Reimagining the Civic Commons: Learning & Events Manager

Background

Reimagining the Civic Commons is seeking a Learning & Events Manager. In this role, you will work with the Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons to curate and execute a variety of in-person and virtual cross-city learning opportunities for participating multidisciplinary teams. This role is an opportunity to serve as a key steward for a growing community of practice across 10 U.S. cities that is collectively working to counter the trends of economic segregation, social isolation and distrust through collaborative reinvestment in civic infrastructure.

About Reimagining the Civic Commons

Reimagining the Civic Commons is an ambitious national initiative demonstrating that strategic investments in public spaces can connect people of all backgrounds, cultivate trust and create more resilient communities. Since 2016, cities across the U.S. have been transforming how they design, manage and program their civic assets—and are nurturing critical social impacts that are improving neighborhoods and lives.

The initiative is a collaboration of national foundations and local civic leaders working to reimagine local public spaces—such as parks, libraries, trails and community centers—in ways that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.

We believe in the power of the commons.

Learn more at www.civiccommons.us

About the Role

Shared learning is integral to Reimagining the Civic Commons. A national Civic Commons Learning Network (Learning Network) housed at U3 Advisors provides a growing community of practice across 10 U.S. cities with access to research and impact assessment, elevation through storytelling and cross-city learning opportunities. It is a hub for fieldbuilding nationwide. We work to measure the impact of investments in the civic commons, support the innovation and collaboration required to achieve those impacts and increase broad-based support for these investments in communities across the country.

The Learning & Events Manager will work with the Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons to curate and execute a variety of in-person and virtual cross-city learning opportunities for participating multidisciplinary teams. They will serve as a key steward of the network responsible for tending, caring for and growing the community of practice.

The role is structured as a 1-year contract, with the opportunity for extension at the conclusion of the initial contract period. The role is fully remote (Eastern time zone preferred, but flexibility for Central, Mountain and Pacific time zones).

Scope of Work

The Learning & Events Manager reports to the Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons and will be responsible for:

• Curating and executing multiple major in-person learning events, including: Civic Commons Studios (multi-day programs hosted in a participating city, with keynotes, panels, immersive learning sessions, tours, presentations and discussions), Civic Commons Learning Journeys (curated, multi-day immersive learning experiences composed of site visits and candid conversations with local changemakers) and Civic Commons Site Visits (intimate 2-day gatherings of tours and working meetings with select team members serving as visiting advisors). Plan and manage event agendas, itineraries, logistics, budgets, design, registration, participant communications, documentation of insights, and oversee a variety of consultants and outside contractors to fully execute each event.
• Collaboratively develop and host virtual opportunities for cross-city learning including inquiry-based Civic Commons Sprint Teams (small group explorations of specific topics that lead to the creation of a product for the field) and Civic Commons Conversations (share outs from practitioners and thought leaders with discussion).
• Understand the goals, vision, organizational structures, and unique contexts of participants – both as citywide teams and as individual organizational representatives.
• Throughout all programming: track connections and ideas made across participants and conduct follow-up among participants expand upon ideas and learnings, support applying insights to action and continuously strengthen the network.
• Managing weekly staff meetings and executive meeting support.

Travel

The Learning & Events Manager is expected to travel for cross-city learning events, estimated at approximately 20% of total time.

Experiences, skills, abilities

Required

• Passion and commitment to equitable and resilient cities with an interest in policy and practice, and a deep curiosity to ask new questions for the field
• Adoption of Reimagining the Civic Commons outcomes and principles
• Demonstrated events curation, planning and management experience, ideally for peer learning or professional development with a thoughtfulness in creating collaborative environments for gathering diverse participants
• Natural network weaver with experience building and supporting multidisciplinary coalitions
• Strong project management and organizational skills with keen attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a variety of partners and outside contractors
• Ability to be adaptable and solve for unexpected problems
• Adept at public speaking and group moderation
• Proactive, self-motivated and effective at managing up in a fully remote and non-hierarchical setting

Additional experience desirable:

• Experience working in related fields such as public space, urban planning, policy, philanthropy or design
• Experience working with city, civic, and philanthropic leaders
• Background in start-up organizations or programs
• Familiarity with Basecamp a plus

Compensation

The pay range is $90,000 – $110,000 for this full-time, 1-year contract position

Submittal

To apply, click here.

In your cover letter, please explain what interests and excites you about Reimagining the Civic Commons’ work and include examples of relevant experience. For any additional questions regarding the application process, please email Mariko Krause at mkrause@u3advisors.com.

Job posting will close January 21, 2025