NYC Parks Programming Associate 2026

Riversideparknyc; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 33,585; Part time

Job summary

A municipal parks department is looking for a Summer on the Hudson Programming Associate. The role involves supporting public programming events by managing logistics, conducting community outreach, and ensuring the smooth execution of various activities at West Harlem Piers Park. Suitable candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant experience in community work. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about arts and culture in local parks with competitive hourly pay and a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience in community work or related activities.
• Ability to manage programs and events.
• Knowledge of sports, arts, and crafts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to local organizations.
• Stage-manage events in West Harlem Piers Park.
• Assist with clerical duties for event paperwork.

Skills

Community outreach

Social media content creation

Event management

Communication skills

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Dropbox

Zoom

Job description

City of New York/Parks & Recreation | Seasonal Job Vacancy Notice

Please note: This role is employed by NYC Parks (not Riverside Park Conservancy) and works under the supervision of RPC staff, supporting RPC programming and events.

Office Title: Summer on the Hudson Programming Associate
Civil Service Title: Community Associate
Salary: $24.38 per hour
Duration: 6 months, Flexible May Start—October 9, 2026
Work Location: West Harlem Piers Park, Manhattan

Overview

Summer on the Hudson is Riverside Park’s annual outdoor arts & culture festival that takes place from 59 th street to 181 st Street along the Hudson River and features a mix of concerts, movies, children’s shows, special day-long events, wellness activities, and more. Under the guidance of the Director of Public Programming, the Programming Associate assists in the execution of this free public festival.

Major Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to local organizations for tabling opportunities at events.
• Act as point of contact for artists, teachers and other vendors who are presenting programs in West Harlem Piers Park.
• Stage-manage all programs and events in West Harlem Piers Park. Ensure that all in-person program adhere to NYC Parks guidelines
• Work alongside NYC Parks staff to facilitate load-in/load-out of program materials.
• Administer various equipment, including recreation equipment, tables and chairs, and sound equipment. Maintain an inventory of all West Harlem Piers Park program materials
• Provide additional event support at select events in Riverside Park and Riverside Park South.
• Create and distribute flyers and posters throughout the community and in the Park.
• Assist the Director of Public Programming with all clerical duties including data entry. Perform regular event paperwork filing and report creation.
• Generate social media content for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.’
• Interact with the public in a pleasant and supportive manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above, or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1”above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience facilitating recreation programs and/or structured arts programs in a camp, college campus, community center or arts facility.
• Production management or stage management experience including theatre, concerts, outdoor events, and other performing arts programs.
• Knowledge and skills in a variety of sports activities, games, arts, and crafts.
• CPR/ First Aid Certified.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends. Ability to travel locally for events.
• Proficiency in computer software including Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox, and Zoom.

Residency requirement: Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required for all other candidates.

Vaccination requirement: As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered city employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approve by the hiring.

Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee of $61.00. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to an $87.00 background check fee.

To Apply: Send résumé and cover letter to [e-mail] with “NYC Parks Programming Associate” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Riverside Park Conservancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all applicants and employees. We recognize the importance of diversity and offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.