Programs Manager

ESPLANADE ASSOCIATION•Boston, MA

11h•$70,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Esplanade Association seeks a seasoned Programs Manager to broaden the programming on the Charles River Esplanade and at our soon-to-be opened Charlesbank Campus and Smith Family Pavilion. Reporting to the Director of Visitor Services, the Programs Manager will play a key role in shaping the visitor experience through the development, coordination, and execution of year-round programming. This position is responsible for creating and managing a diverse portfolio of recreational, cultural, educational, and community-based programs that activate the campus and advance the Esplanade Association's mission of welcoming all visitors. The Programs Manager will lead the planning and delivery of various programs including stage performances, concerts, court-based leagues and tournaments, wellness and recreational programming, and community events. Working closely with internal and external partners, the Programs Manager will build relationships with performers, instructors, athletic organizations, cultural institutions, sponsors, and community groups to maximize visitor engagement through many modes. As the Charlesbank Campus debuts and expands programming opportunities, the Programs Manager will maximize those opportunities by overseeing program logistics, scheduling, vendor coordination, contract administration, and RFP development related to programming. The position will collaborate closely with other staff to ensure exceptional visitor experiences and seamless campus operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Recreation Management, Arts Administration, or related field.
3–5 years of experience in events, community programming, venue operations, stage management, or public-facing programs.
Experience coordinating performances, athletic events, educational programs, or public events.
Strong collaboration skills with staff, vendors, volunteers, partners, and the public.
Commitment to a positive visitor experience.
A demonstrated history of cultural competence.
Strong project management, organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience developing and managing budgets.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of event production, stage operations, sound, lighting, RFPs, procurement, sponsorships, and partnerships preferred.
Relevant networks of vendors, clients, partners, or attendees a plus.
Knowledge of the Charles River Esplanade and passion for parks, historic landmarks, recreation, culture, education, green space, and sustainability a plus.
Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a robust annual slate of programs and activities across the Charles River Esplanade, with an emphasis on the new Charlesbank Campus.
Coordinate performances, concerts, festivals, theatrical productions, and community events utilizing indoor and outdoor spaces.
Determine and respond to audience interest and capacity for different styles and types of programs.
Identify opportunities to attract innovative performers, cultural organizations, and entertainment partners.
Oversee program logistics including scheduling, set up and breakdown, staffing, permits, equipment, registration, adherence to safety requirements, and vendor coordination.
Lead the development, issuance, and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to programming, entertainment, event production, concessions, facility services, and vendor partnerships.
Serve as liaison between performers, promoters, and production teams with campus stakeholders.
Coordinate program site layouts, sharing proposed site plans and coordinating with operations staff to communicate the impact of programs on the park.
Coordinate technical requirements including sound, lighting, staging, and production support.
Develop best practices for use of programmable spaces on the Charlesbank Campus.
In collaboration with Programs team and other staff, manage programs supply of equipment, coordination of pick-up, and storage.
Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual obligations are met.
Evaluate program success through attendance, participant feedback, and revenue goals.
Reflect regularly on program strengths and weaknesses, and offer creative ideas to enhance the portfolio.
Cultivate, maintain, and document relationships with sponsors, community organizations, arts groups, educational institutions, and program producers.
Contribute to the production of annual partnership convenings hosted by EA.
Secure partnerships that increase campus visibility, participation, and revenue generation.
Identify new programming opportunities that align with campus goals and community interests.
Assist with sponsorship packages, funding opportunities, and periodic Development initiatives and events.
Develop and manage program registration webpages.
Work closely with marketing staff to develop compelling online and printed marketing materials to drive participation in EA programs, particularly with a focus on broadening EA’s audience.
Manage pre- and post-program communications to registrants including but not limited to program info, follow-up surveys, cancellations/postponements, reminders, and updates.
Work closely with marketing staff to ensure EA activities are shared with wide-reaching media outlets and calendar listing services, including those sharing program information in languages other than English.
Participate in periodic community and networking events on behalf of EA to build awareness of our programs.
Actively support superior visitor experience in all aspects of work including frequent conversations, wayfinding help, and inquiry response in the park and at the Charlesbank Campus info desk.
Provide auxiliary support for volunteer programs and strengthen volunteer relationships with EA.
Contribute to annual departmental budget plan.
Develop and execute assigned programs portfolio within allocated budget including monitoring expenses, revenues, and financial performance.
Coordinate RFP vendor selection processes and contract administration.
Assist in the preparation of reports, programming recommendations, and performance metrics for leadership.
Support hiring process and oversight of seasonal Programs staff.
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.

Benefits

15 vacation, 12 sick & 2 personal days per year (after 2 years of service, vacation days increase to 17)
11 holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, MLK Day, and Presidents Day off and the 6 remaining as floating holidays depending on holiday worked, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day and Veterans Day.
Health and dental insurance, 80% of monthly premium paid by EA
Health savings account with $2,500 EA contribution for those enrolled in EA health plan
403(b) retirement plan
Commuter benefits, pre-tax deduction up to $300/month
Paid professional development opportunities
Opportunity for advancement
Free uniforms
Training & development