About the Glenview Park District

The Glenview Park District is widely recognized as one of the premier park and recreation agencies in the nation. Serving a community of 63,000 residents located 20 miles northwest of Chicago, we operate a $57 million budget, 25+ parks, 15 facilities, and a team of 115 full-time and 750 seasonal and part-time employees dedicated to enriching lives through exceptional experiences. We don’t just meet the standard—we set it. 

Our Honors at a Glance 

• NRPA Gold Medal Finalist — 2025, 2024 & 2019 (won outright in 1970 & 1974): the most prestigious award in parks and recreation, honoring excellence in long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, and program development.
• CAPRA Accredited (2023) — one of only 206 agencies nationwide and one of only 9 in Illinois to hold this distinction, the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies.
• IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Accredited Agency — 2024 & 2018, a dual-accreditation honor that places Glenview among the most operationally excellent park districts in the state.
• Moody’s Aaa Bond Rating — held continuously for 18+ years, one of only eleven park districts in Illinois to carry this highest possible bond rating.
• GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting — awarded every year since 2007 (19 consecutive years), recognizing financial reports that go beyond minimum requirements with full transparency and clarity.
• IPRA Best Workplace Award — recognized as the top park district employer in Illinois, reflecting an 88.6% employee satisfaction rate and a culture of engagement, inclusion, and growth.
• IPRA Champions for Change Award (2023) — honoring exemplary practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion across our community and organization.
• Illinois Association of Museums Best Practices Award in Exhibits (2025) for the Discovery Room at The Grove.
• IAPD Best of the Best Partnership Award — 2023 & 2022.
• PDRMA Level-A Accreditation for Safety & Risk Management (2018).
• Annual attendance exceeding 1.37 million visits; nearly 92% of residents rate the District positively.

A Financial Track Record That Speaks for Itself. To view more, please review our Director of Finance Brochure. 

The Glenview Park District maintains an exceptionally sound financial position, built on decades of disciplined stewardship, strategic investment, and transparent governance. The Finance Director will join an organization celebrated regionally and nationally for its financial excellence:

• Moody’s Aaa Bond Rating (18+ consecutive years): The District’s credit strength enables borrowing at the lowest possible cost, directly protecting taxpayers. GPD is one of only eleven park districts in Illinois to carry this distinction.
• GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (19 consecutive years since 2007): Awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association for comprehensive financial reports that exceed Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and communicate with full public disclosure.
• 51% Non-Tax Revenue — one of the lowest tax-to-non-tax ratios in the state, reflecting entrepreneurial revenue management and strong earned-income programs.
• Net Position Growth of 9.9% and a $20 million Capital Replacement Fund that systematically invests in asset longevity without debt.
• $3.675 million in state grants secured in a single year, including a $2.8 million Park and Recreational Facility Construction grant; over $7 million in grants, donations, and sponsorships in three years.
• Debt discipline that saved taxpayers $10 million by choosing 13-year over 20-year repayment schedules and using reserves to minimize bond issuance.
• GPD represents only 7.8% of the average homeowner’s property tax bill, with residents rating overall tax value at 7.3 out of 10.
• An annual budget of $57 million overseen by a finance team committed to accuracy, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to serve as the chief financial steward of a nationally recognized, mission-driven organization. You will work alongside a collaborative leadership team, a supportive Board of Commissioners, and a staff culture that has earned Illinois’ top park district workplace designation. Our facilities include an award-winning community ice center, a National Historic Landmark, an accredited arboretum, two outdoor aquatic centers, an 18-hole golf course, a health and fitness center, and Historic Wagner Farm—a beloved educational hub welcoming nearly 70,000 visitors annually.

You won’t just manage a budget here—you will help sustain the financial engine behind one of the most dynamic, community-centered park districts in the country.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance reports to the Deputy Executive Director and carries district-wide responsibility for the administration, planning, organization, and supervision of all financial and accounting activities—including accounting operations, financial reporting, investments and bonds, regulatory compliance, tax levy, budget, and strategic financial planning. The Director directly supervises four full-time employees and coordinates with contractors as needed.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan, sustaining our Moody’s Aaa rating and GFOA reporting excellence.
• Oversee the integrity of all financial systems, including payroll, general ledger, accounts payable, fixed assets, and registration systems.
• Review and approve account reconciliations, ensuring outstanding items are researched and resolved in a timely manner.
• Conduct cost and revenue analyses, investment projections, and financial studies to inform District-wide decision making.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain relationships with financial institutions including banks, credit card providers, and investment firms.
• Coordinate the annual statutory audit and complete all required financial schedules in compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Lead preparation of the annual budget, including presentations to the Board of Commissioners and the public.
• Manage tax levy processes, debt issuance, and capital financing in support of the District’s long-term capital replacement plan.
• Communicate proactively with the Deputy Executive Director, leadership team, and Board regarding financial performance, planning deviations, and strategic recommendations.
• Champion a culture of financial transparency and accountability consistent with the District’s award-winning reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Public Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred; CPA highly desired.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting standards (GASB), financial systems, internal controls, and auditing.
• Demonstrated ability to sustain or achieve high-level bond ratings and reporting certifications (experience with Moody’s and/or GFOA processes a significant plus).
• Ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences, including an elected Board of Commissioners.
• Skilled in financial analysis, long-range projections, and sound fiscal recommendations.
• Collaborative leadership style consistent with a Best Workplace-designated organization.

Scheduling & Compensation

• Full-time, year-round, salaried supervisory position.
• Core hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with some evening and weekend work as required.
• Target hiring range: $130,000–$150,000 DOQ. Full pay range: $117,259–$164,162.

Benefits We Offer

In exchange for your talent and dedication, we offer a comprehensive benefit package:

• Medical Coverage (PPO or HMO), Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance (basic and voluntary)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• Pension / Defined Benefit Plan (IMRF)
• 457 Plan / Defined Contribution Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off & Paid Emergency Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Membership Dues Reimbursement
• Park District Facility Discounts and Usage Benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

How to Apply

Apply online at www.GlenviewParks.org — click “Jobs” at the top of the page.

Questions? Contact John Kiwala, Deputy Executive Director, at John.Kiwala@glenviewparks.org.

The Glenview Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.