Directors School is a two-year program designed to prepare new and potential directors of parks and recreation agencies for the challenges of leading and managing effectively. The curriculum is based on the Agency Accreditation (CAPRA) standards and the reading material will be Management of Park and Recreation Agencies, edited by Betty van der Smissen, Merry Moiseichick and Vern Hartenburg.
Oglebay Resort and Conference Center
Wheeling, West Virginia
August 25 – 31, 2012
Admission Applications for the 2012 Year 1 Directors School are now being accepted.
To be considered for the school, interested applicants must submit the online application form and supporting documents. In addition to completing this online application, you will need to provide a copy of your updated resume and organizational chart. You will have an opportunity to upload those documents and attach them at the end of the online application. Year I and Year II schools will be conducted simultaneously.
"Hands down, Directors School is the best, overall professional development experience in my 20 years of attending national and state conferences. The comprehensive, high-level curriculum, superior facility/presenters, engaging and relevant case studies, and invaluable professional networking sets this conference above the rest - and Oglebay is the amazing frosting on the cake! NRPA has a true winning formula with Directors School!" ~ Cathi Klaver, CPRP, Northbrook Park District
Learning Objectives:
- Identify qualities of a good manager and develop the management skills required to run a successful park and recreation agency.
- Develop the skills necessary to evaluate a park and recreation agency's organizational structure and administrative procedures.
- Develop proficiency in designing and implementing agency strategic and marketing plans.
- Build an improved leadership skill set.
- Evaluate and identify the legal responsibilities and implications related to park and recreation agency operation.
- Develop and implement performance management systems to evaluate the performance of agency personnel and the overall success of the agency itself.
- Prioritize programs and services in order to maximize positive impact on their communities.
See our list of instructors!
Qualification Requirements:
- A current park or recreation director;
- A current park or recreation assistant/deputy director;
- A mid-level manager being groomed for a park and recreation director position.
Scholarship Information:
NRPA is sponsoring two partial tuition grants of $500 for two first year Directors School students. In order to qualify to apply for the scholarship you must submit your completed school application before April 1, 2012. Those who are accepted to the school will be invited to apply for the scholarship by April 15, 2012. Winners will be notified by May 1, 2012.
Qualified applicants will be considered using the following criteria:
- Commitment and dedication to the park and recreation profession.
- Leadership skills.
- Progressively responsible work experience with demonstrated success.
- Submit a completed admission application by: (date to be announced).
- Be admitted to the school.
- Be a current NRPA member.
- Demonstrate unique contributions to the park and recreation profession.
- Demonstrate a departmental/agency financial need.
Selection Process
Qualified students interested in applying for a scholarship will be provided the scholarship application for completion. Applications will be reviewed by the School Scholarship Selection Committee, and selected candidates will be notified.
Future Directors School Dates:
- August 24 to 30, 2013
- August 23 to 29, 2014
- August 22 to 28, 2015
For more information about the program content, contact customer service at customerservice@nrpa.org
For more information on registration and other details, contact Oglebay Resort and Conference Center at ntc@oglebay-resort.com
The three sponsoring organizations of this event are: The Oglebay National Training Center, National Recreation and Park Association, and The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University.
**Qualified applicants who submit an application and get accepted are not obligated to attend.