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 Responsibilities

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