Summer Intern, Public Space Management

Port Authority of NY & NJ•New York, NY

12d•$18 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

At the 16-acre World Trade Center (WTC) Campus, we’re shaping one of the world’s most iconic public spaces to be vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready. This summer, the WTC Campus Experience and Strategy Division (CESD) is looking for a Public Space Management Intern to help us bring public space to life through daily programming, amenities, and activations. The CES Division is responsible for a broad array of responsibilities beyond Public Space, including sustainability, resiliency, and transportation, among others. This role primarily focuses on public space management and placemaking - the day-to-day programming, stewardship, and amenities that make public space welcoming. You will gain hands-on experience in public space management with exposure to how programing and amenities shape a world-class public space; there will be opportunities to test placemaking ideas that add vibrancy and character to the campus; and you will have direct exposure to sustainability, resiliency and transportation initiatives at a major public campus. In addition, you will develop a portfolio of visible work that demonstrates creativity, problem-solving and impact

Requirements

Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship
Major in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Hospitality, Public Administration, Arts & Culture Management or related discipline
Familiarity with 2D/3D modeling or design tools (Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Passionate about people-centered design, public space programming, placemaking, and community engagement.
Creative and curious - always looking for new ways to make spaces more welcoming, inclusive and engaging, and put the public realm to its highest and best uses.
Comfortable standing for extended periods and working hands-on in busy public spaces.
Willing to work evenings or weekends to conduct field research, support events/activations
Comfortable working outdoors in an active campus environment, sometimes in hot summer weather
A strong communicator who enjoys engaging with the public, campus partners and diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Support Daily Programming and Placemaking: Help deliver and coordinate activities that animate streets, sidewalks, and plazas - from games and lending programs to seasonal events that bring creativity and playfulness to the campus.
Enhance Public Space Amenities: Pilot and manage public space amenities (shade, seating, activities), track usage, and recommend improvements.
Engage the Community: Collect on-the-ground feedback from visitors, office workers, and residents to strengthen the WTC as a true community asset.
Benchmark Best Practices: Research leading public spaces and share insights with World Trade Center Leadership.
Collaborative Exposure: Work occasionally with the WTC Campus Experience and Strategy Division Special Events team to support larger campus activations and see how events and daily place management connect.