Job description

Reports to: Director of Community Relations
Department : Community Relations
Status: Exempt

Central Park is one of the most famous and beloved urban public spaces in the world. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1857, the 843-acre park was the first purpose-built public park in the country and is a National Historic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since that time, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of approximately $1 billion in the restoration of the park, and now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from the pace and pressures of city life, enhancing the enjoyment and well-being of all. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of the Park’s care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. Committed to sharing the best practices in urban park management, the Conservancy also serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. The Conservancy employs 325 people and has an operating budget of $80 million.

The Position
The Manager is responsible for supervising the day-to-day community relations operation and implementing all programs of work as set forth by the Director of Community Relations. Working under the supervision of the Director and as part of a team that manages Community Relations as a whole, the Manager is responsible for, but not limited to, staff leadership and shift supervision, quality assurance as it relates to in-person public interface, training employees and executing programs of work, upkeep of program materials, and related administrative tasks.

Essential Duties | Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of full-time Community Relations Coordinators tasked with supporting field operations in conflict resolution and emergency response; and educating Park patrons, user groups, and vendors about NYC Park Rules and Regulations
• Hire, supervise, and provide performance feedback for coordinators; ensure supervision and performance measurements are aligned with Conservancy standards
• Organize Coordinator schedules to meet daily and seasonal programs of work; delegate tasks and hold Coordinators responsible for satisfactory performance of assignments
• Assist Community Relations Coordinators in establishing relationships with user groups, Park patrons, and vendors
• Ensure Coordinators are aware of permitted activities and events happening in the park
• Demonstrate a customer service approach that is responsive and ensures a positive public image

Program Management

• Respond to conflicts and emergency situations as they occur in the park
• Keep current in all matters, policies, and procedures, related to NYC Parks rules and permit regulations
• Assist in the development of departmental goals and programs of work for Community Relations
• Perform regular site visits to permit areas; identify user groups whose activities require a permit and work with NYC Parks to move these groups into the permit system
• Participate in developing, promoting, and delivering community relations-focused outreach efforts and stewardship programs
• Assist the Director to develop and implement conflict resolution training, staff safety and emergency response procedures; administer trainings at appropriate intervals
• Assist the Director in the development of the Community Outreach budget and monitor expenses throughout the year; initiate purchasing and maintain proper care of all equipment, materials, and supplies related to outreach functions
• Use computer-based management systems for budget control, scheduling, timekeeping, and reporting

Collaboration

• Collaborate with management and field staff across Operations to identify areas for outreach involving Park user groups, patrons, and vendors, and which address general quality of life issues
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including various New York City agencies, individual Park patrons, community groups, various leagues, clubs and associations, and partner organizations
• Participate in various inter-agency meetings, committees, and internal working groups, as assigned
• Engage with external stakeholders such as NYPD, Parks Enforcement Patrol, and Department of Homeless Services to address ongoing quality of life and enforcement issues in Central Park
• Collaborate with divisions across Operations to assess permitted landscapes, set parameters for permitted use, and collect and report evidence of permit violation

Related Work

• Respond to public concerns and complaints in writing, by phone, or in-person, in a timely and diplomatic fashion, as needed
• Although not part of day-to-day tasks, the Manager may be called upon to perform other operations-based field work and tasks as needed and/or required

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college; demonstrated experience in the fields of community engagement or public affairs, including a minimum of 1 year managing and supervising others; or

• Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above. However, all candidates must possess the 1 year of managing others and have demonstrated the ability to work well and collaborate as part of a team

• Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment

• Possess a fundamental understanding and knowledge of customer service, general administrative support operations, and experience in high-volume settings

Salary range: $79,700K-$102K (based on level of experience)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all. Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the park. In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.

Abilities

• Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content

• Ability to engage in critical thinking skills that allow for prioritizing issues, coordinating multiple projects and problem-solving

• Ability to interact with others in a courteous, diplomatic, and professional manner at all times

• Ability to serve as a collaborative and flexible part of a team

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e-mail, and Internet applications; experience with database systems and ability to quickly learn new systems

• Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays and/or outdoors as needed

• Ability to lift 30 lbs. and perform work that requires long periods of standing, walking to various locations throughout the park as needed, and driving

Safety Requirements
Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and follow federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

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