Public Programs & Events Manager: Community Impact

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY INC; United States; On-site; USD 74,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Park Conservancy is seeking a Manager of Public Programs and Events to oversee its year‑round free public programs and signature events, including Davis Center offerings. You will coordinate internal teams, partners, vendors, and logistics to deliver engaging, safe experiences across Central Park.

The role requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of large-scale event planning experience in a public or nonprofit setting, with strong communication and budget-management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college and 5 years of experience in large-scale event planning and management, preferably in a public or non-profit organization.
• Knowledge of visitor experience management using modern practices; experience in high-visitation settings is desirable.
• Ability to think creatively and generate new ideas for impactful community events.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in budget management and logistical coordination.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of event planning and logistics.
• Coordinate with internal teams to incorporate community input and partner participation.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and metrics.
• Lead the permit application process for all programs.
• Schedule and contract external facilitators, vendors, and performers; manage payments.
• Serve as primary liaison for load-in/load-out; coordinate with vendors, staff, NYPD, and PEP.
• Ensure safety guidelines and crowd control; manage inventory and equipment care.
• Track attendance, feedback, and engagement to inform future programs.
• Support reports to senior staff and funders; collaborate on collateral with Marketing.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Team leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Central Park Conservancy is seeking a Manager of Public Programs and Events to oversee its year‑round free public programs and signature events, including Davis Center offerings. You will coordinate internal teams, partners, vendors, and logistics to deliver engaging, safe experiences across Central Park.

The role requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of large-scale event planning experience in a public or nonprofit setting, with strong communication and budget-management skills.