Manager, Riverwalk Activation at Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area – Toledo, Ohio

Join Metroparks Toledo as the Riverwalk Activation Manager. In this role, you ensure smooth execution of large events and daily coordination of the Riverwalk’s busiest areas.

Working closely with teams across Metroparks and with external partners, you’ll help deliver great park experiences for millions of visitors annually.

Day in the Life?

Every day is different. You may be:

• Coordinating with Metroparks teams and community partners to prepare for large public events at downtown parks or along the Riverwalk.
• Supporting a community organization hosting a public gathering or special event at a downtown Metropark or Riverwalk location.
• Working with park operations, rangers, and in-park vendors to ensure the Riverwalk’s busiest areas run smoothly during peak visitor hours and large-scale activations.
• Reviewing event plans, troubleshooting logistical issues, or helping volunteers prepare for an upcoming activation.
• Evaluating permit applications, event proposals, and vendor requests to ensure the highest and best use of Riverwalk and park activation spaces.
• Supporting major Metroparks initiatives or community-led activations at other locations across the Metroparks system.

Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks

• You’ll help shape the experience of one of the region’s most visible and exciting public spaces.
• You’ll collaborate with community partners to bring meaningful public experiences to life.
• You’ll be part of a nationally recognized park system known for innovation, conservation, and community impact.
• Competitive pay, healthcare, and retirement benefits. Read more here.
• Opportunities to grow your career within the Metroparks system.

You’ll love this job if

• You enjoy bringing people together through vibrant public spaces and shared experiences.
• You like working with community organizations, partners, and teams across a large organization.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day is a little different.
• You enjoy working outdoors and being present where the community gathers.
• You like solving problems, coordinating details, and helping events and programs run smoothly.

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Job Summary

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core mission by coordinating the activation of the Riverwalk as a public destination and gateway to the Metroparks Toledo system. The Riverwalk Activation Manager coordinates community-led and Metroparks-led programming while ensuring smooth execution of large public events and daily experiences during the Riverwalk’s busiest times. Working cross-functionally within Metroparks and externally with numerous in-park partners, this role is a key to ensure the highest and best use of all spaces around the Riverfront.

Duties and Responsibilities

Event Execution

• Coordinate community-led and Metroparks-led activations on the Riverwalk.
• Primary point person and on-site activation leader when the park is busiest.
• Execute cross-departmentally with park services, rangers, internal outreach, marketing, externally with in-park partners.
• Manage the annual calendar of public events that is established.
• Support planning and operational execution of major Metroparks activations across the park system, as needed.

On-Site Event Leadership

• Provide on-site leadership during large events and peak park times.
• Serve as point-of-contact for seasonal and contract support staff during after-hours activities.
• Serve as event lead during large scale special events and major activations.
• Coordinate with park services and rangers during event and peak visitation to address operational, safety, and visitor experience needs in real time.
• Supervise event day staff, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in real time.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and implement continuous improvement practices.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Compliance with internal permitting process and park rules.
• Coordinate with Ranger and Park Services departments, as needed.
• Secure necessary permits and approvals.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Implement safety plans, emergency protocols, and accessibility standards.

Fiscal Stewardship

• Contribute to planning and use of activation budget.
• Develop and manage event budgets in alignment with public funding accountability standards.
• Monitor expenses and ensure responsible use of public resources.
• Track event-related revenue and sponsorships, where applicable.
• Monitor Riverfront usage to understand peak periods and plan accordingly.
• Prepare post-event financial summaries and performance reports.

Vendor, Partner & Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinate day-to-day planning and activation with in-park partners and vendors to support successful activations
• Maintain positive partnerships with community organizations, partners, and sponsors.
• Supervise volunteers to support event operations.

Marketing & Community Outreach

• Collaborate with marketing staff to promote events through digital, print, and community channels.
• Provide photo and video content to marketing team that captures community engagement in real time.
• Support inclusive outreach efforts to ensure equitable access and participation.
• Serve as an ambassador of the parks system at community meetings and public events.

Other Park District duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite, RecTrac
• Maintenance Equipment: lawn equipment, power and hand tools, high and low volume chemical dispensing systems
• Vehicles: on & off-road trucks with trailers, UTVs

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Schedule: 40-hour work-week that will require work in the evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Home Work Location: Glass City Metropark
• May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• Limited (<10%) travel outside Lucas County.
• Requires lifting and carrying of up to 40 pounds and occasional lifting over 40 pounds with assistance.
• Requires ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Must be able to move about off trail over uneven ground and in wooded areas while carrying equipment.

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
2. Education: High School Diploma or GED. Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Marketing, or related field required.
3. Experience: 2-5 years of hospitality, sports & entertainment, or event planning experience required.
4. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements:
5. First Aid/CPR

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.

Knowledge

• Demonstrated event coordination experience in large-scale outdoor public events.
• Demonstrated experience managing a cross-functional team with multiple stakeholders.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings in a way that inspires confidence and motivates engagement with the Metroparks.
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong project Management skills; ability to manage multiple projects, make decisions, meet deadlines and deliver strong, measurable results.
• Problem Solving skills; ability to find common ground when differences occur and solve routine and novel process problems.

Abilities

• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Proven ability to manage high volume of activity with a focus on service delivery, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.