Benefits:
401(k)
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Training & development
Position Description:
Celebrating our 25th Anniversary in 2026, the Esplanade Association (EA) seeks a seasoned Senior Manager of Visitor Services & Events for an important next chapter in our organizational history stewarding care for and community on the Charles River Esplanade. This Senior position will guide park visitors’ first impressions of EA as guests to EA’s major events and cultivation activities and will lead visitor services at the new Esplanade Smith Family Pavilion & Charlesbank Campus—which, by late 2026, EA will open and operate with reservable indoor and outdoor spaces, cafe and catering offerings, numerous year-round recreational, cultural, educational and social programs, and EA’s main office. As part of EA’s Senior Staff, this Sr. Manager role will increase EA’s capacity to welcome people to the park by building a new Visitor Services team that oversees all visitor inquires and welcomes all EA guests. In 2026, the role will hire and supervise a full-time Facilities Manager (who will ensure all Campus visitor and guest amenities are in excellent working order) and a full-time Visitor Engagement Coordinator (who will train and schedule dozens of Volunteer Ambassadors to staff the Pavilion lobby desk and support events, programs and special projects). Additionally, this position will be the lead liaison with the Pavilion’s Cafe/Catering Partner and will approve the schedule and scope of external event rentals and sales activities in coordination with EA’s Public Programs, Development and Administrative bookings and overall EA Staff needs. With the Visitor Services staff, volunteers, catering partners, and EA colleagues, this Sr. Manager will develop and execute the welcome and orientation, safety and wellness, reservation and maintenance, and feedback and survey protocols for EA’s facilities and gatherings. Upon the opening of the Campus, this role will report to the Executive Director to closely track opportunities to hone EA Campus operations and services and all EA events, to improve the Esplanade visitor experience and build more appreciation and potential support for EA's positive impacts on the park.
In advance of the Campus opening, the Sr. Manager will report to the Director of Development to learn and take over EA’s current calendar of seasonal cultivation and administrative events. With the addition of milestone events—in 2026, the ribbon cutting of the Campus and 25th anniversary gatherings—and new offerings in the Pavilion, the portfolio may expand to approximately 15-18 events annually. The Sr. Manager will learn the Programs schedule and External Relations goals for the 25th anniversary to propose Campus opening celebrations. Along with hires of the Facilities and Visitor Engagement positions, the Sr. Manager will establish and maintain the Campus Calendar by which all on-site EA programs/events, public bookings and external rentals are coordinated and scheduled. As EA's primary liaison with the Cafe/Catering Operator, this Senior Manager must be able to work seamlessly with the Operator and their vendors (for AV, tenting, furniture, decor, entertainment and event planning) while adhering to EA procedures and standards of excellence for public service, park care and park user satisfaction and enjoyment. The role must work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and some holidays to accommodate public, partner and rental clients across desired hours of use. The Sr. Manager role will build excellent processes, reports and strategies to increase and improve meaningful gatherings in and for the park that expand EA’s capacity to connect more people to the Esplanade.
Job Mission:
To ensure the successful operations and services of the Esplanade Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus and all aspects of EA Events—from first to last impressions—to improve the overall Esplanade visitor experience and inspire deeper appreciation of the Esplanade as a venue for memorial gatherings and of EA’s impact on the park as worthy of support.
Key Behaviors:
Candidates who exhibit the following qualities will thrive in this role:
Excellent judgment on prioritization and decision-making
Demonstrable positive attitude, welcoming demeanor, customer-service focus, and joy engaging the public
Outstanding interpersonal skills to interface at all levels within and between teams and for external guests of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
Excellent creative, organizational and problem-solving capacity to deliver recommendable (fun!) experiences
Attention to detail to track and deliver accurate monthly forecasts and reports on facilities and events schedules, attendance, budgets, and inventory.
Metrics:
The Senior Manager of Visitor Services & Events is successful when:
Events successfully meet pre-set goals (to advance cultivation, reputation, engagement, approval, etc.)
Seasonal visitor experience surveys (of the facility and interactions) score as “positive” and “recommendable”
Quarterly reservations & rental targets are met/accounted for.
About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):
Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 150 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; nearly 200 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain, Community Boating docks and Centennial Fountain; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the Gronk Playground in 2025; construction underway to open in 2026 the new Esplanade Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus, improving two-acres to equitably welcome more people from more places to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join our community-engaged non-profit as it grows in scale, visibility, and impact.
Responsibilities:
EA Event Coordination (35%) –
Under the guidance of the Director of Development, and with a professional event planner, produce EA’s Fall Moondance Gala, EA’s largest fundraising event, providing ~70% of total contributed annual revenue.
Manage all external vendor logistics on budget; engage Co-chair and Host committee members with gracious enthusiasm; and coordinate with EA staff for on-time delivery of event-specific designs, video, speaking and auction/bidding content, registration & payment systems, run of show trainings, guest seating, night-of execution; documentation or appreciation follow-up; and in some years, awardee or honoree stewardship. The Sr. Manager is responsible for event success; Development is responsible for delivering sponsorships & auction items to meet fundraising goals.
With the guidance of the Development Team, manage all logistics of smaller EA events including the Annual Meeting (April) the Gala Committee Kick-off Party (May), the Dock Party (July), a Board or Project cultivation event (Winter); and auction experiences: Hatch Shell dinners (2) / Pavilion events (2) (year following the Gala);
Within a given budget, propose or execute the event theme, schedule date, secure venue, set catering, and if applicable decor and entertainment, track invitations lists and any details to meet specific attendee interests, event goals, and Esplanade needs.
With Visitor Services Team and relevant department staff and/or volunteers:
Supervise efficient setups and breakdowns to ensure smooth overall event operations and then “leave no trace” to return the space to prior use.
Ensure all vendors and guests are properly (if not personally) welcomed and ushered.
Prioritize tasks, pace logistics and problem solve to meet any event circumstance.
For 4 (four) Quarterly EA Board Meetings, ensure rsvps, refreshments, on-time presentation content secured and AV set up; and any related materials for successful organizational approvals, Board cultivation.
Propose and execute plans for new events (Corporate cultivation in quarterly cocktails, breakfast socials, awards luncheons, etc.) and milestone events such as anniversary celebrations and project ribbon cuttings to cultivate more visitation and support, whether via earner revenue (rentals, tickets) or donations (sponsorships).
Track event goals and outcomes, evaluate and report on ways to improve preparation, execution and follow up, in keeping with EA’s sustainability, accessibility and park-care goals.
Campus Reservations/Rentals (35%) -
Establish systems to ensure dependable timely responses to all internal (EA staff) and external inquiries for space reservations for group activities or private event rentals.
Maintain the Campus Calendar to track and report on all requests and final attendance details for indoor/outdoor activities booked by EA staff, Cafe/Catering clients, and the general public/outside groups.
Establish/improve rental processes/FAQs to create efficient and seamless visitor experiences for scheduling, site set-up options, and submission of signed contracts, payments, and rental liability insurance(s) as appropriate.
Lead or assign site visits with potential renters and schedule/provide on-site supervision during rentals.
Attend proactively to all details to meet EA client requests as agreed. Anticipate concerns and set expectations.
Partner with EA Facilities Manager and vendors to coordinate setup, breakdown, custodial service, and (IT) service for audio/visual (A/V) needs.
Develop relevant data and resources, including pre-approved vendor lists and materials for potential clients, facility and equipment guides for partners, and post event surveys, usage and revenue reports for systems improvements and required State reporting
Draft guides and lead orientations for those using the spaces on how to follow protocols and access resources, and ensure policies and procedures, regulations, and safety practices are understood and followed
Design checklist reports to inspect rental sites with time before and after use to ensure all furniture, fixtures, and equipment are operational and in ready-to-use condition; or report issues as needed in a timely fashion.
Work closely with the Facilities Manager for the highest level of space cleanliness and maintenance.
Work closely with Visitor Engagement as well as Communications staff on outreach for equitable use, especially to neighbors in Environmental Justice Communities
Propose improvements to the space, use experience, trainings, and amenities in line with latest market trends
Liaison for Cafe/Catering Operator (15%) -
As primary EA contact with the Catering Operator, set clear criteria, dependable systems and efficient communications for all scheduled catered events.
Track and streamline all aspects of event execution, from efficient delivery, set up, breakdown, inspection and billing, to easy-to-follow shared client communications.
Create checklists and decision trees for coordinated space bookings with Staff and Cafe/Catering Operator before releasing public calendar for general bookings.
Set quarterly reviews on ways to improve shared client processes; avoid scheduling conflicts to improve both back-of-house (staff) and front-of-house (visitor) outcomes.
Track and report to the Executive Director and Director of Finance the Operator’s quarterly revenue and trends, capital and maintenance spending updates, and any other partnership items, in keeping with the Cafe/Catering Concessions Agreement Terms.
Management (15%) -
Lead the Visitor Services Department, which will consist of a Facilities Manager, Visitor Engagement Coordinator, and over 25 volunteer ambassadors.
Remain current on local nonprofit events and keep senior leadership informed of potential external issues or market trends that may impact rental and reservation forecasts or planned events outcomes.
With the Facilities Manager, draft and continuously refine a Campus and Pavilion emergency response plan and procedures for events, keep current with latest code regulations or best practices; and oversee documentation of facility incidents: utility systems issues, equipment failure, site accidents, necessary repairs, ADA compliance, janitorial, security or snow or trash removal vendor concerns, etc.
With the Visitor Engagement Coordinator, establish ongoing Volunteer training content on hospitality, security, park history, EA history and mission, and visitor activity documentation and surveys, incident reports and more.
Document and report facility incidents or accidents, safety issues.
Assist on annual budgeting for investments specific to Charlesbank.
With Guidance of the Executive Director, serve as Staff Liaison for the Campus Operations Committee
Responsible for additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
B.A./B.S. or equivalent, with 7+ years of exceptional event and venue experience, ideally in a non-profit setting
Experience in hiring, managing, and working closely with a diverse staff and volunteer pool
Experience in overseeing the operation of, and visitor services for, an active public space
Proven track record of reliability, punctuality, efficiency and tact, with ability to serve several people and distinct tasks simultaneously with grace.
Demonstrated capacity to effectively collaborate with internal and external staff and vendors, direct volunteers, and interact with the public professionally, with a commitment to a positive public experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and basic accounting procedures for reconciliations and deposits
Attention to detail to deliver accurate monthly forecasts and annual budgets of revenue and expenses.
Creative ability/networks to deliver innovative function set-ups, décor & talent as unforgettable experiences
Experience with audio-visual (AV) systems a plus
Knowledge of the Charles River Esplanade and passion for parks, historic landmarks, recreation, culture, education, greenspace and sustainability a plus
Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus
Logistics:
Work hours are on average 40 hours per week, currently Monday through Friday, 9a-5p. When the Esplanade Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus opens, currently scheduled for December 2026, work hours will be on average 40 hours per week, include both weekend days (two weekdays off), and likely shift to 11am to 7pm to accommodate booked event schedules.
Must be available to work a flexible schedule related to events on nights, weekends and some holidays.
Work will require being in both indoor and outdoor settings across seasons.
Work will require applicant to bend, reach, carry, climb, and lift 40 lbs. as necessary to perform assigned duties.
Applicants are subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life experiences.
Compensation:
EA offers a competitive salary for the Boston non-profit and parks sector. Performance and compensation are reviewed regularly, and management provides all employees with transparent benchmarks and paths for professional development and promotion within the organization. Per recent market research, the annual salary range for this position will be $90,000- 100,000, commensurate with prior experience and demonstrated skills. The advertised pay scale is not a guarantee of a specific wage; however, it represents the maximum compensation we can offer. The compensation provided to a candidate may depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications.
Benefits:
15 vacation, 12 sick & 2 personal days per year (after 2 years of service, vacation days increase to 17)
11 holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, MLK Day, and Presidents Day off and the 6 remaining as floating holidays depending on holiday worked, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day and Veterans Day.
Health and dental insurance, 80% of monthly premium paid by EA
Health savings account with $2,500 EA contribution for those enrolled in EA health plan
403(b) retirement plan
Commuter benefits, pre-tax deduction up to $300/month
Paid professional development opportunities
The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.