Placemaking & Program Manager

About Milwaukee Downtown: Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is an organization established in 1998 to support the interests of the Downtown Milwaukee business community. Through BID #21 assessments, Milwaukee Downtown funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly Downtown. The district currently manages 150 blocks representing approximately 500 commercial property owners.

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.

SUMMARY

The Placemaking & Program Manager will be responsible for programs and events that “bring people together through new and exciting shared experiences by activating Downtown’s public and privately-owned/publicly accessible open spaces” (Milwaukee Downtown Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2023). The Placemaking & Program Manager will be responsible for co-creation and execution of activations with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and partners, along with identifying and coordinating opportunities for financial sponsorships, grants and in-kind contributions.

PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer programs and events throughout each year that enliven Downtown’s publicly accessible spaces.
• Collaborate with BID #21 staff members and marketing agency to develop marketing and social media plans to promote programs and events.
• Foster, develop and nurture community partnerships with like-minded organizations, including Downtown property-owners and community members, to implement public space activations and programs. 

Event Management and Support

• Manage all aspects of concert series events, including Heart(beats) of the City and Tunes@Noon. Responsibilities include permitting, booking talent, vendor coordination, event programming and event execution in partnership with the Public Service Ambassador team.
• Plan and execute seasonal public space events in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and team, including Big Truck Day, Halloween Village, Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, Broadway Skates, Ice CAPE-ade, and other public space events.
• Assist with day-of logistics for other major BID #21 events, including Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, and the State of Downtown meeting.

Program Management

• Manage all aspects of Ornament Trail, including securing host properties, artist communication, permitting, sponsorship management, vendor coordination for conservation, installation and deinstallation, collaboration with adjacent neighborhood partners as host sites, and managing ongoing monitoring, maintenance and storage for the ornament collection.
• Serve as the liaison for community partners for landmark lighting initiatives, digital sign requests, and bridge flag requests. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving requests based on landmark lighting criteria, sending regular lighting requests to Downtown properties, tracking participating properties, coordinating with requesting entities, and maintaining a current database of landmark lighting locations.
• Collaborate with participating theaters and partners for Theater District promotions and activations.
• Actively pursue, support, and execute innovative new ideas and best practices for programming that advance Placemaking and Events priorities in Milwaukee Downtown’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate and oversee the Active Streets for Businesses program in Business Improvement District #21.
• Support the management of the downtown dog park operations.

Other Duties

• Fundraise annually to support designated programs and events, in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer.
• Support the Downtown Placemaking Task Force and designated initiatives.
• Manage permitting related to designated programs and events.
• Serve as a media spokesperson for designated programs and events, with the support of the Director of Communications.
• Coordinate with Public Service Ambassador and Clean Sweep Ambassador teams for event logistics of placemaking projects.
• Coordinate regular meetings with public space stakeholders to advance initiatives that are in alignment with the organization’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.
• Prepare monthly reports for BID #21 Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
• Support website maintenance efforts in partnership with the Director of Communications.
• Write public-facing copy related to programs and events.
• Gather, support and maintain economic development-related market research and data collection.
• Assist in the creation of information and a flexible prospect package that may be tailored for tenants and brokers.
• Manage an intern.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Communication, Public Administration, Community Planning, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in public space activation or events
• Track record of successful fundraising
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in public-facing contexts
• Experience with media interviews is a plus
• Collaborative spirit with the ability to connect with a range of stakeholders
• Proactive and solutions-oriented
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Ability and comfort with navigating an urban environment required
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Additional proficiency preferred: Canva, Adobe programs, CRM

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

A high-energy, positive attitude is essential. A passion for community work and Downtown Milwaukee will be key for success in this role. Minimal travel may be required for conferences and professional development opportunities.

Starting salary for this role is $60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with experience.

This position reports to the CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.