Executive Director - Texas Lakes Trail Region
The Texas Lakes Trail Region is a non-profit organization covering 31 counties of North, Central Texas.
A participant in the Texas Heritage Trails Program (THTP) of the Texas Historical Commission, the
organization works to increase tourism, promote historic preservation, and support community and
economic development among cities and tourism partners.
Job Summary
The Texas Lakes Trail Region Executive Director works alongside a volunteer Board of Directors (15 -
20 members) to administer and manage the regional organization. This is a full-time position, exempt
under the Fair Labor Standards Act, with an anticipated start date of September 2025.
Qualifications Required:
• Two years or more professional experience in a relevant field -- tourism planning/development,
marketing, communications or history
• Bachelor’s degree with preference in tourism planning/development, marketing, communications
or history (five years commensurate experience can substitute for degree)
• One or more years fundraising, sales, membership sales experience required
• One or more years experience with business administration with a strong financial acumen
• Reside in or relocate to the Texas Lakes Trail Region
• Computer experience, including proficiency in Word and Excel along with proficiency in design
software such as Canva, Adobe, etc.
• Experience with CMS systems and email clients.
Preferred:
• Experience working with and managing a nonprofit organization
• Evidence of ongoing public awareness, education, research and/or training programs relating
tourism, history, cultural or historic preservation
• Experience providing customer service
• Experience in managing multiple programs with public facing elements
• Experience in grant writing and/or seeking funding from private foundations or corporations
• Excellent communication skills—written and verbal
• Interest in historic site/cultural resource interpretation and historic preservation
• Responsibilities include extensive travel throughout the 31-county Lakes Trail Region
for site visits, speaking engagements, and providing customer service training for member
organizations. Travel outside of the region for professional development training is also
required. The applicant must have their own transportation. Mileage reimbursement and per
diem are provided.
Application Information
• Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until filled. Submit a minimum of three references with
contact information.
• Resumes and cover letters should be e-mailed to:
o Kristen Gibson, Board President, lakestrailapplicant@gmail.com
• Office location for the regional program at the City of Granbury City Hall.
• Selected applicant must reside in or be able to relocate into the Texas Lakes Trail region before
taking the position.
• This is a hybrid position and would need to visit the Granbury office once weekly.
• The selected candidate will be required to travel extensively throughout the 31-county region for
site visits and speaking engagements and outside the region for training in their own vehicle and
will be reimbursed at the current IRS business mileage rate.
• The candidate must pass a background check and drug screen.
Salary Range
$55,000 - $60,000 annually depending upon experience. Position funding is supplied by a grant from the
Texas Historical Commission (THC) and is part of the state budget. Continuation of the program and
requisite funding is anticipated long-term but is not guaranteed. The Heritage Trail Regions are expected
to pursue funding from other sources. This position is required to spearhead revenue generating
programs/fundraising initiatives. The Texas Lakes Trail Regional executive director is an employee of the
Texas Lakes Trail Region Board of Directors.
Benefits
The Executive Director of Texas Lakes Trail’s benefits reflect those of the City of Granbury full-time
employees.
• The city participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) at a 7%
employee deposit rate with a municipal matching ratio of 2:1.
• A full range of leave and insurance benefits are also provided to full-time employees.
• Paid time off and holidays follow the schedule of the City of Granbury
• Travel and mileage reimbursement per diem based on the GSA (must furnish own transportation)
For questions about the THC’s Texas Heritage Trails Program (THTP), the umbrella organization for the
ten heritage trail regions, contact Teresa Caldwell, THTP State Coordinator at (512) 463-5755 or
teresa.caldwell@thc.texas.gov.