Public Programming Assistant

This is a Part Time Job

Bryant Park Corporation and 34th Street Partnership seek seasonal, part-time Public Programming Assistants (PPAs) to work as ushers at free public events and programs. PPAs work under the supervision of Program Managers and Front of House Managers to ensure successful event execution. The PPAs can expect to assist with the onsite implementation of a wide range of programs, including: literary events; music, dance, and theater performances; children's events; fitness classes, and more events to be determined.

Public Programming Assistants must be energetic and assertive, enjoy working extensively outdoors, and be willing to get their hands dirty. PPAs must be passionate about the public events and activities hosted in Bryant Park, Herald Square Park, Greeley Square Park, and Broadway Boulevard public plazas. This not an event planning role, but rather an implementation role. That said, PPAs will use critical thinking skills to evaluate what can be improved about the programs they staff, and provide feedback as this feedback is valuable to program managers.

Public Programming Assistants can expect to work a range of irregular shifts as the parks' and plazas' robust event schedules dictate. Ideal applicants are college students or college graduates with an open and flexible schedule, or with consistent evening and/or weekend availability. The position is expected to suit those looking to supplement a part-time job. Assistants may work anywhere between 15 - 35 hours per week, depending on how personal availability and the event schedule overlap. Eligible Assistants will be able to apply for additional shifts as Games Hosts, responsible for monitoring activity areas and acting as park ambassadors.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable event experience by working for two organizations that are dedicated to making New York City safer, cleaner, more beautiful, and more engaging. The PPA Program also offers opportunities for professional development, to allow participants to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the event production and public space management fields. Public Programming Assistants are expected to uphold the mission of creating a rich and dynamic cultural, visual, and intellectual outdoor experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike in some of the most visible public spaces in the world.

This is an in-person job which cannot be performed remotely.

Compensation is $18 per hour. Hours worked on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day will be paid at an overtime rate. Overtime is not otherwise anticipated.

Applicants must be available to work from late April through September (exact dates are flexible). Training will take place in mid-to-late April - if hired, PPAs will be expected to make themselves available. PPAs who demonstrate impressive customer service skills and/or interest in retail will also be given the opportunity to extend their employment into the winter at Bryant Park's Winter Village customer service kiosk, and/or the Bryant Park shop kiosk.

Duties include:
• Execute public programs and activities in the parks, including equipment setup, communication with instructors and/or performers, crowd management, and supervision of the event
• Serve as a park ambassador and interact with visitors politely and patiently
• Enforce park rules
• Troubleshoot logistical event issues and manage accordingly
• Coordinate with other park staff for event setup and breakdown
• Document events by conducting attendance counts and taking photos as needed
• Opportunity to work at the Bryant Park Shop, providing information and selling park merchandise
• Opportunity to work at Bryant Park Games Areas, providing information and monitoring activities
• Prepare timely reports on event execution for Program Managers
• Prepare materials for upcoming events, including helping trim and laminate informational signage
• Fulfill administrative duties, including data entry, as needed and as scheduling allows
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:
• Four-year college degree, completed or in progress, is preferred
• Flexibility to work non-traditional/irregular hours - many events take place in evenings and on weekends
• Responsible, proactive, mature, and outgoing
• Possess strong communication and observational skills
• Possess a ''no job too small'' attitude, willing to get hands dirty to produce a successful result
• Ability to think critically about successes and flaws of an event
• Ability to maintain high energy and friendly attitude throughout entire shift
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in most weather conditions
• Ability to take direction, but also problem-solve individually as needed
• Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally, and stay on feet for extended periods of time (5+ hours)
• Experience in event staffing, retail and/or customer service preferred
• Interest in event planning, production, recreation, and/or public space management a plus