Events & Programming Coordinator

If you are passionate about building meaningful community experiences and cultivating dynamic programming in Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature riverfront park, we want to hear from you. As the Events & Programming Coordinator, you will lead the coordination, development, management, and execution of recurring programs, partnerships, and activations at Huizenga Park—helping to create engaging, inclusive, and memorable experiences for our guests.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of operations, partnerships, and creativity by balancing logistics, relationship management, and storytelling to bring the park to life. This role serves as a welcoming and visible resource for park guests during events by answering questions, assisting with wayfinding, and promoting a positive guest experience.

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 recently completed the $15 million renovation of Huizenga Park with the goal of building DowntownFTL’s signature gathering space. Since the reopening, Huizenga Park has become Fort Lauderdale’s urban oasis with 10 outdoor rooms including a dog park, child’s moundscape area, an entertainment deck, a restroom facility, and more. Following best practices from the most successful urban parks in the country, the DDA’s goal is to set a new standard for public realm management in DowntownFTL by making Huizenga Park the cleanest, safest, and best programmed urban park in South Florida.

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 Events & Programs Coordinator will join a team committed to inspiring growth.

• 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.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are enthusiastic about working in this environment, we want you to consider joining the DDA team. Please send resumes to Shawna Berger at ***email_hidden***.

POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Events & Programming Coordinator will serve as the lead for coordinating Huizenga Park’s programming portfolio and external event requests across the park’s core pillars (Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, and Dogs & Pets). This role is responsible for managing partner relationships, maintaining programming systems, and ensuring seamless execution of all recurring and special activations.

Programming & Partner Management 

• Serve as the primary liaison between the DDA and all programming partners, maintaining strong relationships and open lines of communication.
• Identify, recruit, and onboard new partners aligned with the park’s programming pillars to fill any programming gaps or create new and attractive programs for our park guests.
• Ensure all programming aligns with the park’s brand, mission, and long-term vision and values.
• Develop and manage Letters of Engagement (LOEs), ensuring partner alignment on scope, expectations, and deliverables.
• Collect and maintain all required partner documentation, including insurance, permits, marketing materials, licenses, and waivers.
• Communicate rules, operational expectations, and brand standards to all partners.
• Screen interested perspective programming partners and coordinate internally with the DDA.
• Ensure programming donor obligations are consistently fulfilled.
• Review and evaluate future external event and park rental applications for alignment with Huizenga Park’s programming pillars, guest experience standards, and operational requirements.

Program Development & Coordination 

• Coordinate and maintain a consistent and diverse calendar of recurring programs and special activations.
• Develop seasonal, quarterly, and annual programming plans and outlooks that drive visitation and community engagement.
• Evaluate program performance and recommend adjustments based on attendance, engagement, and feedback.
• Develop and maintain event registration pages, ensuring consistency in tone, branding, and guest-facing information.
• Coordinate program listings across platforms, including the Huizenga Park website and other channels such as Eventbrite.
• Support marketing efforts by drafting event descriptions, highlights, and partner features.
• Ensure all programming is accurately reflected in internal and external calendars.
• Maintain organized records of all programming activities, agreements, and schedules.
• Review, submit, and track all program invoices from programming partners ensuring accuracy and prompt payment.
• Develop day-of program setup and breakdown checklists for internal staff, and ensure programming partners are informed of all logistics, including setup, breakdown, and operational requirements.
• Coordinate meetings as necessary to discuss new programming opportunities.

Operational Execution & On-Site Support 

• Coordinate with internal staff, partners, and vendors to support program setup, execution, and breakdown.
• Serve as an on-site point of contact during programs and activations.
• Ensure program areas are properly set up, activated, and restored to standard conditions.
• Monitor guest experience, crowd flow, and basic safety considerations during programming.
• Coordinate with the DDA team to report event issues, needs, or observations.
• Support general park operations relating to guest experience and guest inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Positive, service-oriented attitude with a genuine interest in helping guests and creating a welcoming environment.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to manage multiple programs and contracts.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, especially with documentation and scheduling.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to the park’s service standards.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic, public-facing environment.
• Must be able to work within a strong team environment.
• Strong working knowledge of standard office software.
• Knowledge and passion for Fort Lauderdale is a plus.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, communications, recreation, or related field. Education requirements may be substituted with relevant year-for-year experience.
• 2–4 years of experience in programming, events, partnerships, or a related field.
• Experience working with community partners, vendors, or public-facing programs preferred.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Comfortable working in a highly public-facing role with diverse audiences.
• Pass a Level 2 background check and comply with DDA policies as a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to work in an in-person office setting and on site at the park.
• The Events & Programs Coordinator may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, elevated noise levels, large crowds, and varying environmental conditions typical of a busy downtown park during events.

PAY AND PERKS

The Fort Lauderdale DDA offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. This is salaried, at-will position, with a starting salary range of $65,000-$75,000 based on commensurate qualifications and experience. Uniforms and other Huizenga Park apparel will be provided.

After successfully completing the first 90 days of service, the selected candidate will be eligible to participate in the following benefits:

• Retirement plan with company matching up to 5% of salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 160 hours annually of Paid Time Off and 10 designated holidays
• Opportunity for discretional performance-based bonus pay

This position is funded through sponsor and donor funds raised through the Huizenga Park Foundation and is subject to available funds each year.