Programs & Special Events Senior Manager

Overview of Organization

Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.

Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.

Position Summary

The Programs & Special Events Senior Manager at Madison Square Park Conservancy will oversee the planning, development, and execution of a diverse range of free public programs, art-related events and activities, special events, cultivation events, partnerships, and other activations that support the organization’s mission to engage the community and enhance the park's cultural landscape. This role requires a dynamic and creative individual with a strong background in project and event management, public programming, and nonprofit administration. The Manager will work with the Associate for Corporate Relations & Program/Event Operations and a Business Development consultant to deliver high-quality, impactful events and programs that attract and engage diverse audiences.

Key Reponsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Manage all public programs and events
• Develop, plan, and implement a wide array of free public programs, including cultural, educational, and community events that reflect the Conservancy’s mission and goals
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with stakeholders to enhance program offerings
• Coordinate all aspects of program logistics, including scheduling, resource allocation, staffing, set-up, onsite management, and break-down
• Ensure that programs are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs and interests of the park’s diverse visitors

Special Events Planning & Execution

• Coordinate with special event consultant(s) and Development team on all fundraising/ticketed events
• Manage and execute production of smaller (100 and under) events, including art-related ones
• Assist as needed for other department events, such as cultivation events
• Manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while maintaining high standards of quality and impact
• Oversee the selection and management of vendors, contractors, and event staff, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes
• Manage and oversee auction at the annual gala, including soliciting bid items
• Collaborate with the Development team to integrate fundraising and donor engagement strategies into events

Community Engagement

• Assist with building and maintaining strong relationships with community groups, partner organizations, local businesses, and cultural institutions to foster collaboration and support for MSPC
• Represent MSPC, as needed, at public events and forums, and other outreach opportunities
• Establish and execute partnerships for MSPC presence at local neighborhood events
• Represent MSPC at member/supporter events, including Art Council outings, friend-raising events, and other potential touchpoints

Administrative Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor program and event staff, interns, and volunteers, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities
• Prepare detailed reports on program and event outcomes, including attendance, participant feedback, and financial performance
• Manage and track all ticket sales and event-related gifts in the database, coordinating with the Development team
• Assist in the development of annual plans and budgets for programs and events
• Assist where needed across all areas of MSPC activities, particularly development and communications

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, in relevant field; in lieu of a degree, consideration will be given to relevant field experience and certificate programs
• A minimum of six years of professional nonprofit programmatic and fundraising experience is necessary
• Exceptional, persuasive and clear communications
• Developed interpersonal, customer service and project management skills
• Computer and technical acumen across operating systems and programs, as well as Google drive, Canva, Constant Contact, Donor Perfect, with the ability to learn additional programs as needed
• Experience directly related to position description, including event planning, production, and management, as well as directly with public events
• Dexterity and agility in working with a team and individually to meet deadlines and objectives, while maintaining balance and order
• Personal accountability towards the impact of actions and decisions

Compensation, Benefits and Schedule

Annual Salary Range: $70,000 – $75,000, depending on relevant experience

Benefits: Employee Health plan, Dental and Vision Plan, Vacation/Sick/Personal Days, Floating Holidays, 401K Plan with match after one year of employment, commuter benefits, Short-Term Disability benefit, and Health Advocate benefit

Schedule: 40 hours/week; minimum 3 days in office required; flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and early mornings, as necessary

Application instructions

Application deadline: October 11, 2024

Submit a cover letter and resume (preferably as one PDF) and three references, with contact information (will not be contacted without prior notice) to resume@madisonsquarepark.org. Please ensure you include the position title in the subject line of your email. Applications without requested information will not be considered. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Please be aware that Madison Square Park Conservancy has required Covid 19 vaccination for all employees. The organization will consider accommodations for disability and religious-based reasons.

Madison Square Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws.

The Conservancy prohibits discrimination against applicants for employment because of the individual’s race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record or any other characteristic protected by law.