Manager, Public Programs & Events

Mar 20

Central Park Conservancy
New York, NY

Anticipated Start Date: 4/28/25

Description

Reports to: Director of Public Programs & General Manager of the Davis Center
Department: Visitor Experience
Status: Exempt, Full-Time

The Manager, Public Programs and Events is responsible for planning and executing the Central Park Conservancy’s year-round slate of free public programs and events.

This includes oversight of four seasons of programming in Central Park and key community engagement events such as the longstanding Harlem Meer Performance Festival and Halloween on the Harlem Meer, as well as a slate of year-round programming designed for a new state-of-the-art recreational facility opening in May of this year: the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer.

The Manager will guide each stage of the planning process for programs, from creative re-imagining of existing programs and events to drafting and implementing comprehensive project plans. This position requires coordination with both internal and external stakeholders and vendors to handle logistical needs and day-of-event tasks and ensure the successful delivery of all programs.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of event planning and logistics, including:

Serve as a collaborative thought leader in the development of new and re-envisioned public programs that align with the Conservancy’s organizational priorities
Develop and manage detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and metrics for each event o Lead the permit application process for all programs
Schedule and contract external facilitators, vendors, and performers as needed, ensuring contracts and vendor paperwork (e.g., W-9, new vendor documents, and insurance) are completed and payments are processed
Serve as the primary internal liaison for event load-in and load-out by fielding production questions, leading walkthroughs with vendors, and coordinating between vendors, staff, NYPD, and PEP to troubleshoot any problems that may arise
Coordinate and ensure that key staff members are briefed on program details and delegate responsibilities to ensure the timely completion of action items
Develop and implement guidelines for managing on-site crowd control and other safety precautions for programs and events
Maintain the inventory and proper care of all equipment, materials, supplies
Track program attendance and engagement metrics to assess the success of events and inform future programming
Support administrative tasks related to programs, including the preparation of written material for reports to senior staff and funders
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications department on collateral for program promotion and provide content needed for printed and digital materials

Support the Director of Public Programs & General Manager of the Davis Center with the programmatic operations of the Davis Center facility, including:

Provide oversight of daily operations and activities, including management of program support staff in the execution of year-round programs and events
Provide excellence in customer service through on-site interactions and phone and email correspondence
Ensure all users are following facility safety rules and behavior guidelines o Issue immediate and complete reporting of liability issues

Work Schedule

This role requires both office-based work and on-site event management within Central Park. Work is performed in several indoor and outdoor settings, including:

Office space at the Davis Center in Central Park (primary office)
The Central Park Conservancy’s administrative offices at 717 Fifth Avenue
Various locations within Central Park

This position requires weekend coverage at the Davis Center during fall and spring Turf seasons, and partial weekends over the summer during the Harlem Meer Performance Festival. Generally, a flexible schedule is important and determined by the Conservancy’s public programs schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college and 5 years of experience in large-scale event planning and management, preferably in a public or non-profit organization.
A fundamental understanding and knowledge of visitor experience management using modern practices; experience in high-visitation settings is desirable.
Ability to think creatively and generate new ideas for impactful community events.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in budget management and logistical coordination.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues effectively.
Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic environment and handle changing priorities.
Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$74K - $93K (based on level of experience)

How to Apply for this Job

Apply Now

About the Organization

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of over $1.6 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City. The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $100 million.

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