Event Manager, PrideFest (NYC Pride)

Event Manager: PrideFest

Status: Full-time, exempt

Reports to: Senior Director, Events

Start Date: November 2, 2026

About NYC Pride: NYC Pride works toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community.

About PrideFest:

PrideFest is NYC Pride’s annual LGBTQIA+ street festival, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and visibility. Featuring live performances, local vendors, corporate partners, food, and interactive experiences, PrideFest offers a welcoming space for attendees of all ages to gather and celebrate Pride together. As one of the largest LGBTQIA+ street festivals in the nation, it plays a central role in honoring the history of Pride while showcasing the creativity and resilience of the community.

Over 250,000 guests and visitors attend PrideFest every June, and is supported by nearly 300 volunteers.

For more information, visit nycpride.org.

Position Summary

The PrideFest Event Manager is the primary lead in managing all logistics, dozens of city agencies and vendors, talent procurement, festival programming, volunteer roles and orientations, and weekend-of/day-of event execution. The PrideFest Manager oversees all production, registrations, administration and budget, pre-event communications, and post-event follow-ups. She/He/They will ensure PrideFest is executed safely, efficiently and effectively. The position involves a blend of administrative projects, on-the-ground event management, and engaging with a wide range of external stakeholders. This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

Due to the nature of NYC Pride’s operations to serve the community, working 2-3 nights past 6:00 p.m. is required from July to May. During the month of June, evening and weekend hours are more frequent.

For more information, visit nycpride.org.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Leadership and Execution

• Serve as the primary lead of PrideFest, overseeing logistical planning and execution, talent procurement, exhibitor registration and participation, city agencies, vendors, key partners and stakeholders, and assigned volunteers.
• Establish contingency plans to anticipated challenges, problems, or disruptions.
• Improve the ‘guest experience’ for all PrideFest participants, including special guests, stakeholders, and visitors.
• Collaborate with all departments and the Committee Director on the creative presentation of PrideFest.
• Oversee on-site operations, managing production timelines, resolving escalated issues, and ensuring all teams remain aligned.

Talent and Performance Management

• Identify, secure, and manage talent (performers, artists, DJ’s) for the main stage and the smaller FamilyFest stage; oversee all stage production for timely run-of-shows.
• Negotiate talent contracts to remain within budget while securing a diverse roster of performers and community artists.
• Collaborate with the senior team and all departments to maximize marketing and communications opportunities utilizing confirmed talents.

Vendor, Partner, and Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, exhibitors, community partners, and city agencies to support PrideFest’s goals.
• Lead external partner trainings, orientations, and briefings to ensure participants are fully prepared and expectations are met.
• Act as a visible representative of NYC Pride, ensuring professionalism and inclusivity in all partner interactions.

Budget and Resource Management

• Monitor and manage event budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational financial goals.
• Negotiate vendor agreements and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Oversee procurement of supplies, materials, and production resources early and accurately.

Volunteer and Core Team Engagement

• Work with the senior team and Volunteer Manager to align staffing and volunteer resources with PrideFest’s needs.
• Provide leadership and delegation of responsibilities to core volunteer leaders, ensuring they are empowered and supported.
• Conduct orientations for volunteers leading up to Pride Month and Pride weekend.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture for volunteers and staff, reinforcing NYC Pride’s mission and values.

Compliance and Safety

• Oversee permitting, contracts, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with municipal agencies and accurately update safety protocols.
• Coordinate with security teams, city officials, and production crews to maintain safe and accessible event environments.

Post-Event Assessment

• Lead the debrief and evaluation process, gathering feedback from staff, volunteers, participants, and partners.
• Compile and present post-event reports with insights and recommendations for future improvements.

Qualifications / Skills:

• 5 to 7 years of experience in large-scale event planning and execution, operations, production logistics, or (music/food/community) festivals, serving diverse audiences.
• Strong communication skills, with experience in public speaking and working with volunteers, sponsors, and VIPs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines and strict timetables.
• Proficiency in tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRM’s, and project management software.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, with analytical skills to manage large data sets effectively.
• Knowledge or experience in permitting and municipal agency liaison preferred.
• Knowledge or experience in de-escalation training.
• Fundraising experience is a plus, but not required.

Additional Information

This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence three days per week, typically Tuesdays to Thursdays, at our office in the West Village, with Mondays and Fridays working remotely. During the month of June, presence in the office Mondays-Fridays is strongly recommended. Due to the nature of NYC Pride’s work, participation in meetings and events during the evenings and weekends are frequent, especially from January to June.

• This position requires moderate physical activity, including bending, kneeling, standing, and lifting/moving heavy objects.
• Work may take place in varied weather conditions with exposure to loud noises.

Compensation:

$71,000 - $76,000 annually

Benefits:

• Employer-Paid Medical Insurance (100% for employees)
• Dental Insurance (100%)
• Vision Insurance (100%)
• STD/LTD/Life/FSA
• Generous PTO, including Comp Time and Birthday PTO
• Opportunities for professional development

How to Apply:

Submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@nycpride.org with ‘PrideFest Manager’ in the subject line.

Commitment to Diversity:

HOP is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, height, and weight, or other personal characteristics as may be protected by applicable law. We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented communities to apply, including LGBTQ people, women, people of color, and people with disabilities.