Manager, Strategic Programs and Activations

ABOUT US

Cities are built by people. The creators of industry, makers of place. Visionaries for what's next.   

At the Downtown Denver Partnership, we are building with vision.  

We believe the horizon of a great city is always growing, always improving. We believe our city is only as strong as the center. And we know that a thriving, strategic evolution only happens when every voice steps up to the mic. When access allows for unbridled opportunity.   

But to make the most of it, to make meaningful impact, we must plan with purpose. With a bias for action, we invest for tomorrow, execute for today. Creating an impactful culture and business community that will support each citizen, giving us all a seat at the table.   

Building our center city, making our place. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Manager, Strategic Programs & Activations is a key leader on the Strategic Programs and Activations team responsible for creating unique, experiential, and innovative events and programs for Downtown Denver Partnership members, stakeholders, and the broader public.  

These initiatives drive downtown foot traffic, foster community connection, support organizational revenue goals, and spark community dialogue about Downtown Denver's future, and cultivate city-building champions for downtown. 

The Manager will serve as a primary project lead for key programs within the Downtown Denver Partnership's engagement and activation priorities including Public Space Activation, 16th Street programming, Parade of Lights, Colorado Startup Week, Downtown Denver Awards, Annual Meeting, and other programs as determined by organizational priorities.  

This role requires strong project management capabilities, strategic relationship-building, and a commitment to delivering high quality programs that appeal to diverse audiences and engagement style. 

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a fast-paced, strategic, creative and fun position with opportunities for ownership and impact on day one. This position will work cross functionally within the organization and have great opportunities for growth.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Lead assigned programs end-to-end, coordinating cross-functional teams, timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure meaningful impact and financial viability.  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, sponsors, vendors, and partners, cultivating strong relationships and ensuring exceptional experience throughout all project phases.  
• Collaborate across internal teams to deliver a diverse range of events and activations, with assignments informed by team capacity and professional development goals.  
• Manage program budgets and partner with Marketing and Development teams on promotional and fundraising strategies to support program success.  
• Maintain organized records, timelines, and processes, and provide onsite event support including occasional evenings and weekends.  
• Help ensure all programs are welcoming, accessible, and relevant to a wide range of communities, in line with the Partnership's commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. 

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this position, you must be a strategic-thinking project manager and well-organized communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills and a drive to deliver outstanding results. You excel at coordinating complex projects, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring high quality execution across all program elements.  

Desired qualifications include: 

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in project management, account management, or event coordination, with a track record of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.  
• Strong project management skills, including independent development of work plans, timelines, and budgets.  
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills — written and verbal — with meticulous attention to detail and a strong customer service orientation.  
• Natural problem-solver with the ability to anticipate challenges and keep projects and stakeholders on track.  
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently and serve as a trusted liaison across internal and external partners.  
• Working knowledge of event production operations and guest experience.  
• A metrics-driven mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine passion for downtown Denver and city-building.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Bachelor's Degree preferred.  
• Flexibility to work irregular hours during peak event periods. 

What We Offer 

•  Expected salary range $74,000 - $85,000 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  
• Paid Time Off  
• Paid Holidays  
• Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability  
• 401(k) Retirement Plan  
• Transportation Benefits  
• Personal and Professional Development  

Downtown Denver Partnership provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Downtown Denver Partnership complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Downtown Denver Partnership will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants for failing to disclose wage rate history in accordance with applicable law. 

Downtown Denver Partnership expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Downtown Denver Partnership employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.