Activation Manager

Starting Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000 (full-time, salaried, exempt position)

Location: Bellevue, Washington (primarily in-person)

Application Instructions: Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Opening Date: May 6, 2024

The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) is seeking an Activation Manager who will lead the planning and implementation of public realm activation programs, working in close collaboration with the City of Bellevue and BDA members. The Activation Manager will be responsible for researching, designing, and producing various activities aimed at enhancing pedestrian activity, economic impact, and overall satisfaction with the downtown experience. This position offers an outstanding opportunity for career growth in place management, event production, and community engagement. 

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with property owners, partner organizations, and the City of Bellevue to create memorable experiences for the downtown community through placemaking activations and programming.
• Measure effectiveness and explore new opportunities for public realm activities.
• Develop an annual plan and calendar for activation programs for the Grand Connection.
• Oversee temporary/seasonal interventions, including public realm décor and signage.
• Monitor and document the urban environment to support place management activities. Maintain a comprehensive public realm inventory.
• Forge and strengthen relationships with BDA members, the City of Bellevue, and community partners for placemaking and beautification projects. Research and evaluate opportunities for funding and sponsorships.
• Assist with placemaking-related policy efforts and provide support on emerging issues.
• Build and sustain relationships with BDA members and other local stakeholders to develop impactful activations and improve the downtown experience.
• Assist in producing and maintaining community events such as Bellevue Beats & Bites and the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market.
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of placemaking activities, preparing reports for executive decision-making.
• Serve as the liaison for placemaking projects, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Work closely with all BDA staff to support cross-functional projects and promote effective communication. We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, and your contribution will be valued and integral to our success.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• At least three years of experience in event production, marketing and public space management.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business or a related field.
• Strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated passion for placemaking, urban design, and community development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Superb customer service skills.
• Demonstrated experience producing special events for various audiences.
• Experience working for a downtown association, business improvement district, city government or property management a plus.
• Proficient in data collection, analysis, and application to draw insights and trends.
• Advanced skills in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with GIS and Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

Why join the BDA team? You’re likely to thrive in this position if you are:

• Eager to grow your career as a downtown organization professional and leader in a fast-growing, dynamic urban environment.
• Passionate about working as an integral team member in a mission-focused organization, helping colleagues connect and align activities across teams.
• Motivated to build out your job description and challenge yourself as the team needs and your experience evolve.
• Extremely detail oriented with a passion for continually improving systems and processes.
• A self-starter and strategic thinker with a track record of successfully working with a wide variety of constituent groups in an organization.
• Enjoy learning the “why,” “how” and sharing in “all of the work,” from routine administrative tasks to being a key representative for the downtown community.
• Sometimes described as a “generalist” and skilled in program organization, communication, project management and creative problem-solving.
• Adaptable, curious, comfortable with ambiguity, and driven to connect with purpose and clarity in your work.

BDA Team Core Values

1. We take initiative, strive for excellence and go above and beyond.
2. We embrace and sustain a caring culture for our colleagues and their work.
3. We engage our membership and care for the Downtown community through intentional relationships.

Established in 1974, the BDA is the convening nonprofit organization focused on Downtown Bellevue's economic and cultural vitality. BDA members represent the downtown community and fuel its growth with their energy, ideas and commitment.

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive compensation depending on experience and qualifications; the starting salary range is $70,000 to $80,000/year.
• Employer-provided medical/dental/vision insurance
• Paid time off, including family leave and paid holidays
• Retirement plan matching contribution
• Employer provided annual ORCA passport
• Professional development opportunities
• Costco membership
• Flexible, hybrid work schedule (combined in-office and remote).

The BDA is an equal-opportunity employer.