Program Manager for Preservation & Streetscape Initiatives - NY

Program Manager for Preservation & Streetscape Initiatives

Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC / Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID
This is an exciting entry level position with opportunity for advancement at an innovative local development corporation and business improvement district in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (www.myrtleavenue.org). We are seeking a highly-motivated college graduate interested in neighborhood-level commercial corridor revitalization.

Job Responsibilities:
Façade and Storefront Improvement Program (about 50% of time):
 Oversee existing NY State multi-year contracts (and any future contracts) with the Division of Housing & Community Renewal for the New York Main Street Program:
o Promote the program to Myrtle Avenue property owners, generating interest and steering potential candidates into the program
o Manage façade improvements, commercial interior renovations, and building stabilization projects, providing hands-on involvement from inception to completion, including: assisting with the creation of the scope of work with property owners, soliciting bids and selection of contractors, developing project phasing and budgets, and overseeing project work to ensure high quality result.
o Liaise with state and city agencies to obtain all required permits and approvals.
o Maintain a list of qualified contractors
o Contract management and reporting, ensuring that all deadlines are met in a timely fashion and that all legal requirements are met by the organization
o Prepare grant applications and supporting materials to apply for additional Main Street funding as RFP’s are released
 Oversee the smaller Storefront Improvement Program, which provides up to $1000 matching grants to merchants for their signage, awnings, open-mesh security gates, or other storefront enhancements
o Assist in the design of storefronts and signage, collaborating with Graphic Designer and merchants.
o Coordinate with contractors to receive estimates and execute high-quality projects.
Historic Wallabout and Neighborhood Preservation Program (about 10% of time):
 Assist Historic Wallabout Association with obtaining NY State and National Register designations and local NYC Landmark district
 Design program and funding strategies to help residents to restore their facades to historic standards
 Lead in the design and implementation of the Preservation Trades Initiative, a possible new job training and building preservation program, including: researching best practices, securing programming funding, identifying and forming relationships with project partners, developing an outreach plan and management strategy.
Beautification / Tree Planting & Maintenance (about 15% of time):
 Maintain inventory and map of locations for existing and future street trees
 Develop good working relationship with Parks Division of Forestry in order to secure new street tree plantings, and be proactive to ensure full tree coverage for Myrtle Avenue
 Seasonally install and remove tree gators around young street trees, and monitor tree watering contract with the Doe Fund
 Oversee tree maintenance, including: pruning, landscaping, and biannual pit maintenance.
 Oversee occasional larger-scale streetscape projects
 Coordinate with the Director of Community Development to install tree guards and benches on Myrtle Trees (a shared streetscape and public art initiative)
Street Maintenance & Supplemental Sanitation (about 10% of time):
 Monitor condition of the street, including cleanliness of sidewalks and tree pits, graffiti incidences, and general condition of infrastructure
 Oversee contract with the Doe Fund, monitoring performance and adjusting contract when necessary
 Track and collect list of graffiti incidences on a monthly basis for submission to Doe Fund. Follow up to ensure all graffiti has been removed
 Promote recycling in public space
Special Projects in Urban Planning (about 15% of time):
 Contribute to special projects in urban planning, including the creation of a new public pedestrian plaza, currently in the design phase, which is part of the NYC Plaza Program. Assist with data tracking and best practices research; working with MARP staff to develop grant proposals, briefing books and design concept reviews; communicating with Advisory Committees and planning and promoting community charrettes.

Other Responsibilities include:
 Working with appropriate city and state agencies, local elected officials, and organizations to forge new partnerships and initiatives
 Preparing quarterly reports as related to managed programs
 Establishing ongoing relationships with local merchants and property owners
 Representing MARP at some evening meetings, including community board meetings, neighborhood organization meetings, and other related events
 Participate in events that increase the visibility of our organization
 Contribute program-relevant content to the Myrtle Minutes blog and Facebook
Desired Qualities and Attributes:
 Undergraduate degree in urban planning, public policy, community organizing, or related fields
 Excellent written and oral communication skills
 Warm, professional, engaging manner in dealing with the public and staff
 Proficiency with computers including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite. GIS skills desirable, but not necessary
 Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with a calm, problem-solving attitude
 Ability to carry out self-directed work such as overseeing projects, and able to work efficiently in the absence of direct supervision
 Ability to communicate effectively and graciously with constituents, elected officials, and the general public
 Detail oriented, with good organizational skills, high standards and strong work ethic
 Creative, curious, fast learner, who is highly motivated and takes initiative
 Possesses team spirit and loyalty, and a willingness to pitch in and help with a wide range of varied assignments, as time and regular duties permit
 Experience working in an office environment, preferably in a nonprofit organization
Schedule and Compensation:
 40 hours/week, with possibility for flexible working hours
 Salary of $35k/year, with annual performance reviews and opportunity for advancement
 20 days of annual leave (includes vacation/sick days/personal days); increasing to 25 days of annual leave after 3 years of employment
 Health and dental insurance, with premiums fully paid by organization
 12 paid holidays/year
 Eligible for retirement benefit after 1 year of employment with employer match up to 3%

To apply:
Please submit electronic copies (Word or PDF) of your resume, cover letter, and a 1-3 page writing sample from a previous job, internship, or school (could be a memo, status report, proposal, etc. or an excerpt of a longer paper, but submit NO MORE than 3 pages in length) to admin@myrtleavenue.org by March 25th, 2011. Please include “MARP Program Manager Application” in the subject line of the email. Please no phone calls or mailed job applications.