Downtown Activation and Placemaking Coordinator

City of Garland; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Garland is seeking an Activation and Placemaking Coordinator to lead placemaking initiatives and public space activations in Downtown Garland. You will collaborate with City departments and community partners to plan and manage art projects, events, and programming that boost activity and economic vitality.

The ideal candidate is organized, creative, and capable of managing multiple projects with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years related experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Preferred degrees in Public Relations, Event Planning/Management, Marketing or Communications.
• Event coordination experience: at least four years.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, coordination, and implementation of placemaking initiatives and activations downtown.
• Develop activation concepts to increase visitation and economic vitality.
• Coordinate promotional campaigns to support downtown businesses and activation efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with businesses, organizations, owners, vendors, artists, sponsors, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage public art initiatives and revitalization efforts.
• Create detailed project timelines for activations and events and ensure deadlines.
• Plan and oversee activation logistics, including vendor coordination, permits, staffing, and site layouts.
• Execute on-site management of activation events and ensure safety and quality experiences.
• Coordinate downtown calendar and event database with City Departments to maximize space usage.
• Monitor performance with attendance data, feedback, and economic indicators; report findings.
• Assist with creative marketing themes and activation strategies aligned with branding.
• Assist with reports, correspondence, board materials, and communications for leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintain program databases, inventory, purchases, and warehouse organization.
• Coordinate permitting, safety regulations, and event logistics with City departments.
• Assist in planning and executing department-produced special events.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Downtown/community knowledge

Customer service

Event planning

Microsoft Office

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

The Activation and Placemaking Coordinator leads and supports initiatives that make Downtown Garland a vibrant, welcoming, distinctive, and engaging destination for residents, businesses, visitors, and community partners. The position advances the district through placemaking, public art, public space activation, events, beautification initiatives, and creative programming that strengthen Downtown’s identity, support local businesses, and foster community pride and belonging. Working collaboratively across City departments and with a wide range of community stakeholders, the Coordinator facilitates the planning, development, implementation, and management of public space enhancements, public art projects, events, and other creative activations. The role develops both dynamic programming and passive placemaking experiences that encourage people to gather, explore, and spend more time in Downtown Garland. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter, creative problem solver, and highly organized professional who can turn ideas into engaging experiences while effectively managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment. Pay Range: $18.14 - 23.30 (Depending on qualifications and experience).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of placemaking initiatives, public space activations, and community programming throughout Downtown Garland that increase activity, add vibrancy and contribute to positive experiences.
• Develop creative activation concepts that encourage visitation, increase pedestrian activity, and support economic vitality through engaging experiences and public space enhancements.
• Coordinate promotional campaigns that support downtown businesses and activation efforts, including public outreach, research, data collection, and program evaluation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with downtown businesses, community organizations, property owners, vendors, artists, sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and successful program implementation.
• Develop, coordinate and implement public art initiatives - murals, sculptures, temporary art installations, interactive artwork and other forms of public art that contribute to Downtown’s identity and revitalization.
• Develop and manage detailed project timelines for activations and events while maintaining consistent communication with internal departments and external partners to ensure deadlines and objectives are met and resources are protected.
• Plan and oversee all activation logistics, including vendor coordination, contracts, permits, temporary staffing, equipment, site layouts, contingency planning, and day‑of‑event operations.
• Execute on‑site management of activation events by coordinating multiple operational elements, resolving issues, ensuring participant safety and delivering high‑quality visitor experiences.
• Coordinates with multiple City Departments and stakeholders to orchestrate the downtown calendar and event database to maximize use of public spaces, minimize scheduling conflicts, and coordinate programming throughout the year.
• Monitor program performance by collecting attendance data, visitor feedback, economic impact indicators, and other performance metrics; prepare statistical reports and recommend program improvements.
• Assist in developing creative marketing themes, promotional concepts, and activation strategies that align with departmental branding and community goals.
• Assist with reports, presentations, correspondence, board materials, and other written communications for department leadership, advisory boards, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Perform administrative duties including maintaining program databases, managing inventory and event equipment, coordinating purchases, maintaining warehouse organization, and assisting with departmental administrative support as needed.
• Coordinate with City departments to ensure compliance with permitting requirements, safety regulations, operational procedures, and event logistics.
• Assist with the planning and execution of department-produced special events and support other departmental initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree 2 years related experience Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Event Planning or Management, Marketing, Communications and Hospitality, or similar field of study. At least four (4) years event or performance coordination experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional organizational skills
• Exceptional communication skills – written and verbal
• Deep knowledge of downtown communities and the public places people share.
• Customer service skills and experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere
• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and techniques used in planning, coordinating, and servicing a variety of events.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, City officials, vendors, fellow employees and citizens

Licenses and Certifications

Valid Class C Texas driver's license

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The incumbent works in both indoor office and outdoor environments. Work may be performed in a variety of weather and environmental conditions associated with outdoor events, public space activations, site visits, public art installations, and other Downtown activities. Have questions or need assistance? Our friendly HR team is here to help! Reach out to us at [e-mail].