Film & Special Events Coordinator

The Central Park Conservancy is a renowned private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of Central Park, one of the world's most iconic and beloved public spaces. Established in 1980, the Conservancy was founded to restore the park from a state of serious disrepair and to ensure that it continues to remain a sanctuary from urban life for visitors and residents alike. Central Park, originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, spans 843 acres and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Conservancy manages everything from landscape maintenance and capital improvements to the visitor experience, employing approximately 400 staff members and managing an annual operating budget of around 100 million dollars. With over 40 million visitors annually, the organization is a pivotal civic institution contributing significantly to the health and vibrancy of both the park and New York City.

The Film and Special Events Coordinator plays a vital role within the Film & Special Events Department, reporting directly to the Director of Film & Special Events. This full-time, non-exempt position demands flexibility in scheduling, requiring availability during holidays, weekends, and overnight hours as event programming necessitates. The role is centered on planning, organizing, and coordinating film productions and special events in Central Park, ensuring smooth operational execution while adhering to both Conservancy and City of New York policies. A valid driver's license is a prerequisite for this position, reflecting the need for mobility around the expansive park grounds.

The Coordinator acts as a liaison between multiple stakeholders including film and event production personnel, various city agencies such as the Department of Parks and Recreation, the New York Police Department, Emergency Services, and the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. This position involves supporting the development and implementation of operational plans for managing special events, overseeing event-day activities including pre-event setup, supervision of staff, cleanup, and post-event analysis. An essential component of the job involves reviewing site plans with third parties for proposed film or event activities, managing calendars, and maintaining event tracking systems.

Moreover, the Coordinator is expected to have a comprehensive understanding of Central Park's history and landmarks, providing accurate information and guidance to park patrons, contractors, and vendors. Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills are crucial, as the Coordinator must communicate effectively and diplomatically across various staff levels and the public. This role demands strong organizational, planning, time management, and communication abilities, combined with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Candidates for this position should have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with one to three years of experience in park operations, the special event industry, or the film industry. The ability to work in all weather conditions year-round, lift up to 50 pounds, make critical decisions, and manage emergencies is important. The position offers a competitive salary range of $56,000 to $72,000 based on experience. The Central Park Conservancy is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all public use of Central Park is equitable and accessible while fostering a diverse and dynamic workforce reflective of the city it serves.

Working safely is a paramount expectation, with all employees responsible for maintaining a secure working environment and adhering to federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees must remain vigilant about potential hazards and report any unsafe conditions immediately. The role may require performing duties beyond the normal job scope when necessary, emphasizing flexibility and dedication to the well-being and management of Central Park.