The Lake Street Council seeks to hire a creative, collaborative, and pragmatic individual to manage programs that enhance Lake Street’s public realm, daily experience, and creative economy.
Job Summary
This individual will be primarily responsible for managing our newly developed placemaking program that seeks to strengthen the connection between Lake Street’s businesses, community members, and the places they share. A key component of this position will be utilizing Lake Street’s unique identity, arts, and cultural assets to support entrepreneurship, community development, and recovery efforts along the corridor. This position will also require working collaboratively with partners in the public and private sectors to implement programs, events, and activities that improve the vitality of Lake Street.
You may be a good fit for this job if you are a creatively minded, strategic thinker with a passion for urbanism, placemaking and community development, as well as an understanding of the role the creative sector plays in the economy.
Primary Tasks and Responsibilities
Placemaking Responsibilities
Unlock the potential of the public realm to strengthen the Lake Street commercial corridor and community through programs, events, and activities.
Stay up to date on best practices and new trends in the field of placemaking and public realm activation.
Center and amplify Lake Street’s cultural richness and vitality and the integral contributions of local and BIPOC artists, placekeepers, and business owners.
Establish and nurture relationships with and between property owners, businesses, neighborhood community organizations, artists, designers, and other stakeholders.
Uplift the role of partner organizations and provide opportunities for community members to lead and participate in program activities.
Advocate for increased caretaking and deployment of street amenities on the local level.
Help facilitate beautification and interim uses of temporarily empty lots.
Foster relationships with and establish and maintain an active network of artists and cultural creatives who will be partners and participants in the placemaking efforts.
Program Management
Develop a program work plan and budget in conjunction with Lake Street Council staff.
Coordinate and communicate with the Lake Street Council’s design and communications team to promote programs and activities in the community.
Manage and supervise contractors and artists, including managing requests for proposals.
Work closely with city and other permitting agencies to obtain necessary approvals.
Manage the Lake Street Council’s Public Art & Mural Grant Program.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to work at a small non-profit organization and with diverse community stakeholders, including business owners, managers, property owners, and community members.
Understanding of the principles of placemaking, community development, and urbanism.
Have a significant connection to the Lake Street neighborhood and/or South Minneapolis.
Ability to work independently, identify and communicate creative solutions to challenges, maintain a strong focus on business priorities and have persistence in follow-through.
Ability to schedule and track multiple projects from start to finish, from large to small, and work in the field to track progress.
Experience in managing solicitations, contracts, and contractors.
Ability to uphold the values of anti-displacement, economic justice, and racial justice.
Cultural competency and the ability to engage and work constructively with underrepresented communities.
Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Proficient in Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and project management systems.
Bi/Multilingual a plus
Reports to: Sr. Creative Operations Manager
Status: Staff member, salary, with benefits
Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 annually
Time Commitment: We anticipate that this work will require approximately 40 hours weekly. Hours will be scheduled flexibility, with some nights and weekends needed for events and corridor activities.
COVID Protocols: The Lake Street Council is currently using a hybrid model. Employees are expected to work at least two days a week in the office / in the field. Some work from the office as well as at in person events will be required. Meetings will take place in person and virtually.
Application Instructions: Please submit application materials to Theresa Swaney, Sr. Creative Operations Manager at jobs@lakestreetcouncil.org
Applications must include:
Resume or link to Linkedin profile
Cover letter or brief (1-2 pages)