Plaza Manager – Diversity Plaza

Overview

Position Overview:

The Plaza Manager will lead the ongoing commercial revitalization and community development

efforts at Diversity Plaza, a vibrant public space located in the heart of Jackson Heights,

Queens. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, building partnerships with local

stakeholders, fostering small business growth, and implementing programs that reflect the

unique cultural fabric of the neighborhood. The ideal candidate is a community-minded,

detail-oriented leader who is passionate about inclusive economic development and public

space activation.

Key Responsibilities:

Plaza Operations & Programming

• Oversee daily management of Diversity Plaza, including cleanliness, maintenance,

vendor coordination, and public safety issues in collaboration with city agencies and

local partners.

• Develop and implement seasonal programming, cultural events, and public art

installations that engage the neighborhood’s diverse communities.

• Coordinate logistics and permitting for events, street closures, vendors, and performers.

Commercial Revitalization

• Work with local merchants and community-based organizations to promote small

business growth through marketing campaigns, facade improvement programs, and

technical assistance referrals.

• Support commercial corridor health by tracking vacancy rates, business turnover, and

foot traffic data.

• Help attract new businesses and services that meet community needs.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a key liaison between local businesses, residents, community boards, city

agencies (such as NYC DOT and SBS), and other stakeholders.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ethnic and cultural organizations reflective of

Jackson Heights’ diversity.

Facilitate multilingual outreach and engagement to ensure inclusive participation in plaza

programs.

• Promote a safe environment for all

Reporting

• Track and report program metrics, including attendance, economic impact, and

community feedback as per SBS requirements

Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in public space management, community organizing, economic

development, or a similar role in a related field; urban planning, merchant organizing, or

community organizing such as a grassroots campaign, public space management, or

any other position that demonstrates the person can work with partners and in coalition

across constituencies and backgrounds. Preference for experience working with

immigrant communities, specifically in Queens. Applicants from different or unique

backgrounds are welcome.

• Strong understanding of NYC neighborhoods, particularly immigrant and multilingual

communities.

• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Excellent people skills, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies, balance

stakeholder needs, and handle difficult situations.

• Fluency in a second language (e.g., Bengali, Nepali, Tibetan, Urdu) is preferred.
• Experience with NYC’s Open Streets, plazas, or public-private partnerships is a plus.
• Comfort with dynamic and unstructured environments, and a demonstrated ability to

problem-solve in the field and on the fly.

Work Environment:

This role requires a mix of fieldwork and administrative duties. The Plaza Manager must be

available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and stakeholder

meetings.