Description
OVERVIEW
The Trust for Governors Island is seeking an experienced Director of Events and Public Programs to lead all aspects of its events program. Supporting a robust annual calendar of public, ticketed and private events, the Director of Events and Public Programs is responsible for the successful marketing, sales and execution of events on the Island, including but not limited to ticketed and non-ticketed public events, festivals, film shoots and private events. Additionally, the Director is responsible for the production of Trust-presented public programs, leading the creation of community-based programs in coordination with the public affairs team and supporting additional events led by the Trust’s arts, climate, and advancement (fundraising teams). This role oversees one full-time staff member, the Trust’s Events and Public Programs Associate.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Drive event sales and business development by identifying prospective clients, conducting site tours, responding to inquiries, and negotiating contracts for public and private events, film shoots, and venue rentals in collaboration with the Legal and Public Affairs teams
- Lead events marketing strategy to achieve revenue and audience goals, develop venue marketing materials, and maintain client tracking and communication systems
- Manage event operations from inquiry through execution by coordinating with external production teams, reviewing site plans and production details, obtaining permits and COIs, creating internal briefing materials, and maintaining the Island-wide events calendar
- Conceptualize and execute year-round calendar of community-based public programs, including Climate Week events, annual Pumpkin Patch, and more
- Develop and maintain event policies, procedures, and client-facing guidelines including site fee quotes, operating procedures, preferred vendor lists, and Tenant Event Policy
- Serve as the on-site point of contact for event days, set-up and breakdown, and assign and manage event-related tasks in collaboration with the Operations team
- Lead pre- and post-event site walk throughs, documenting damage when relevant
- Work with the Public Affairs team to establish venue marketing materials for Island locations
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with current and prospective clients and vendors and proactively seek out new business opportunities
- Work with Island tenants and the Governors Island National Monument/National Park Service to coordinate events in accordance with the Trust’s Tenant Event Policy
- Manage all event invoicing and close-out in coordination with the Finance team
- Assist with other administrative, production and event-related duties, including but not limited to special events related to the Island’s Arts and Culture program, community events, fundraising events, volunteerism, Governors Island amenities, and other strategic initiatives
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree is required
Experience:
- Minimum 6 years of event management, sales and production experience at a high-capacity venue, outdoor site or park.
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience in event sales and proactive marketing and outreach
- Superior organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to juggle multiple projects at once
- Ability to remain respectful and calm when interfacing with staff, vendors, event guests, and general Governors Island visitors
- Ability to anticipate obstacles, think quickly on your feet, and maintain an optimistic and solutions-oriented perspective in a fast-paced working environment
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively across departments
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships with clients and vendors, and strong customer service skills
- Experience with event production and project management
- Ability to work varying schedule and extended hours to meet the Island’s event support needs, which includes weekends and evenings
- Excellent computer literacy and familiarity with a range of project management tools
- Comfort working in a position that requires a combination of work “in the field” and at a computer
- Experience negotiating agreements
- Valid driver’s license
- Spanish language skills a plus
Salary Range: $100-$110k, commensurate with experience
Generous paid time off and excellent benefits package including medical/dental/vision/life insurance and retirement plan with company contributions.
Location and Schedule: All positions are located on Governors Island. This position is in-person four days a week and remote one day a week, and requires a flexible schedule based on event support needs, including weekends and evenings as required during the peak season months of May-October.
TO APPLY
(*No phone calls please.)
We realize that not all applicants match 100% of the qualifications for a role. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for this role, we encourage you to apply.
The Trust for Governors Island values the importance of inclusion, accessibility and a diverse pool of applicants. The Trust for Governors Island does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.
ABOUT THE TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND
The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) is a nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York. It is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust's mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island, demonstrating a bold vision for public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org.
