URBAN PARK MANAGER

City Parks Alliance • Fort Lauderdale, FL

258d • Onsite

About The Position

The Urban Park Manager position at the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) involves overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and programming of Huizenga Park, a key public space in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The role requires managing park staff, third-party contractors, and programming partners to ensure the park is clean, safe, and welcoming. The Urban Park Manager will finalize the park's Operations, Maintenance, and Programming (OMP) plan and secure resources needed for day-to-day operations prior to the park's reopening in late 2025. The DDA is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences and maintaining high standards for public spaces.

Requirements

• At least five years of increasingly responsible managerial experience with proven leadership in public space management, operations, property management, hospitality management, urban planning, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent fiscal and business management skills.
• Track record of managing a diverse team.
• Strong problem-solving capability.
• Meticulous attention to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, public-facing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in business management, hospitality management, property management, parks & recreation, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Previous history working at or familiarity with organizations like a downtown development authority, downtown partnership, business improvement district, or park foundation.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of parks and urban design.
• Experience in event planning and management.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Finalize and implement the park's OMP strategy; develop and manage the park budget.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all aspects of park operations.
• Manage a team of in-house and/or 3rd party vendors including but not limited to the Park Groundskeeper, landscaping services, and Cleaning/Maintenance team.
• Oversee all aspects of park maintenance including daily care of the civic lawn, seating terraces, restrooms, dog run, fountain, public art, signage, benches, trash containers, public right of way, sidewalks, pavers, horticulture, fencing, lighting, and site furnishings.
• Oversee Huizenga Park's routine monthly programming and special event calendar.
• Coordinate with programming partners to plan, implement, and track the performance of events and activations.
• Develop and oversee an application process and event planning guide for 3rd party-run special events.
• Oversee income-generating activities; concessions, special events, merchandise, etc.
• Assist in ensuring that contractual obligations are met between the DDA, the Park's restaurant operator, and the Park's concessionaire.
• Coordinate with key public and private stakeholders and partners.
• Provide initial training to all on-site park staff and volunteers.
• Assist in the collection, analysis and sharing of relevant data and performance indicators on park usage, impact, and program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with staff on PR and marketing initiatives to promote Huizenga Park.

Benefits

• Retirement plan with company matching up to 5% of salary.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account.
• 160 hours annually of Paid Time Off and 10 designated holidays.
• Opportunity for discretional performance-based bonus pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Environmental Quality Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree