Director of Public Space Initiatives

Milwaukee Downtown BID #21

Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21, is an organization established in 1998 to support the interests of the downtown Milwaukee business community. Created through private sector leadership, Milwaukee Downtown is a management district organization that oversees 150 square blocks representing approximately 500 property owners in the center of downtown Milwaukee. The organization funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly downtown.

MISSION: We lead and inspire Milwaukee to engage in efforts that build downtown as the thriving, sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and vibrant heart of the community.

VISION: Milwaukee Downtown is an economic catalyst creating opportunities for all. Downtown continues to be a premier destination of choice to live, work, learn, play, and stay. Milwaukee is a renowned world-class city adding value to the state and the Great Lakes region.

https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/

Position Details

Director of Public Space Initiatives
Job
Full-time
11/3/2023
Southeast Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI

The Director of Public Space Initiatives will be responsible for activating a variety of public spaces. Emphasis will be placed on producing unique urban experiences and animating streets, parks, and publicly accessible spaces to create opportunities for pedestrians to engage with public art, wayfinding, lighting, enhancements, performances and events. The Director of Public Space Initiatives will be responsible for co-creation of activations with partners along with identifying and coordinating opportunities for financial sponsorships, grants and in-kind contributions.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Administer all aspects of special projects that enhance downtown’s public spaces, including securing partners, procuring artwork, and obtaining necessary permissions/permits
  • Collaborate with CEO, Events, Marketing & Social Media Director and marketing agency to develop marketing and social media plans to promote activations
  • Foster, develop and nurture community partnerships with like-minded organizations, including downtown property owners, and community members to implement large-scale public art installations and public space activations.
  • Serve as the liaison for community partners for downtown building lighting and digital sign requests
  • Book and contract performers for BID #21-led summer concert series (i.e., Heart(beats) of the City and Tunes@Noon)
  • Fundraise annually to offset placemaking project costs
  • Maintain BID #21’s existing portfolio of placemaking projects, including public art, signage, and lighting throughout the district

Position Expectations:

High energy and positive attitude are an absolute must for this exciting position. The capability to multi-task in a small team environment is critical. Minimal travel may be required for out-of-town conferences and education opportunities for professional development. Fundraising goals will be aggressive.

Reports directly to the CEO. 

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Public Space Management experience Urban Planning Degree or similar experience is a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Problem solver
  • Collaborative spirit
  • Highly organized
  • Detail oriented Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Track record of successful fundraising
  • Experience in doing media interviews a plus

Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, salaried position. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. A competitive benefits package is offered.


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