Program & Activation Specialist

City of Chandler; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chandler Cultural Development Department seeks a Program & Activation Specialist (full-time, temporary) to activate the downtown park, coordinate public events, and enhance community gatherings in Chandler’s bustling core.

The role emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and creative problem solving to deliver welcoming experiences for residents and visitors while supporting ongoing operations and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required in Facilities Maintenance, Event Management, Project Management or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in general or landscaping maintenance, programming and coordinating special events.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered.
• Knowledge of community activation strategies and public space management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Activate the downtown park by coordinating daily operations and special events.
• Support day-to-day operations and initiatives with creativity and reliability.
• Collaborate with partners to create welcoming community experiences.
• Balance multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Community activation strategies

Public space management

Event programming

Project coordination

Communication skills

Multitasking

Data collection & reporting

Education

Associate degree in Facilities Maintenance or related field

Job description

The City of Chandler Cultural Development Department is currently seeking qualified individuals interested in joining our team as a Program & Activation Specialist (full-time, temporary). This position serves at the discretion of the department director. The position is scheduled to work Monday – Friday 8Am-5PM. May occasionally work nights and weekends.

Current City of Chandler employees may only hold one position and are not eligible for additional part-time or secondary positions within the City of Chandler.

Why work for Chandler?

• Open and collaborative environment
• Dress code is business casual, with jeans on Fridays
• 3 medical plans to choose from
• Accrue 1 hour of paid Statutory Sick Leave (SSL) for every 30 hours worked, eligible for use immediately following accrual; may use up to 40 hours of SSL per tax calendar year
• Become part of the Arizona State Retirement System with a 100% city contribution match
• Free Tumbleweed Recreation Center membership

Who we are

The City of Chandler Cultural Development Department showcases key destination drivers across the community, including the Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler Museum, Downtown Chandler, Public Art, Special Events, Vision Gallery, and our downtown park spaces.

Who we are looking for

Our new team member will be passionate about customer service, teamwork, and collaboration. We’re seeking someone who excels in a fast-moving downtown environment, brings fresh ideas to activate public spaces, and supports day-to-day operations and initiatives with creativity, reliability, and enthusiasm. This role places a strong focus on supporting and activating the downtown park—enhancing its use, coordinating activities, and creating welcoming experiences that encourage community connection and vibrancy.

Minimum qualifications

• An associate’s degree in Facilities Maintenance, Event Management, Project Management or a related field; and
• 2 years of experience in general and/or landscaping maintenance, programming and coordinating special events; and
• a valid Drivers' License with acceptable driving record; or
• any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Desired qualifications

• Knowledge of community activation strategies, public space management, and general programming.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with internal staff, businesses, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to identify opportunities for improving public spaces.
• Experience with data collection, reporting, and program evaluation.

The City of Chandler will conduct a pre-employment driving record check as a condition of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable results. All applicants hired will be required to be fingerprinted with successful results as a condition of continued employment.

Applicants for employment and volunteer opportunities should be aware of the City of Chandler’s policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the city’s Drug Free Workplace Policy. Certain positions within the city are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment or volunteer opportunity. The examination process may vary if determined necessary.

The City of Chandler is committed to Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation.