Description Position Summary The Programming & Events Manager plays a key role in shaping the voice, energy, and community connection of the Jax Riverfront Alliance. This position is responsible for activating and enlivening the riverfront through the planning, coordination, and execution of a year-round calendar of public programs and events. As an integral part of JRA's mission to create a vibrant, connected, and engaging riverfront experience, the Manager oversees a diverse portfolio of programming, including signature in-house events such as movie nights, fitness and wellness activities, and community gatherings, as well as partnerships with third-party organizers for markets, classes, festivals, and other activations. The role ensures that all programming is thoughtfully curated, professionally executed, and accessible to a broad and diverse audience of residents and visitors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Develop and maintain seasonal and long-term community engagement calendars, balancing active programming (events) with passive engagement opportunities that encourage sustainable, everyday use.
- Manage all on-the-ground aspects of event production, including load-in/load-out, vendor coordination, and real-time troubleshooting.
- Lead permitting efforts for all programming, navigating JRA's streamlined permitting process to maximize operational flexibility and event success.
- Develop and manage programmatic budgets, coordinating with the development team to identify and pursue sponsorship opportunities for branded events and activations.
- Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for every activation and produce monthly impact reports to measure what programs are successful and what opportunities exist for improvement.
- Develop and refine scalable event playbooks and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality execution as the park network expands.
- Collaborate closely with City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS), the Downtown Investment Authority, Downtown Vision, Inc., and other cultural and downtown stakeholders to ensure programming complements and amplifies community initiatives.
- Recruit, train, and supervise part-time event staff, contractors, and volunteers under the guidance of organizational leadership.
- Assess and implement alcohol sales opportunities within the Riverfront Project Area, managing liquor liability and ensuring compliance with Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) regulations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with neighborhood leaders, community organizations, and cultural groups to ensure programming reflects Jacksonville's diverse communities.
• Develop and manage program budgets while partnering with the development team to identify sponsorship opportunities for events and activations.
Education & Experience Requirements - Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Recreation, Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field preferred; master's in Urban Placemaking and Management from the Pratt Institute is ideal.
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in event planning, cultural programming, placemaking, parks and recreation, or other public-facing program management roles.
- Demonstrated success planning and executing community events and programs while managing multiple priorities, stakeholders, timelines, and logistics in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent project management skills with creative problem-solving approaches and ability to meet timelines and deadlines, some which are overlapping.
- Strong project management and logistics skills; ability to manage multiple stakeholders, projects, and event-planning logistics in a fast-paced urban environment.
- Experience with digital storytelling, directing external vendors for graphic design or website needs.
- Experience managing program staff and external vendors is preferred.
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Required Skills Proven ability to create community-centered and inclusive programming that serves many socioeconomic audiences.
Proven ability to use attendance data and qualitative feedback to evaluate program ROI and make data-driven recommendations for calendar adjustments.
Positive and welcoming hospitality approach with park visitors.
Evening and weekend availability is required to support the riverfront's peak activation times.
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