Programming Jobs in Denver, CO

Downtown Parks Strategic Initiatives & Programming Manager

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills, and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce of more than 1,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) stewards a legacy park system and is dedicated to customer service and enhancing the health of residents and the environment through innovative programs and safe, beautiful, and sustainable urban parks and public spaces, including Denver's first National Historic Landmark, Civic Center Park. The department is seeking a dynamic, energetic and entrepreneurial Downtown Parks Strategic Initiatives & Programming Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the year-round programming and activation of Denver's most iconic parks, public spaces and outdoor venues in Downtown Denver.

The Downtown Parks Strategic Initiatives & Programming Manager will serve as both a strategic leader and a creative force supporting and collaborating with partners and community groups' programs, activities and events, establishing operating standards, financial and performance goals, staffing plans and a programming vision that make Downtown Denver's parks, public spaces and outdoor venues a destination where something is always happening. From free and ticketed weekly concerts and cultural celebrations to large-scale park festivals and daily outdoor programs and activities, this individual will help to create a year-round calendar that reflects Denver's unique identity and ensures these spaces are vibrant and welcoming for everyone. Working closely with cultural and community organizations, city agencies, and DPR leadership, the Manager will build the partnerships, policies and world-class programs needed to activate the parks, public spaces and outdoor venues at the heart of our city, and in turn, ensure the vitality of Downtown Denver and the city overall.

Impact of the Role: The Downtown Parks Strategic Initiatives & Programming Manager plays a critical role in programming and activating Downtown Denver's parks as dynamic and welcoming community spaces - enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors while generating revenue to support ongoing programming, maintenance, and long-term vitality for DPR's Downtown Denver parks, public spaces and outdoor venues.

Responsibilities

• Program Management & Administration:
  • Oversee the full lifecycle of DPR-curated park programs, including planning, scheduling, registration, and evaluation.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with partners, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to support and facilitate park programs, activities, and events.
  • Develop working knowledge of all relevant City and DPR rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Develop and implement new and updated policies, procedures, and standards to ensure effective and consistent program delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with permits, contracts, insurance requirements, and risk management protocols.
  • Serve as the project manager and contract administrator for the city's contracts associated with the programming and operations of DPR's downtown parks, public spaces and outdoor venues.
• Program Development & Curation:
  • Design and curate diverse programming, including recreational, cultural, educational, and wellness activities.
  • Develop seasonal and annual programming strategies aligned with community needs and organizational goals.
  • Coordinate with DPR leadership, other City agencies and partners to align program and venue operations to advance department and city goals.
  • Continuously assess program performance and refine offerings based on data and feedback.
• Event Planning & Revenue Generation:
  • Plan and execute a mix of free and admission-based events to maximize participation and earned revenue.
  • Develop pricing strategies, ticketing systems, and attendance projections for revenue-generating events.
  • Identify and secure sponsorships, partnerships, and donor support to offset costs and enhance programming.
  • Collaborate on fundraising initiatives and campaigns tied to park programming.
• Contract Management & Administration:
  • Negotiate, execute, and manage contracts with partner organizations, vendors, event producers, performers, instructors, and service providers. Have a working knowledge of city contracting policies and procedures to effectively negotiate contract terms, administer the contracts, and monitor contracts for compliance.
  • Initiate, develop and administer RFI, RFQ, RFPs as needed to provide year-round programming and support operations and management of DPR's downtown parks, public space and outdoor venues.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual terms, deliverables, and payment schedules.
  • Maintain accurate contract records and coordinate with legal and procurement teams as needed.
• Partnerships & Community Engagement:
  • Foster and manage relationships with established partners, community organizations, nonprofits, artists, musicians, instructors, program providers and other local businesses.
  • Develop strategic partnerships that expand programming capacity and funding opportunities.
  • Serve as the convener of community, culture, and recreation for DPR's downtown parks, public spaces and outdoor venues. Support event organizers and partners with navigating through city process and procedures and complying with city requirements and permitting associated with public events, programs and activities. Coordinate downtown programming with DPR Permitting, Operations, Park Rangers and other city agencies
  • Engage diverse communities to ensure inclusive, equitable access to programs and events.
• Operations & Coordination:
  • Foster and maintain positive working relationships with other city departments; and coordinate programs and operations with the DPR Downtown Parks Operations team, Park Rangers, DPR Permitting, Marketing and Communications and other DPR staff to ensure successful program delivery.
  • Ensure program and venue compliance with City policies, safety regulations, ADA accessibility and risk management protocols.
  • Manage program calendars across multiple park sites and ensure efficient resource allocation.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Budgeting & Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage annual operating and program budgets, including revenue and expense tracking.
  • Develop pricing strategies for rentals, events and services in alignment with DPR policy.
  • Monitor financial performance and adjust strategies to meet revenue targets.
  • Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and analyses related to program operations.
• Marketing & Outreach:
  • Collaborate with marketing teams to promote programs and events through digital, print, and community channels.
  • Support ticket sales, sponsorship visibility, and donor recognition efforts.
  • Develop outreach strategies to increase awareness and participation across diverse audiences.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:
  • Develop and track annual program and venue goals and performance metrics to measure participation, revenue, park and community impacts.
  • Prepare regular reports and presentations on program outcomes, financial performance, and operational effectiveness.
  • Develop and use data analytic systems to actively gather, share, and operationalize information and data to inform future programming, revenue strategies and operations of DPR's downtown parks, public spaces and outdoor venues. Prepare reports and presentations as needed for DPR leadership and internal/external partners to assist with decision-making.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, Event Management, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 46+ years of experience in program administration and/or event management, including revenue-generating initiatives.
• Experience with operating and managing outdoor venues and park facilities is desirable.
• Experience in successfully executing public space-public life principles is desirable.
• Experience in successfully planning, implementing, and managing outdoor recreation, arts and culture programs and activities in downtown parks and public spaces.
• Strong political and strategic acumen. Demonstrated ability to understand and foster positive partnerships, anticipate risks, and navigate complex stakeholder environments to achieve long-term objectives.
• Creative and critical thinker who is strategic (vision, mission-focused) and tactical (implementation).
• Experience in successfully fostering and managing complex partnerships in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and customer service oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and meet revenue targets.
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts, partnerships and vendor relationships, and other related agreements, including sponsorship, gifts and naming. Knowledge of city and department policies, processes, legal and other civic and political practices is desirable.
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