Urban Park Manager

International Downtown Association • Fort Lauderdale, FL

259d • Onsite

About The Position

If you are excited about the opportunity to improve and manage Downtown Fort Lauderdale's signature public spaces, we want to hear from you. If you take pride in creating exceptional guest experiences and ensuring that beloved parks and public spaces are maintained at a high level, join our team. Help us set a new standard for the day-to-day management of Downtown Fort Lauderdale's signature public space, Huizenga Park. The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a public-private partnership agency that powers the experience, growth, and prosperity of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. DowntownFTL is a vibrant metropolitan city that is evolving at the center of the South Florida region, where all are inspired to live like locals. The DDA implements projects to improve the public realm and create a flourishing destination for residents, employees, and visitors. The DDA is leading the $15 million renovation of Huizenga Park with the goal of building DowntownFTL's signature waterfront gathering space. Currently under construction and set to reopen by the end of 2025, Huizenga Park will emerge as everyone's outdoor living room, dining room, and backyard all in one. Huizenga Park is a public-private-philanthropic partnership (P4) and is funded by the DDA, City of Fort Lauderdale, State of Florida, and private donors. This project is on track to have a sustainable operating budget thanks to a proven business model based on successful urban parks throughout the country. One element of this model includes the introduction of a new full-service, privately-operated restaurant into Huizenga Park. This partnership will help activate the park and contribute to the resources needed to become one of the best urban parks in Florida. Upon demonstrating success with Huizenga Park, the DDA intends to replicate this model to improve other parks and public spaces in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

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.
• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in business management, hospitality management, property management, parks & recreation, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a related field (preferred).
• Previous history working at or familiarity with organizations like a downtown development authority, downtown partnership, business improvement district, or park foundation (preferred).
• Employ a working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of parks and urban design (preferred).
• Experience in event planning and management (preferred).
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must have or able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's license, pass a Level 2 background check, and comply with DDA policies as a drug free and smoke free workplace.

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: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree