Job Brief:

The Program Manager plays a key role in advancing Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s mission by leading placemaking initiatives, managing community-facing programs, and supporting stakeholder engagement efforts across Greater Downtown. This role blends program ownership, cross-department collaboration, and on-the-ground execution, with a strong emphasis on public realm improvements, volunteer engagement, and community connection.

Placemaking & Public Realm Initiatives

Identify, plan, and implement mission-based placemaking initiatives, including public art, wayfinding, pedestrian enhancements, walkability improvements, pop-up activations, and other public space projects.

Support placemaking-led activations that enhance the experience of residents, workers, and visitors in Downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Banner Program

Manage the Downtown Street Pole Banner Program, including scheduling, client communication, production coordination, and execution.

Collaborate cross-departmentally with Streets, Administration, and Marketing + Events to ensure timely installation and continued program growth.

Flock Volunteer Program

Manage the Flock Volunteer Program by building relationships with nonprofit partners, coordinating volunteer opportunities, preparing communications, and providing on-site support.

Grow and maintain meaningful volunteer engagement aligned with DPI’s mission and stakeholder priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

Maintain accurate stakeholder contact records and engage in regular email and in-person communication with stakeholders, including residential properties, to raise awareness of DPI programs, services, initiatives, and events.

Attend community meetings as needed and route stakeholder feedback to appropriate DPI teams.

Events & Activation Support

Support DPI-produced, co-produced, sponsored, and community events by assisting with logistics such as ideation support, community outreach, vendor coordination, permitting support, materials preparation, and day-of execution.

Serve as a point of support for placemaking-oriented events and activations, with particular focus on engagement with residential and office towers.

Collaboration & Internal Support

Work collaboratively with other DPI departments, including Ambassadors, Clean + Green, Marketing, PCA, and Administration.

Utilize project management tools (e.g., Asana) to track initiatives, timelines, and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (a degree in urban planning or related field is a plus)
• 3–5 years of experience in event organization, community engagement, or marketing
• Willingness to work some non-traditional hours to support events
• Experience working with small businesses and property management
• Experience using Customer Management Systems (CRM)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work outside as needed

Desired Professional/Personal Characteristics

• Strong understanding of the Downtown Phoenix neighborhood
• Service-minded with a collaborative spirit
• Comfortable managing responsibilities and contributing ideas while working under direction
• Ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to new opportunities and challenges
• Engaging personality and strong people skills