As progress continues toward creating a community park at the former RES site in Rockport, organizers are searching for a programming manager to help grow use of the space for programs and activities.

An ad is now circulating, with the deadline for applications set for April 5.

Details follow:

Job Opening: Programming Manager, RES Community Park, Rockport

Organization Description:

The Lesher Family Foundation (LFF), the Town of Rockport (TOR) and Legacy Rockport (LR) seek to create an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant community gathering place at the proposed RES Community Park that is accessible to all through neighborhood engagement and park activation that includes education, recreation and cultural programs. Design and community outreach has begun for the new park but the official ground-breaking for the park will not be before 2025. LFF, TOR and LR are interested in making the site available for public use in the interim through a series of creative programs and activation opportunities.

Summary:

We are seeking a passionate part-time Programming Manager to support activation and programming efforts through the 2024 Summer and Fall Season, approximately from April to December. The Programming Manager would be responsible for creating a community-based committee that can build partnerships, organize a diverse programming schedule, engage a volunteer base and ensure compliance with permitting and Town regulations. The goal before ground-breaking is to demonstrate the value and potential of the new park.

Ideal applicants have an interest in event programming, public engagement and working outdoors. You will be working directly with the public and volunteers, and will be expected to lead small projects independently and in highly collaborative settings. An interest and background in outdoor recreation, the arts and environmental stewardship is welcome.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Lesher Family Foundation, with an office at the Town of Rockport, the Programming Manager will have overall operational responsibility for developing an RES Park Activation Plan, including developing and leading a community-based Programming Committee to support creation of the plan. Specifically,

● Engage the community to secure interest in being part of a community Programming Committee to provide leadership for park programming.

● Work with the Committee to develop an action plan for Summer/Fall 2024 programs.

● Respond to all inquiries related to park programming based on promotion of the plan and a call for proposals.

● Initiate and manage collaborations with organizations to support programming.

● Working with the Programming Committee to secure sponsorships for events.

● Establish a marketing/promotions calendar and place in printed and online publications.

● Manage and create graphics for social media (FB, Instagram, X).

● Write and distribute press releases for events.

● Publish online event calendar and photos.

● Manage outreach and collaboration with the Town of Rockport to assure all programs and events meet Town regulations.

Qualifications:

● Bachelor's degree preferred

● 3 years of experience in the non-profit arts or parks space preferred

● Successful community engagement experience

● Demonstrated ability to work independently and be entrepreneurial

● Experience working with volunteers and committees

● Outstanding interpersonal skills

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people

● Ability to think proactively and creatively

● Ability to motivate and inspire volunteers and the community

● Event coordination and/or arts programming experience preferred

● Strong organizational skills

● Strong marketing and social media skills

● Willing and able to work some evenings/weekends for events

Job Type: Part time, 10 hours a week, flex work schedule.

Compensation: Hourly, TBD.

Location: Work from Town of Rockport offices, with some flexibility to work from home, with a regular physical presence in the park to oversee upkeep and events, work with volunteers, and engage with park users.

How to apply: Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume as a single PDF file to MJ Young, mjyoung@LESHERFAMFDN.ORG, by April 5, 2024.

Expected start date: April 22, 2024