Manager of Community Engagement

Friends of the High Line•New York, NY

5d•$70,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Community Engagement cultivates and maintains relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders that includes community-based organizations, cultural institutions, offices of elected officials, and community boards. Through strategic partnerships and intentional engagement, this role plays a critical part in building sustained connections with communities across all five boroughs of New York City, expanding the High Line’s reach and relevance citywide. By connecting these groups to the organization’s broader goals, the Manager of Community Engagement ensures the High Line remains an inclusive, welcoming space for the local community and City at large. This position reports to the Director of Public Events and Special Projects and works closely with the Public Events & Community Engagement Coordinator, and is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $70,000 - $80,000, based upon experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of five years experience in the nonprofit and/or public sector (e.g., working for an elected official and/or government entity) with experience in community engagement and organizing and an understanding of civic processes and community dynamics.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with diverse communities and navigating public-sector or nonprofit environments in New York City.
Demonstrated experience building and sustaining partnerships across diverse communities, including citywide or multi-neighborhood initiatives.
Ability to work with and motivate others, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, projects, and priorities effectively.
Solid written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and training expertise.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and inspire others to take action around important initiatives.
Experience applying community engagement and facilitation techniques, including the use of data assessment tools to track and assess the impact of activities.
Excellent computer skills, including Google Workplace.
Willingness and ability to work weekends and evenings.
Ability to synthesize information quickly.
Sound decision-making skills with an understanding of when to seek input.
Self starter with a sense of humor.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Chinese) and familiarity with neighborhoods on the West Side of Manhattan preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with leadership to develop a community engagement strategy that builds meaningful partnerships and drives engagement with New Yorkers from all five boroughs to the High Line, connecting diverse communities to the High Line.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with community-based organizations (e.g., tenant and neighborhood associations, block associations), offices of elected officials, faith-based institutions, cultural organizations, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), small and large businesses, individual community members, and other relevant networks to strengthen citywide engagement and participation.
Represent the High Line at community meetings and events, including on evenings and weekends.
Serve as the primary liaison and internal coordinator for community-facing representation across departments, when appropriate.
Foster connections with underserved and underrepresented communities across the City to help create a more people-centered and equitable public space.
Develop strategies to expand the High Line’s community engagement outreach and visibility during peak programming months on the park.
Manage the planning and execution of community engagement events on the High Line including key initiatives (Neighbors Council, West Side Fest, our community wellness classes, and more), ensuring clear goals, strong participation, and measurable outcomes.
Collaborate across High Line departments to align community focused efforts with the organization’s goals and initiatives, ensuring partnerships translate into sustained engagement and impact.
Develop and maintain systems for tracking community partnerships, engagement activities, and outcomes, using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.
Establish and maintain feedback mechanisms to increase organizational responsiveness to community needs, and strengthen trust
Keep an active registry of key social service and cultural organizations and their program offerings.
Support occasional cross-functional projects led by the Director of Public Events and Special Projects that intersect with community engagement, public programming, or special initiatives.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays
Discounts
Citi Bike Membership
Discounts with vendors at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
Free entrance to the Whitney Museum
Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
Commuter benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts
Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
Employee Assistance Program
Growth & Development