Network and Public Programs Manager

About Van Alen

Van Alen Institute is a driving force behind community-led urban design, which believes that local knowledge and care enrich the design process. Since 1894, Van Alen has invested in people with a passion for improving cities through the power of architecture and design. Our public space projects build unconventional coalitions of designers, local stakeholders, and city leaders, and we support their visions through project scoping, hands-on guidance, and seed funding. From our home in New York City, our work confronts longstanding power imbalances in citymaking, showcases the vanguard of community-led design, and supports the next generation of designers in creating more just cities.

Position Summary

Van Alen Institute seeks a full-time Network and Public Programs Manager to lead the cultivation of a dynamic collective of architecture, design, planning, and other public space professionals who support Van Alen’s exploration of bold ideas in community-led design. From emerging leaders to established experts, the Van Alen’s Network is united by the belief that local knowledge and care are essential to designing more just and vibrant cities.

This role is responsible for managing and cultivating our Network of supporters and collaborators as well as the conceptualization and production of compelling Network events and public programming. The Manager will act as the primary liaison and administrator to the Board of Directors and other member groups. A key part of the position involves curating and leading the development of talks, panels, exhibitions, and workshops that leverage the expertise of the Network and Board as key contributors and thought partners.

A member of the Strategic Partnerships team, the Network and Public Programs Manager will report to the Director of Strategic Partnerships and also work closely with the Programs team to ensure that all Network events and public programs are firmly rooted in Van Alen’s inclusive design values.

Van Alen is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to reflecting

the communities in which we work and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented

populations to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ identifying people, and people with disabilities.

Duties

Network Cultivation and Engagement

• Lead the development and execution of an annual strategy to engage with current and prospective supporters across the Network and build unrestricted funding for the organization
• Manage and grow a pipeline of prospective members, corporate sponsors, and donors
• Serve as the primary point of contact for supporters and liaison for the Board of Directors; provide timely, professional, and solutions-oriented assistance
• Welcome and onboard new supporters; ensure they understand the benefits and opportunities of their participation in Van Alen’s inclusive design mission

Programming and Events

• Lead the conceptualization, curation and production of all Network events and public programming, including developing compelling program themes, identifying and recruiting speakers, and ensuring alignment with Van Alen's mission, as well as managing event logistics, sponsor relations, budgeting, and post-event follow up
• Collaborate with the Communications team on the drafting and distribution of compelling event marketing and network communications, including newsletters, reminders, and updates
• Gather and share feedback to help improve future Network programming

Member Administration

• Process Network payments, renewals, donations and updates accurately
• Ensure recognition of Network support across organizational collateral (print and digital)
• Maintain the Network database (CRM), ensuring data integrity and reporting accuracy
• Track and report on Network trends, contributions, retention, and satisfaction

Collaboration and Team Support

• Work closely with staff, Board, and partners to support organizational initiatives
• Represent the organization at community events and partner meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience that reflects outstanding relationship management, supporter cultivation, event production, and administrative skills
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing creative programming, including conceptualization, speaker recruitment, and event production.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with staff at all organizational levels and to interact professionally with Network and Board members, sponsors and donors, vendors, and other external stakeholders in person and via telephone and email
• Extremely organized and detail oriented, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects, meet deadlines, and produce quality work within tight time constraints
• Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Google Drive; and CRM databases
• High level of energy, initiative, and ability to think creatively and strategically is essential
• Strong interest in community-led inclusive design and spatial justice is required
• Background in urbanism, cultural programming, or architecture is preferred

How to Apply

Please send your application to jobs@vanalen.org with cover letter, resume, and writing sample in a

single PDF with subject line “Network and Public Programs Manager: [Name].”

The salary range for this position is $80,000-90,000 annually commensurate with experience. Generous benefits are provided at no extra cost to the employee. Partial contribution is required for dependents. Van Alen is an equal opportunity employer.