ensure compliance with CICF policies, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
Personal Attributes
Mission-driven and authentic, with unquestioned integrity, ethics, and values.
Humble, empathic, and approachable, with strong emotional intelligence.
Skilled communicator with decisiveness and the ability to convene diverse stakeholders.
A natural relationship-builder who can align people around a shared vision for public spaces.
Job Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience: At least 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, public, or civic organizations.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major donors, grants, capital campaigns, and signature events.
Strong understanding of city government processes and public-private partnerships.
Deep knowledge of Indianapolis and its philanthropic, civic, and business landscape strongly preferred.
Commitment to equity, public space, and urban placemaking.
Excellent communication and public presence; comfortable engaging with media, donors, and diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage and mentor staff and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Valid driver’s license required for travel to meetings and events.
Equal Opportunity Employment Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, and The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis are equal opportunity employers. We seek to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and to support their retention and advancement.
We are committed to fostering a workplace culture where employees and applicants have full and fair opportunity for employment, career advancement, and access to programs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or parental status.
Our mission is to build a community of opportunity—no matter place, race, or identity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Parks Alliance operates within the broader CICF Collaborative, which includes Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana a $1 billion collective of philanthropic organizations committed to creating a community where everyone has equitable opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of place, race, or identity. For more than 100 years, the CICF Collaborative has helped people invest in causes that matter most to them, awarded grants to effective nonprofits, and provided leadership to make Central Indiana a better, more beautiful, and more equitable community.
Our vision is to make Indy a nationally recognized parks city by demonstrating the transformational power of parks.
Scope of position The Executive Director of The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis is responsible for leading a collaborative, fundraising-focused effort to enhance the city’s parks, trails, and public spaces. This role provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, and builds partnerships with donors, the City of Indianapolis, and community stakeholders to maximize investment, drive activation and awareness, and foster innovation.
Embody the mission of The Parks Alliance, serving as a passionate advocate for equitable public space and an inspiring public presence.
Lead all aspects of the fund’s strategy, fundraising, and operations.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with donors, community partners, and the City of Indianapolis.
Serve as a visible spokesperson for the mission while advancing public-private partnerships.
Ensure sound financial stewardship and compliance within CICF’s governance framework.
Inspire and manage staff, contractors, and volunteers to deliver results.
This position reports jointly to the CICF CEO and Chair of the Advisory Board of the fund and collaborates closely with the Director of Indy Parks, the City of Indianapolis, and various community and philanthropic leaders.
Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Develop and lead fundraising strategies, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and events.
Serve as the primary architect and champion of flagship fundraising events such as Lunch for Parks and Par for Parks, ensuring they meet revenue and engagement goals.
Plan and oversee a variety of other donor cultivation events and community activations that connect giving to impact.
Oversee preparation and delivery of grant requests, including coordination with consultants as needed, monitor grant budgets and compliance.
Steward donors through regular communication, recognition, and impact reporting.
Lead project- and park-specific campaigns to align donor giving with visible outcomes.
Community & Government Partnerships
Serve as the primary liaison with the Mayor’s Office, City-County Council, City Controller, and agencies including Parks & Recreation and Public Works.
Advance public-private partnerships that leverage city resources and philanthropic investment.
Represent the organization in public forums, media, and community events.
Build and sustain strong relationships with CICF and key funding partners such as AES Indiana, Lilly Endowment, and Citizens Energy Group.
Leadership, Board, & Operations
Provide strategic direction and oversee day-to-day operations.
Work closely with the Advisory Board, Finance Committee, and CICF leadership to ensure effective governance, financial oversight, and organizational sustainability.
Prepare and monitor annual operating and project budgets, ensuring compliance with CICF standards and regulatory requirements.
Manage staff and contractors with a culture of trust, accountability, and inclusion.
Mentor and coach team members, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
Ensure compliance with CICF policies, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
Personal Attributes
Mission-driven and authentic, with unquestioned integrity, ethics, and values.
Humble, empathic, and approachable, with strong emotional intelligence.
Skilled communicator with decisiveness and the ability to convene diverse stakeholders.
A natural relationship-builder who can align people around a shared vision for public spaces.
Job Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience: At least 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, public, or civic organizations.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major donors, grants, capital campaigns, and signature events.
Strong understanding of city government processes and public-private partnerships.
Deep knowledge of Indianapolis and its philanthropic, civic, and business landscape strongly preferred.
Commitment to equity, public space, and urban placemaking.
Excellent communication and public presence; comfortable engaging with media, donors, and diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage and mentor staff and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Valid driver’s license required for travel to meetings and events.
Equal Opportunity Employment Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, and The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis are equal opportunity employers. We seek to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and to support their retention and advancement.
We are committed to fostering a workplace culture where employees and applicants have full and fair opportunity for employment, career advancement, and access to programs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or parental status.
Our mission is to build a community of opportunity—no matter place, race, or identity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr