Downtown Providence Park Network · 6 days ago
Executive Director
Providence, RI
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$115K/yr - $115K/yrDowntown Providence Park Network (DPPN) is dedicated to enhancing public spaces in Providence, and they are seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. This role involves managing relationships with various stakeholders, overseeing fundraising efforts, and activating downtown parks and waterways to foster community engagement.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Lead organizational fundraising strategy and pursue foundation, corporate, public, and individual support
Prepare competitive grant proposals and manage reporting for funders such as Rhode Island Foundation, BankNewport, PPL Foundation, and Commerce RI
Steward relationships with funders, donors, sponsors, and program officers
Partner with board members on donor cultivation and sponsorship outreach
Plan, produce, and grow an annual signature fundraising event that builds long term donor support and community visibility
Manage fundraising campaigns on Givebutter and related platforms
Maintain organized grant, donor, and sponsorship tracking systems
Turn program data and community voices into clear, compelling impact reports for funders and sponsors
Serve as the primary convener and connector among downtown businesses, developers, cultural organizations, universities, and community groups
Strengthen working relationships with City of Providence departments and state agencies
Coordinate with tourism and economic development partners to align programming and promotion
Represent DPPN in public meetings, partner convenings, and regional conversations
Advocate for downtown parks and public spaces in planning, transportation, environmental, and economic development discussions
Maintain regular communication with partners about projects, timelines, and opportunities for engagement
Lead planning and delivery of downtown activations, festivals, and seasonal programs that are free and open to the public
Manage permits, contracts, logistics, safety planning, and vendor coordination
Develop and administer RFPs and open calls for artists and program partners
Recruit and manage artists, performers, and collaborators
Oversee thoughtful collection and tracking of attendance, participation, and community impact using surveys and digital tools
Design and review participant and partner questionnaires to learn what is working and how experiences can continue to improve
Use community feedback to refine programming, strengthen partnerships, and deepen public engagement
Organize and facilitate the quarterly Downtown Activation Workgroup
Support cleanup events, volunteer days, and collaborative initiatives with downtown partners
Shape how downtown Providence and its parks are experienced and talked about through strong storytelling and promotion
Grow audiences through social media, email, partnerships, and earned media
Ensure brand consistency across digital platforms, newsletters, signage, and wayfinding
Translate attendance data and community feedback into stories that show real human and economic impact
Coordinate cross promotion with partners, sponsors, and citywide campaigns
Highlight cultural, social, and economic benefits of downtown activation
Work closely with the Board Chair, Board Treasurer, and Board of Trustees on strategy, priorities, and financial health
Prepare board materials, meeting agendas, and documentation of decisions
Oversee day to day financial management, including expense tracking, reimbursements, and vendor payments, with care and accuracy
Maintain clear and organized financial records in QuickBooks to support transparency and strong oversight
Coordinate with the organization’s accountant to prepare materials for the annual financial review and ensure compliance with nonprofit standards
Ensure contracts, insurance, and financial practices align with board policies and best practices
Prepare financial summaries that help the board and partners understand how resources are being invested in public impact
Oversee and coordinate systems for data collection, surveys, and program evaluation across initiatives
Ensure the organization is learning from its work and using insights to grow stronger and more responsive to the community
Keep organizational systems, calendars, and reporting running smoothly so the team and partners can focus on delivering great public experiences
Foster a positive, collaborative, and solutions oriented team culture
Identify opportunities to grow organizational capacity over time, including staffing, systems, and partnerships
Qualification
Required
Experience in nonprofit leadership, arts and culture, downtown management, community development, or related fields
Strong background in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relationships
Experience stewarding partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
Demonstrated success promoting programs and growing audiences
Comfort with nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, expense tracking, and working in QuickBooks
Experience working with accountants and supporting annual financial review processes
Excellent communication and relationship building skills
Highly organized with strong follow through
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, collaborative environment
Entrepreneurial mindset and genuine enthusiasm for public space and civic life
Benefits
Employer-provided stipend for health and retirement benefits
Company
Downtown Providence Park Network
The Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN) formed in 2021.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase