Community Program Manager

About the role

This unclassified position plans, implements and promotes city events and specialized programming that enhances resident and visitor experiences by managing a comprehensive program calendar and collaborating with staff and community organizations to create successful events or programs that add value to the community. The role establishes and maintains collaborative relationships to accomplish the city’s goals and assists city boards as their work relates to community events. The position is FLSA‑exempt, does not receive overtime, works under the general direction of the director, and manages Community Programs personnel.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and coordinate programs, events, classes, festivals, groundbreakings, ceremonial functions, and similar activities, including set‑up, clean‑up, supply management, food and related tasks to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate with vendors, suppliers and contractors to ensure programming is safe, entertaining, well‑publicized and on budget.
• Lead an internal, cross‑functional team to coordinate event permitting and support; manage staff through training, coaching, performance evaluation, scheduling, overtime approval, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Develop creative advertising for events and programs in conjunction with the city’s communications and marketing team to attract participants, volunteers and sponsors.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budget; perform accounting tasks such as budget tracking, revenue reconciliation, financial reporting, invoicing and refunds.
• Negotiate, secure and manage contracts with event suppliers and professional service providers.
• Recruit and manage volunteers, directing their work to further city event goals.
• Plan, manage and direct overall development and implementation of community programs, including educational programs, senior programs, and the Community Connectors program.
• Design and implement outreach strategies to promote city and partner programming and events for broad community visibility, awareness and participation.
• Coordinate with partners such as the New Albany Joint Parks District on community programming, with a specific focus on senior programs.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Hospitality Management, Parks & Recreation, or a related field, plus more than five years of relevant experience, including progressive supervisory experience; a Master’s degree is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license.
• Pre‑employment drug screen required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of marketing and public relations strategies, event industry standards, strategic communications, and current communication trends; familiarity with governmental or nonprofit operations is preferred.
• Ability to coordinate projects and organize groups to achieve results, work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, think analytically, solve problems independently, and generate creative ideas.
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service, receive feedback, collaborate with team members, manage simultaneous projects, maintain confidentiality, and use independent judgment.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community partners, public officials, vendors and the public, and to handle difficult situations with composure and professionalism.
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours at outdoor events, in inclement weather, and to perform physical tasks such as walking, standing, and lifting light objects.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, social‑media marketing, composing correspondence, and using Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop).
• Skill in reviewing detailed records for accuracy, coordinating work between units, rigorous problem‑solving, and anticipating obstacles.