Plaza Manager – Diversity Plaza

Position Overview:

The Plaza Manager will lead the ongoing commercial revitalization and community development efforts at Diversity Plaza, a vibrant public space located in the heart of Jackson Heights, Queens. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, building partnerships with local stakeholders, fostering small business growth, and implementing programs that reflect the unique cultural fabric of the neighborhood. The ideal candidate is a community-minded, detail-oriented leader who is passionate about inclusive economic development and public space activation.

Key Responsibilities:

Plaza Operations & Programming

• Oversee daily management of Diversity Plaza, including cleanliness, maintenance, vendor coordination, and public safety issues in collaboration with city agencies and local partners.
• Develop and implement seasonal programming, cultural events, and public art installations that engage the neighborhood’s diverse communities.
• Coordinate logistics and permitting for events, street closures, vendors, and performers.

Commercial Revitalization

• Work with local merchants and community-based organizations to promote small business growth through marketing campaigns, facade improvement programs, and technical assistance referrals.
• Support commercial corridor health by tracking vacancy rates, business turnover, and foot traffic data.
• Help attract new businesses and services that meet community needs.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a key liaison between local businesses, residents, community boards, city agencies (such as NYC DOT and SBS), and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ethnic and cultural organizations reflective of Jackson Heights' diversity.
• Facilitate multilingual outreach and engagement to ensure inclusive participation in plaza programs.
• Promote a safe environment for all

Reporting

• Track and report program metrics, including attendance, economic impact, and community feedback as per SBS requirements

Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in public space management, community organizing, economic development, or a similar role in a related field; urban planning, merchant organizing, or community organizing such as a grassroots campaign, public space management, or any other position that demonstrates the person can work with partners and in coalition across constituencies and backgrounds. Preference for experience working with immigrant communities, specifically in Queens. Applicants from different or unique backgrounds are welcome.
• Strong understanding of NYC neighborhoods, particularly immigrant and multilingual communities.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Excellent people skills, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies, balance stakeholder needs, and handle difficult situations.
• Fluency in a second language (e.g., Bengali, Nepali, Tibetan, Urdu) is preferred.
• Experience with NYC’s Open Streets, plazas, or public-private partnerships is a plus.
• Comfort with dynamic and unstructured environments, and a demonstrated ability to problem-solve in the field and on the fly.

Work Environment:

This role requires a mix of fieldwork and administrative duties. The Plaza Manager must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and stakeholder meetings.