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DIRECTOR, EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS
Career Insights for Public Affairs Manager
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What they do
A Public Affairs Manager defines, develops and implements a business or organization's public affairs communications strategy. Monitors the effect of public policy changes on the business. Develops media relations strategy to support the business' positioning within its industry and among its target audiences. Leads the Public Affairs team.
$152,919 / year median in California
+5% projected growth
Job Description
POSITION TITLE
DIRECTOR, EVENTS
AND ACTIVATIONS REPORTS TO
Senior Vice President and Deputy CEO Position Summary The Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for implementing programs from the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) Strategic Plan, specifically overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of public events, community activations, and placemaking initiatives within the two Downtown Long Beach Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). This role manages and mentors two (2) full-time positions: the Placemaking Manager and Events Coordinator, to ensure cohesive, high-impact programming and thoughtful improvements to the public realm. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Deputy CEO, the Director serves as the primary point of contact for all major contracts and vendor relationships related to both large-scale and passive event production, as well as temporary and permanent placemaking projects and public space activations. The position demands strong project management capabilities, practiced experience with municipal permitting processes, cross-sector collaboration, and a passion for building vibrant, inclusive urban environments. The Director will work closely with peer managers across departments, including Marketing & Communications, Economic Development, and Operations, to ensure seamless execution and broad visibility of all programming. A close partnership with the Communications & Marketing Manager is especially critical as many events and placemaking efforts will be promoted and amplified through integrated campaigns. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative, creative, detail-oriented, excited about large scale programming, and committed to the continued revitalization and vitality of Downtown Long Beach. This role is primarily in-person, working from the Alliance's office in Downtown Long Beach, with occasional flexibility for remote work. Primary Tasks and Responsibilities Team Leadership & Oversight Supervise and mentor the Placemaking Manager and Events Coordinator, providing guidance, resource alignment, and program oversight across all public events and placemaking initiatives. Develop and implement community engagement initiatives for events and placemaking, ensuring productive collaboration with stakeholders and alignment with the Downtown Long Beach Alliance Strategic Plan. Assist Executive Leadership in cultivating a high-performing, responsive team culture centered on creativity, professionalism, and measurable impact. Events Strategy & Execution Independently oversee the planning, production, delegation of responsibilities and evaluation for a wide range of public events, including monthly activations and high-profile, large-scale signature events that elevate Downtown Long Beach's visibility and vitality. Serve as the primary point of contact for the City, external production companies, vendors, artists, and performers, using independent discretion and ensuring all events are executed to the highest standard of quality, safety, and guest experience. Lead all aspects of event permitting and regulatory coordination, working closely with City departments, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), public safety agencies, and other key partners to ensure successful, compliant events in the public realm. Oversee scheduling, budgeting, sponsorship fulfillment, and compliance processes with precise attention to detail. Partner closely with the Marketing & Communications team to develop integrated outreach, promotional, and media strategies for all events. Perform other various duties and projects as assigned. Placemaking & Public Realm Activation Guide the implementation of temporary and permanent placemaking projects in parks, plazas, streetscapes, and other public spaces, enhancing the beauty, function, and inclusivity of Downtown. Assist in managing partnerships with city departments and contractors to deliver improvements such as public art, furnishings, lighting, signage, and infrastructure enhancements. Ensure public space interventions are well-maintained, aligned with safety and accessibility standards, and reflect the character and needs of the community. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Develop and maintain strong relationships with artists, community groups, local businesses, and cultural institutions to support collaborative programming and space activation. Coordinate with peer departments in Economic Development, Operations, Administration and Marketing & Communications to ensure unified messaging, streamlined logistics, and effective cross-functional execution. Represent the Downtown Long Beach Alliance in city and community forums related to public space use, activation strategy, and event collaboration as needed. Administration & Development Prepare and manage departmental budgets, contracts, invoices, and vendor agreements, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Assist Executive Leadership in identifying funding and sponsorship opportunities, cultivating donor relationships, and supporting the creation of materials to secure external resources. Generate detailed post-project/event reports and presentations for internal use, public dissemination, or board review, emphasizing results, impact, and lessons learned. Decision-Making & Independent Judgment Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of events, activations, placemaking initiatives, and related programs. Develop and recommend strategies, policies, procedures, and operational approaches related to event production, public-space activation, permitting, vendor management, and program delivery. Evaluate competing priorities, risks, resources, timelines, and stakeholder needs and make recommendations or decisions that materially affect the successful delivery of Alliance programs. Make recommendations regarding vendor and partner relationships within established organizational policies, budgets, and approval authorities. Identify operational challenges and develop solutions with limited day-to-day supervision, escalating matters requiring executive or board-level approval as appropriate.
Position Specifications Education & Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Events, Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or Arts Management preferred. Candidates with relevant work experience will be considered. 7+ years of working experience in a related field preferred.
Required skills:
Ability to work within a complex organizational structure to prioritize and manage multiple projects and issues with frequent deadlines. Positive attitude; problem-solver. A high degree of professionalism, creativity and resourcefulness must be exercised at all times. Ability to communicate and work with diverse groups, including staff, board members and other BID members. Ability to take initiative and meet important deadlines, goals and objectives. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to be a thoughtful and collaborative colleague. Familiarity with Microsoft Suite, Teams, Canva, Google Suite, Adobe Suite, Adobe Photoshop and CRM. Excellent oral and written communications skills required. Must demonstrate the ability to take directions effectively and work well with others, while displaying the capability of working independently with little supervision.
Required Attitude:
An upbeat, can-do attitude with a high degree of professionalism, creativity and resourcefulness. Ability to work in a team atmosphere, and willingness to perform a variety of tasks. Outgoing interpersonal and negotiating skills with the ability to facilitate consensus-building when engaging with different points of view.
Special Skills:
Ability to cooperate with all types of dynamics: personal, political and geographical is paramount.
• Experience in working with municipal and county permitting requirements. Qualified candidates must be self-motivated, well-organized, and able to work with a minimum amount of supervision in a laid back, deadline driven atmosphere. Understanding of Windows operating systems, including
Microsoft Office:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook programs are essential. Familiarity with CRM database systems, specifically Sales Force is beneficial. Position Environment The DTLB Alliance provides a plethora of services to Downtown stakeholders and is primarily funded by tenants and commercial and residential property owners of the Business Improvement Districts. Passion and creativity for placemaking, urban design and public space is a must. This is a full-time, exempt position that requires a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on event and program schedules (within and outside Downtown Long Beach), which may entail but not be limited to: Regularly walking the District and interfacing with businesses to become familiar with customer and business traits and behaviors. Attending various meetings and facilitating outreach programs within the Downtown community. Hosting programs in parks, namely Lincoln Park and Harvey Milk Park. Compensation The anticipated salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $90,000-$105,000 annually. The actual salary offered will be based on job-related factors, including qualifications, relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational considerations. The position is also eligible for fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a 401(k) matching opportunity, subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the applicable benefit plans. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment may be subject to a background check conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations A valid California driver's license and access to reliable transportation may be required for business-related travel, event setup, site visits, and other job-related duties, as applicable. Employees who drive on behalf of the organization must maintain a driving record and automobile insurance that meet the Alliance's requirements. Language Ability The position requires effective oral and written communication in English to perform essential job functions, including communicating with elected officials, business and property owners, residents, community members, government staff, vendors, contractors, artists, performers, and other stakeholders. The ability to understand and communicate information accurately and effectively is required based on the needs of the position. Math Ability This position must have the ability to interpret budgets, financial reports, invoices, contracts, performance data, and other operational information to perform basic calculations and assess costs and resource requirements. Reasoning Ability Successful candidates must be able to use sound judgment to follow detailed, straightforward written or oral instructions. Computer Skills and Office Equipment To perform this job successfully, an individual should be computer literate. Experience with general office equipment and software such as the Microsoft Windows operating systems, including
Microsoft Office:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Position interfaces with standard office equipment, including calculators, printers, copiers and scanners. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The individual must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to occasionally lift and/or move event-related equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To Apply Please apply on the Indeed posting linked on the Alliance website (www.
DowntownLongBeach.org). Cover letter and resume are required. Questions? - Email info@dtlb.org if more information is needed. Equal Employment Opportunity Downtown Long Beach Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, and local law, including race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Alliance provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by applicable law. Downtown Long Beach Alliance The Downtown Long Beach Alliance is a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous Downtown for all. At the DTLB Alliance, we value diversity in all its forms and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels empowered to contribute their unique perspective. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the DTLB Alliance creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For addition information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org.
Pay:
$90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have experience in working with municipal and county permitting? The salary range is not flexible. Does this salary range ($90,000 - $105,000) meet your salary requirements?
Experience:
Events management: 7 years (Preferred) Ability to
Commute:
Long Beach, CA 90802 (Required)
Work Location:
Hybrid remote in Long Beach, CA 90802