June 25, 2024 – The Riverfront Parks Conservancy is now seeking to hire a contract-based, part time Programming Manager.
Until now, the Conservancy has been operating with a volunteer Board of Directors since its inception in 2022 as an approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In 2023, the Conservancy hired Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV Corp) to assist the organization in the planning and implementation of the Family Fitness & Fun Riverfront Program, which was held on six weekends from February 2 to March 10, 2024.
The Conservancy is in the midst of raising additional seed funding through a Founders Campaign aimed at building organizational capacity. With partial funding towards this goal, we seek the first paid position to deliver programs and activation along the riverfront.
Scope of Work
1. Plan and implement programming activities on the Southbank riverfront, to include Friendship Fountain and the Southbank Riverwalk
The City of Jacksonville’s Parks & Recreation Department has begun planning weekend activation at the Fountain, which is experiencing visitor success since opening in February 2024. The activities include Yoga on Thursdays, Food Truck vendors on Fridays and Saturdays, along with extra amenities on “First Fridays at Friendship Fountain” such as a family-oriented DJ.
The Programming Manager role is to augment the Parks Dept activities working closely with the Parks Department Staff and the Principal of Downtown Public Spaces.
- Determine feasibility and demand for additional activation along the Southbank including Friendship Fountain and the Southbank riverwalk. Programs may be on weekends, and/or on weekdays and evenings. Examples include Game Night, double dutch, dance night, etc.
- Implement programs with budgets approved by Conservancy Board. Locations, timelines, parameters will be done in concert with Parks Department.
- Identify vendors and coordinate agreements and logistics
- Determine marketing needs and budgets and manage marketing channels
- Test and measure what works and what needs changing.
2. Assess and pursue additional desirable riverfront park activities, opportunities and needs
- Identify and track activation measures and assessment of attendance drivers.
- Identify and negotiate sponsorship opportunities with developers and business sponsorships.
- Assess maintenance and security operations and make recommendations for improvement.
- Assess whether (and if yes, how) Bar Carts or other alcohol sales vehicles should be added, working closely with Parks Director and staff.
3. Plan and implement “Saturdays at Gefen” and/or other Riverfront activations
- Planning to include seasonality considering heat and available shade or cover.
- Locations – Gefen, Northbank Riverwalk, Southbank Riverwalk or other locations as determined in consultation with Parks Dept and DIA.
- Re-engage with recent pilot partner list for a Fall-Winter 2024-25 Saturday programming activation at Gefen
- Finalize budget and coordinate all aspects of this activation
4. Collaborate closely with Parks Dept, Director of Downtown Public Spaces for COJ, DIA, DVI and other downtown and cultural entities/events to allow events to complement/amplify one another
5. Determine event staffing needs; hire and supervise part-time event personnel and/or volunteer coordination
6. Coordinate marketing for programming event and activities
Qualifications/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; Associate of Arts (AA) degree and high school diploma required
- 3-5+ years’ work experience
- Demonstrated placemaking/program management experience
- Excellent project management skills with creative problem-solving approaches and ability to meet timelines and deadlines
- Digital Marketing experience; social media, digital newsletters
- Technology proficient in marketing, project management, organization, etc.
- Experience in directing external vendors for graphic design or website needs
- “Roll up your sleeves” approach and willingness to pitch in on all tasks required for project success
- Excellent interpersonal, communications skills (written/verbal/presentations)
- Ability to relate effectively with diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
- Preferred: management experience managing program staff
- Flexibility with night and weekend activities
- Positive and welcoming hospitality approach with park visitors
- Preferred: resident of Jacksonville and familiarity with downtown and surrounding neighborhoods
Physical: Requires ability to lift, push and pull approx. 50 lbs. for equipment in and out of storage areas
Additional
- The reporting relationship for this position will be Board Chair Barbara Goodman, assisted by the Programming Committee of the Board of Directors. If an Executive Director is hired, the position will report to the Executive Director.
- Expected time commitment of 10-20 hours per week. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, anticipated to be approx. $30/hour. A fixed fee arrangement or monthly retainer may be considered.
- This is a 1099 Contract based position and no benefits are provided.
- Timeframe: Six months following hire. The position may be extended or made permanent at a point in which the funding will allow.
To Apply
Please send a resume with an email introduction to: Barbara Goodman, Board Chair, barbara@riverparkjax.org with a copy to Nancy Powell, Board Member, nancy@riverparkjax.org.