Programs Manager

Job Title: Programs Manager   
Department: Visitor Services  
Reports to: Director of Visitor Services 
Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt 
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 
 
Position Description:  
The Esplanade Association seeks a seasoned Programs Manager to broaden the programming on the Charles River Esplanade and at our soon-to-be opened Charlesbank Campus and Smith Family Pavilion. Reporting to the Director of Visitor Services, the Programs Manager will play a key role in shaping the visitor experience through the development, coordination, and execution of year-round programming. This position is responsible for creating and managing a diverse portfolio of recreational, cultural, educational, and community-based programs that activate the campus and advance the Esplanade Association's mission of welcoming all visitors. 
The Programs Manager will lead the planning and delivery of various programs including stage performances, concerts, court-based leagues and tournaments, wellness and recreational programming, and community events. Working closely with internal and external partners, the Programs Manager will build relationships with performers, instructors, athletic organizations, cultural institutions, sponsors, and community groups to maximize visitor engagement through many modes. As the Charlesbank Campus debuts and expands programming opportunities, the Programs Manager will maximize those opportunities by overseeing program logistics, scheduling, vendor coordination, contract administration, and RFP development related to programming. The position will collaborate closely with other staff to ensure exceptional visitor experiences and seamless campus operations. 
Job Mission: 
The Programs Manager, along with the rest of the Visitor Services team, will create diverse, high-quality programming that serves local residents, visitors from far and near, and partner organizations.They will contribute significantly to the transformation of – and subsequently maintenance and growth of – the Charlesbank Pavilion Campus into a year-round destinationfor live entertainment, athletics, education, and community connection. 
 
Key Behaviors:  
Strong candidates will: 
• Create welcoming, inclusive experiences rooted in hospitality, accessibility, and fun. 
• Communicate well in person and in writing. 
• Build strong relationships with staff, partners, vendors, performers, volunteers, and visitors. 
• Use sound judgment and adapt in a fast-paced public setting. 
• Develop creative partnerships and programs that strengthen audience engagement and the visitor experience. 
• Manage programs, budgets, data, schedules, contracts, and reporting with accuracy. 
• Embody a warm, energetic, and outgoing attitude.

Metrics: 
The Programs Manager is successful when: 
• Programs meet or exceed attendance and engagement goals.  
• Visitors, participants, and partners report highly positive and recommendable experiences.  
• Campus utilization grows through diverse performances, tournaments, educational offerings, and community programs.  
• Programs are delivered efficiently through strong staff, vendor, and partner collaboration. 
• You can regularly practice agility in program design and timelines, from year-long concert planning to spur-of-the-moment pop-up experimentation

About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):  
Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 150 service, educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; over 300 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain, Community Boating docks and Centennial Fountain; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the Gronk Playground in 2025; construction underway to open in 2026 the Esplanade’s new Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus, improving two-acres to equitably welcome more people from more places to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join our community-engaged non-profit as it grows in scale, visibility, and impact. 
 
Responsibilities: 
Program Operations (70%) 
• Develop and manage a robust annual slate of programs and activities across the Charles River Esplanade, with an emphasis on the new Charlesbank Campus. 
• Coordinate performances, concerts, festivals, theatrical productions, and community events utilizing indoor and outdoor spaces. 
• Determine and respond to audience interest and capacity for different styles and types of programs 
• Identify opportunities to attract innovative performers, cultural organizations, and entertainment partners. 
• Oversee program logistics including scheduling, set up and breakdown, staffing, permits, equipment, registration, adherence to safety requirements, and vendor coordination. 
• Lead the development, issuance, and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to programming, entertainment, event production, concessions, facility services, and vendor partnerships. 
• Serve as liaison between performers, promoters, and production teams with campus stakeholders. 
• Coordinate program site layouts, sharing proposed site plans and coordinating with operations staff to communicate the impact of programs on the park.  
• Coordinate technical requirements including sound, lighting, staging, and production support. 
• Develop best practices for use of programmable spaces on the Charlesbank Campus. 
• In collaboration with Programs team and other staff, manage programs supply of equipment, coordination of pick-up, and storage  
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual obligations are met. 
• Evaluate program success through attendance, participant feedback, and revenue goals. 
• Reflect regularly on program strengths and weaknesses, and offer creative ideas to enhance the portfolio

Business Development & Partnerships (10%) 
• Cultivate, maintain, and document relationships with sponsors, community organizations, arts groups, educational institutions, and program producers. 
• Contribute to the production of annual partnership convenings hosted by EA. 
• Secure partnerships that increase campus visibility, participation, and revenue generation. 
• Identify new programming opportunities that align with campus goals and community interests. 
• Assist with sponsorship packages, funding opportunities, and periodic Development initiatives and events.

Marketing & Outreach (10%)  
• Develop and manage program registration webpages.  
• Work closely with marketing staff to develop compelling online and printed marketing materials to drive participation in EA programs, particularly with a focus on broadening EA’s audience.  
• Manage pre- and post-program communications to registrants including but not limited to program info, follow-up surveys, cancellations/postponements, reminders, and updates.  
• Work closely with marketing staff to ensure EA activities are shared with wide-reaching media outlets and calendar listing services, including those sharing program information in languages other than English.  
• Participate in periodic community and networking events on behalf of EA to build awareness of our programs. 
• Actively support superior visitor experience in all aspects of work including frequent conversations, wayfinding help, and inquiry response in the park and at the Charlesbank Campus info desk. 
• Provide auxiliary support for volunteer programs and strengthen volunteer relationships with EA.

Budget & Administration (10%) 
• Contribute to annual departmental budget plan 
• Develop and execute assigned programs portfolio within allocated budget including monitoring expenses, revenues, and financial performance 
• Coordinate RFP vendor selection processes and contract administration. 
• Assist in the preparation of reports, programming recommendations, and performance metrics for leadership. 
• Support hiring process and oversight of seasonal Programs staff. 
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.

Qualifications: 
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Recreation Management, Arts Administration, or related field. 
• 3–5 years of experience in events, community programming, venue operations, stage management, or public-facing programs. 
• Experience coordinating performances, athletic events, educational programs, or public events. 
• Strong collaboration skills with staff, vendors, volunteers, partners, and the public. 
• Commitment to a positive visitor experience. 
• A demonstrated history of cultural competence. 
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Experience developing and managing budgets. 
• Knowledge of event production, stage operations, sound, lighting, RFPs, procurement, sponsorships, and partnerships preferred. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Relevant networks of vendors, clients, partners, or attendees a plus. 
• Knowledge of the Charles River Esplanade and passion for parks, historic landmarks, recreation, culture, education, green space, and sustainability a plus. 
• Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus.

Logistics: 
• Work hours are on average 40 hours per week, currently Monday through Friday 9a-5pm with infrequent, predetermined weekend commitments. When the Esplanade Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus opens, work hours will be on average 40 hours per week Tuesday to Saturday 11a to 7p. Work hours might vary based on program needs. Prepare for significant variance around the exciting time period of the grand opening, which may require changes for additional evening, weekend, or even early morning hours. 
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule related to events on nights, weekends and some holidays. 
• Work will require being in both indoor and outdoor settings across seasons. 
• Work will require applicant to bend, reach, carry, climb, and lift 40 lbs. as necessary to perform assigned duties.  
• Applicants are subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life experiences.

Compensation: 
• EA offers a competitive salary within the Boston nonprofit and parks sector. The annual salary range for this position is $70,000–$80,000, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. This range reflects the maximum compensation available for the role and is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary. EA regularly reviews performance and compensation and provides employees with transparent opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Benefits: 
• 15 vacation, 12 sick & 2 personal days per year (after 2 years of service, vacation days increase to 17) 
• 11 holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, MLK Day, and Presidents Day off and the 6 remaining as floating holidays depending on holiday worked, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day and Veterans Day. 
• Health and dental insurance, 80% of monthly premium paid by EA 
• Health savings account with $2,500 EA contribution for those enrolled in EA health plan 
• 403(b) retirement plan 
• Commuter benefits, pre-tax deduction up to $300/month 
• Paid professional development opportunities

Application Process: 
• Include 1-page cover letter that addresses this topic: Refer to your prior experience and tell us about a memorable event or program you have hosted. Who was the audience? Summarize the preparations you made for the occasion. What do you think made the event resonate with participants?  
• Resume should include at least 2 references for roles within the past 3 years. 
• Each file name should include the applicant's last name.