Description
Friends of the High Line seeks a dynamic, results-oriented professional to join our High Line Network Team as their new Director of the High Line Network. Responsible for the day-to-day strategic direction and execution of Network programs and events. The Director will help frame and execute the ongoing goals of the Network through peer learning, research, innovation, and technical assistance. In partnership with the Managing Director of the Network, they will develop the longer-term strategy and impact for the program. They will also play a large role in building the public reach of the Network beyond its members through new strategic partnerships and expanded public communications while maintaining the high standard of programs and convenings currently underway. This position reports to the Chief Program and Engagement Officer (Managing Director of the High Line Network) and oversees the Network Senior Manager and Coordinator.
What is the High Line Network? A program of the High Line, the Network is a group of infrastructure reuse projects and the people who help them come to life. Members of this network are nonprofit organizations transforming underutilized infrastructure into new urban landscapes, redefining what a park can be. The Network’s mission is to support a community of infrastructure reuse projects in creating vibrant and equitable public spaces that center local communities, build civic connections, support environmental resilience, and foster equitable community development.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the design and growth of the High Line Network in partnership with the Managing Director, ensuring its alignment with broader organizational priorities
- Manage the day-to-day strategic direction and execution of Network programs and events
- Identify and design a long-term research strategy for the Network
- Develop a long-term strategy for the Network’s public presence, including its website, newsletters, social media channels, and online resources and tools
- Cultivate, maintain, and deepen strategic relationships with professional organizations, academic institutions, and other field leaders, both for the Network and the High Line
- Design and implement a partnership strategy to support the execution of a learning curriculum based on the Network’s Community First Toolkit
- Design and direct planning for member convenings and events, including the biennial symposium
- Develop and manage the Network budget in coordination with the Chief Program and Engagement Officer, Senior Director of Finance, and other Network staff
- Continually evaluate Network impact and progress, recommending changes as needed to meet longer-term strategic goals
- Support efforts to jointly advocate for the infrastructure reuse field
- Represent the organization in the local and global community, acting as an ambassador for the High Line and the Network
- Develop and write tools, case studies, public communications, and research to elevate best practices for the infrastructure reuse field
- Establish goals and metrics in order to identify program success and evaluate progress using surveys, requests for feedback, and other evaluative methods, both for the Network, as well as the High Line
- Contribute to the development of strong proposals, reports, presentations, marketing materials, and other technical writing to support resource development, marketing and communications, and community engagement
Requirements
- Minimum of five years of non-profit and/or public sector work experience in urban planning, public policy, or a related field (may be substituted with equivalent work experience)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Demonstrated aptitude in managing a team and providing effective guidance, goal setting, and team management
- Minimum of three years supervising, managing, and motivating team members on a daily basis
- Ability to ensure smooth team operations and effective collaboration, including open communication, team coaching, motivation, and conflict resolution
- Significant experience and expertise in multi-year, large-scale program strategy, evaluation, and design
- Superior written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as presentation and public speaking skills, that exhibit leadership and persuasion
- Significant experience in and understanding of public space development, equity, social impact, and urban design
- Commitment to and experience implementing equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in public spaces and the workplace
- Ability to synthesize information quickly and lead decision-making independently
- Self-starter, able to work independently, team player, and creative thinker
- Superb attention to detail and time management, and organizational skills, including the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines
- Ability to maintain positive and collaborative relationships with funders, colleagues, and leadership
- Strong planning, strategy, financial, budgeting, and analytical skills
- A positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset
This is a Full-Time, Year Around, Exempt position.
Actual salaries will vary on various factors, including but not limited to experience and performance. The annual salary range is from $100,000 to 110,000.
The location for the role remains hybrid, with a requirement to physically report to the office (located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District in New York City).
**If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation during the application process, please send an email request to hr@thehighline.org **
Benefits
- Discounts Citi Bike Membership
- Discounts with vendors on the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
- Free entrance to Whitney Museum
- 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with 2 floating holidays (according to starting day).
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
- Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
- Winter Fridays
- Commuter benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Growth & Development career opportunities
About Friends of the High Line
The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line.
Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.
Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.
EEO Statement
The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.
