Sr. Vice President, Public Space Activation & Management
3 days ago
Pittsburgh
Job DescriptionSalary: 160000 Formed by Downtown businesses, professionals, civic organizations, foundations, and residents, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership develops and implements innovative programs, events and initiatives to enhance the Downtown neighborhood. Position Summary The Senior Vice President, Public Space Activation & Management will be a visionary leader responsible for shaping how people experience Downtown Pittsburgh every day. This senior leadership role oversees both the activation of public spaces through world-class events and programming and the delivery of essential on-street services that ensure Downtown is clean, welcoming, and vibrant. This leader will guide a multidisciplinary team that produces large-scale signature events like Picklesburgh, Light Up Night, and Oktoberfest, while also creating vibrant spaces full of art, culture, and community that draw people Downtown through neighborhood scale activations, public art, and public space improvements. At the same time, they will oversee the Clean, Outreach & Hospitality Programs, which provides year-round litter and graffiti removal, hospitality ambassadors, beautification projects, and social service outreach to support individuals in needservices that form the foundation of Downtowns vitality. By uniting placemaking, public realm management, and on-street services under one portfolio, the Senior VP will ensure that Downtown Pittsburgh is not only lively and engaging, but also clean, safe, and welcoming for all. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership • Develop and execute a holistic Public Realm Strategy that integrates placemaking, events, on-street services, and outreach into a cohesive vision for Downtown vibrancy., • Serve as a thought leader and public advocate for the role of public space in Downtown vitality, incorporating best practices and innovations from best-in-class cities nationally and internationally., • Partner with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and civic stakeholders to shape long-term goals and funding strategies for Downtowns public spaces and services., • Lead the planning, development, and management of public spaces that reflect the needs of a growing and evolving mixed-use Downtown, ensuring they are inclusive, welcoming, and responsive to residents, workers, and visitors alike Event Production & Placemaking • Oversee the strategy, production, and growth of PDPs event portfolio, from major festivals to daily activations., • Lead the activation and management of Market Square, currently undergoing a $15M renovation, into a world-class public destination with programming that reflects Pittsburghs creativity and diversity., • Foster partnerships with cultural institutions, nonprofits, and artists to amplify diverse voices and deliver inclusive programming., • Build strong collaborations with other leading placemaking and programming organizations, locally and regionally, to share best practices, co-create programming, and ensure Downtown Pittsburgh is recognized as a model for innovative and inclusive urban experiences. On-Street Services & Outreach • Direct the Clean & Outreach Program, which includes litter and graffiti removal, sidewalk sweeping, pressure washing, landscaping, hospitality ambassadors, and beautification initiatives., • Oversee outreach teams who connect with unhoused individuals and others in need, working collaboratively with social service partners to connect people to resources., • Ensure services reflect principles of hospitality, dignity, and inclusiveness while upholding high standards of cleanliness and public realm management., • Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with law enforcement, City Public Safety and County Human Service and other key public and private stakeholders to align our On-Street Services with broader public safety and social service efforts. Partnership Development & Fundraising • Foster partnerships with corporate, civic, and philanthropic leaders to support Downtown programming and services., • Work with the marketing and development teams to create sponsorship opportunities, fundraising campaigns, and targeted outreach strategies that sustain and expand PDP initiatives., • Lead PDPs overall special event and programming development strategy, including cultivating and securing support from corporate, civic, and philanthropic partners to sustain and grow programming and services., • Work with the CEO and leadership team to develop sponsorship opportunities, fundraising campaigns, and targeted outreach strategies that align with PDPs programming and On-Street Services priorities., • Collaborate closely with the marketing and communications team to ensure fundraising and sponsorship efforts are supported by strong messaging, storytelling, and audience engagement. Organizational Management • Lead, inspire, and mentor a diverse team of professionals across events, placemaking, and on-street operations., • Develop and manage budgets in partnership with the finance team, balancing program ambitions with fiscal responsibility., • Collaborate across PDP departments to ensure alignment between programming, services, marketing, and advocacy. Desired Qualifications • Minimum 12 years of senior-level leadership experience in placemaking, public realm management, event production, or related fields., • Proven ability to scale and oversee complex, multidisciplinary programs that combine both creative activation and operational service delivery., • Demonstrated success in building partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to achieve shared community outcomes., • Skilled in organizational leadership, with experience managing large teams, contractors, and multi-million-dollar budgets., • Strategic, resourceful, and entrepreneurial thinker with a passion for cities, public life, and inclusive community-building. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to represent PDP at the highest civic, corporate, and community levels. Compensation Salary: $160,000 - $175,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits: Health insurance (95%), Flexible Spending Accounts, 401k, life insurance, short and long-term disability. To apply: Please submit resume and cover letter by December 16, 2025 About the Organization: Downtown Pittsburgh is essential to the regionthe metropolitan heartbeat where business, culture, and entertainment intersect. Formed by Downtown businesses, professionals, civic organizations, foundations, and residents, the PDP develops and implements innovative programs and initiatives to enhance the Downtown neighborhood. We also promote and market this great urban center to millions of people as the regions premier destination to do business, to call home, or to visit for the best in shopping, dining, and entertainment. The PDP also stands as staunch advocates for all those who make Downtown part of their livesfrom businesses to workers to residents. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer