We're Hiring! Downtown Providence Parks Network Program Manager
Walking tour stops at Waterplace Park. Photo by Kia Davis.
The Downtown Providence Parks Network is seeking a part-time Program Manager to coordinate and support programs in the downtown Providence parks, in partnership with The Providence Foundation, City of Providence, Providence Parks Department, I-195 Commission and users of these downtown park spaces.
The Program Manager will coordinate planning and day-of logistics amongst artists, performers, fitness instructors, educators, community partners, public agencies, and more to implement programs that attract participants from throughout the city of Providence, state of Rhode Island,and beyond.
The Program Manager will often be the first personal connection that community members have with the Downtown Providence Parks Network, so it is a critical role for the success of the organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to organize events, connect interpersonally, and oversee complex detailed projects. They should be personally committed to the Network’s vision. This position is an opportunity to engage with multiple communities and partners.
About the Downtown Providence Parks Network
Thanks to years of major infrastructure investments, Downtown Providence offers 20 acres of managed public space with 30 additional acres of open space and pedestrian trails. The Downtown Providence Parks Network formed in 2021 to help unify, steward, and activate the unique waterfront parks system. Working across the public spaces that run from Waterplace Park to Greater Kennedy Plaza to the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge, we envision a future when:
● Downtown Providence’s public spaces offer a cohesive, intentional, and unique identity that acknowledges the history of the spaces and represents the best of Providence and Rhode Island.
● Residents and visitors have a reason to be downtown every day and night.
● Downtown’s parks are pristine, safe, active, accessible, and inviting to all.
The Downtown Providence Parks Network works with the City of Providence, State of Rhode Island, and other partners on:
● Activation (programming, outreach and engagement, marketing)
● Fundraising for short and long-term needs
● Operations (support function)
We value:
● Partnership: Leveraging the best expertise and resources that all community members have to offer, finding efficiencies, drawing in new public, private, regional, and national partners
● Integration: Centering the collective good to create a unified experience, whole is greater than the sum of its parts
● Respect: For the land, our heritage, our waterfront, Providence’s diverse cultures and communities, our neighborhoods, and all park visitors/users
● Community: Creating, reflecting, and serving
Job Responsibilities
The Program Manager will be responsible for:
● Building and implementing a program calendar, to include connecting with vendors and contractors, coordinating day-of/site-of timing and logistical needs (e.g. A/V equipment, access, signage, rain date/alternative plan communication, etc.) and procuring permits.
● Working closely with parks partners and other community-based organizations to design and market park programs and other investments that reflect Providence’s culture.
● Supervising volunteers, including a group of up to six Parks Ambassadors over the summer of 2022.
● Supporting day-to-day operations of the organization.
● Working flexible hours as the programs require.
Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate who excels in relationship-building, is detail-oriented, and has strong project management skills. The ideal candidate should:
● Have a track record of developing and organizing successful mutli-cultural events
● Be experienced managing multiple projects at the same time
● Enjoy working within a team of public, private, and nonprofit partners as well as donors and volunteers
● Know Providence
● Be creative, flexible, and enthusiastic
Fluency in English and Spanish is a plus, as is some experience in public space programming.
The Downtown Providence Parks Network operates under the fiscal sponsorship of The Providence Foundation. The Program Manager will report to The Providence Foundation’s Executive Director and receive daily supervision from the Parks Network Facilitator.
Compensation is $50,000 for this part-time, 22-hour/week position with no benefits.
To Apply
Interested applicants are asked to send a cover letter and resume to Jessica David at jd@jdinri.com by April 25, 2022.