The full job description for the Urban Park Manager position is available to download HERE.
If you are excited about the opportunity to improve and manage Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s
signature public spaces, we want to hear from you. If you take pride in creating exceptional guest experiences and ensuring that beloved parks and public spaces are maintained at a high-
level, join our team. Help us set a new standard for the day-to-day management of Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature public space, Huizenga Park.
ABOUT THE DDA
The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a public-private partnership
agency that powers the experience, growth, and prosperity of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
DowntownFTL is a vibrant metropolitan city that is evolving at the center of the South Florida
region, where all are inspired to live like locals. The DDA implements projects to improve the
public realm and create a flourishing destination for residents, employees, and visitors.
The DDA is leading the $15 million renovation of Huizenga Park with the goal of building
DowntownFTL’s signature waterfront gathering space. Currently under construction and set to
reopen by the end of 2025, Huizenga Park will emerge as everyone’s outdoor living room, dining
room, and backyard all in one.
Huizenga Park is a public-private-philanthropic partnership (P4) and is funded by the DDA, City
of Fort Lauderdale, State of Florida, and private donors. This project is on track to have a
sustainable operating budget thanks to a proven business model based on successful urban parks throughout the country. One element of this model includes the introduction of a new full-
service, privately-operated restaurant into Huizenga Park. This partnership will help activate the park and contribute to the resources needed to become one of the best urban parks in Florida.
Upon demonstrating success with Huizenga Park, the DDA intends to replicate this model to
improve other parks and public spaces in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
TEAM VALUES AND CULTURE
The DDA team champions the success of Downtown Fort Lauderdale and is building a more
vibrant, livable, and connected community that we all can be proud of. The team, through the
President & CEO, reports to an appointed Board of Directors consisting of commercial property
owners in the DDA taxing district. The Urban Park Manager will join a team committed to inspiring
growth through the following values:
• We are fiercely committed to our work and our community.
• We get it done by working together, lending a hand, and lifting each other up.
• We are resourceful, creative, and driven to deliver results.
• We prioritize team success and are accountable to individual results.
• We are enthusiastic ambassadors for DowntownFTL.
POSITION
The Urban Park Manager reports to the President & CEO and is responsible for overseeing the
daily operations, maintenance, and programming (OMP) of Huizenga Park and its long-term
success. This role will be responsible for managing park staff, third-party contractors, and
programming partners to ensure that Huizenga Park is clean, safe, and welcoming.
The scope of this position is broad and requires sophisticated relationship management and an
exceptional level of initiative, communication, and cross-functional collaboration. The position
requires excellent judgment, interpersonal skills and project management abilities. The DDA
intends to hire the Urban Park Manager several months prior to the reopening of Huizenga Park,
allowing the hired candidate to finalize the park’s Operations, Maintenance, and Programming
(OMP) plan, and secure and on-board the resources needed to manage the day-to-day
operations of Huizenga Park prior to park opening.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The main responsibility of the Urban Park Manager is to implement and manage the day-to-day
OMP of Huizenga Park and serve as DDA’s initial and primary point of contact for matters
concerning Huizenga Park.
• Finalize and implement the park’s OMP strategy; develop and manage the park budget.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all aspects of park operations.
• Manage a team of in-house and/or 3rd party vendors including but not limited to the Park
Groundskeeper, landscaping services, and Cleaning/Maintenance team.
• Oversee all aspects of park maintenance including daily care of the civic lawn, seating
terraces, restrooms, dog run, fountain, public art, signage, benches, trash containers, public
right of way, sidewalks, pavers, horticulture, fencing, lighting, and site furnishings.
• Oversee Huizenga Park’s routine monthly programming and special event calendar.
o Coordinate with programming partners to plan, implement, and track the
performance of events and activations.
o Develop and oversee an application process and event planning guide for 3rd
party-run special events. Additional programming tasks may include site plan
development, securing temporary licenses, partnership development, and more.
• Oversee income-generating activities; concessions, special events, merchandise, etc.
• Assist in ensuring that contractual obligations are met between the DDA, the Park’s
restaurant operator, and the Park’s concessionaire including but not limited to shared
usage of SE 1st Avenue for valet and coordination for deliveries and special events.
• Coordinate with key public and private stakeholders and partners including but not limited
to the City of Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, the Downtown
Fort Lauderdale Civic Association, and neighboring properties.
• Provide initial training (hospitality, park history, information about DowntownFTL, etc.) to all
on-site park staff and volunteers.
• Assist in the collection, analysis and sharing of relevant data and performance indicators on
park usage, impact, and program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with staff on PR and marketing initiatives (social media, website) to promote
Huizenga Park as a best-in-class public space.
The Urban Park Manager may engage with committed donors to maintain support and develop
relationships and secure partnerships that result in philanthropic and in-kind contributions to the
Park.
Additionally, the Urban Park Manager will assist in planning, strategy development, and the
administration and execution of other initiatives undertaken by the DDA that support the mission to
improve Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to connect with a wide variety of
audiences from the park to the board room, including but not limited to park guests,
park staff, community leaders, donors, programming partners, and 3rd party contractors.
• Excellent fiscal and business management skills (budget management, contractor oversight,
and customer service) with a demonstrated track record as a manager and operator.
• Track record of managing a diverse team of multiple team members with unique roles.
• Strong problem-solving capability and sensitivity to partner, donor, and stakeholder
dynamics.
• Meticulous attention to detail, highly organized.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, public-facing environment.
• Passionate about the DDA’s mission and role.
REQUIREMENTS
• At least five years of increasingly responsible managerial experience with proven leadership
in public space management, operations, property management, hospitality
management, urban planning, or a related field.
• Preferred:
o Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in business management, hospitality
management, property management, parks & recreation, urban planning,
landscape architecture, or a related field.
o Previous history working at or familiarity with organizations like a downtown
development authority, downtown partnership, business improvement district, or
park foundation.
o Employ a working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of parks
and urban design.
o Experience in event planning and management.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (World, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must have or able to obtain a valid Florida Driver’s license, pass a Level 2 background
check, and comply with DDA policies as a drug free and smoke free workplace.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• This is a full-time, on-site, in-person position (not remote) that may require occasional nights
and weekends and to be on-call for emergencies.
• Ability to work in-office and outdoors, including during periods of extreme temperatures and
weather conditions.
• This position could entail standing and walking for extended periods, spending time outside
during weather events such rain or extreme heat and carrying or lifting heavy objects.
• This position may require attending a variety of meetings and formal functions, including
making presentations to potential or existing donors, and community organizations.
PAY & BENEFITS:
The Fort Lauderdale DDA offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, along
with a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees after 90 days of service, including
but not limited to:
• Retirement plan with company matching up to 5% of salary
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account
• 160 hours annually of Paid Time Off and 10 designated holidays
• Opportunity for discretional performance-based bonus pay
NEXT STEPS: interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to Shawna Berger at
sberger@talentfoot.com.
