Manager, High Line Network

Friends of the High Line seeks an experienced and results-driven professional to join our High Line Network Team. This position is designed to drive the strategic execution of core Network programs, help run day-to-day activities with a focus on advancing the profile of Network projects and the Network itself. A successful candidate will possess the ability to work across a range of areas – including writing, communications, advocacy, and project management. The Manager will also play a central role in advancing the Network’s communications and impact storytelling—using data, metrics, and analytics to clearly articulate outcomes, inform strategy, and elevate the Network’s influence across partners, funders, and the field.

This position provides the exciting opportunity to join the growing Network team and work closely with the Network’s member projects and the larger infrastructure reuse field. Reporting to the Senior Director of the High Line Network, the Manager will also possess experience with or interest in urban planning and policy, and will help ensure the Network’s goals for equitable public spaces and infrastructure reuse are realized.

What is the High Line Network? A program of the High Line, the Network is a group of infrastructure reuse projects and the people who help them come to life. Members of this network are nonprofit organizations transforming underutilized infrastructure into new urban landscapes, redefining what a park can be. The Network’s mission is to support a community of infrastructure reuse projects in creating vibrant and equitable public spaces that center local communities, build civic connections, support environmental resilience, and foster equitable community development.

Responsibilities 

Communication and Metrics

• Effectively use data on the wider field of infrastructure reuse projects and develop systems to communicate impact of Network member projects including translating research findings, metrics, and analytics into compelling narratives that support advocacy, fundraising, thought leadership, and strategic communications.
• Develop processes for evaluating the impact of the Network and its activities using surveys, requests for feedback, and other evaluative methods.
• Support programming and events by producing marketing materials and presentations in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Create written content (including blog posts, newsletter, social media posts, etc.) for the Network’s LinkedIn that communicates information about the network to a wider audience; explore creation of Network Instagram account.
• Manage communications-related assets for Network activities in coordination with the Communications team; work in coordination to maximize exposure of Network publications, projects and events.

Field Building and Research

• Identify trends, topics, and areas of interest in the field to develop further engagement, advocacy and communications opportunities.
• Work with Network staff on the development and documentation of best practice resources for the Network.
• Create high-quality written content including public communications materials, synthesis of Network policy and programs, and presentation materials.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Assist with technical assistance and other requests from Network members.
• Identify and help cultivate partnerships for the network, with a focus on partnerships that can help network projects advance their work.
• Connect and promote interaction within projects in the field of infrastructure reuse, including Network members and High Line staff.
• Manage relationships with Network members and select Network partners.
• Represent the High Line Network at external meetings and events, serving as an ambassador for the organization and the field, using data-driven storytelling to communicate impact, influence stakeholders, and strengthen the Network’s national profile.

Project & Program Leadership

• Support the development of Network programmatic scopes and project deliverables.
• Lead the execution and management of 2-3 of the Network's key programmatic initiatives, including joint programming initiatives with Network members.
• Manage the logistics and coordinate research, planning, implementation, and logistics of Network convenings (virtual and in-person) including annual events and the biennial Network Symposium. Work with Network team on content development.
• Manage daily Network activities in coordination with other Network Manager, ensuring timely execution of projects.
• Ensure adherence to budgets and timelines for Network projects.
• Support Assistant on day-to-day tasks and oversee Research Fellow projects, as applicable.
• Collaborate across High Line departments to align the Network's goals with the organization's overall initiatives.
• Integrate clear communication, storytelling, and data-informed insights into program design and delivery to ensure the Network’s work is consistently understood, measurable, and impactful.

Requirements

Desired experience of a successful candidate may include the following, but candidates will not be screened exclusively based on meeting these qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of work experience in the non-profit/public sector or a related field, with demonstrated success in communications and program management.
• Strong, confident writer, with the ability to produce written documents quickly and effectively, experience with managing social media accounts such as Instagram and LinkedIn
• Superior written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with proven presentation and public speaking abilities
• Demonstrated ability to translate data, metrics, and research findings into clear, compelling storytelling for diverse audiences, including partners, funders, policymakers, and the public
• Ability to synthesize complex information, exercise sound judgment, and know when to seek input—while managing multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, with experience applying these principles in public space and/or community-facing work.
• Ability to thrive in the midst of complexity and ambiguity; creative, flexible self-starter willing to take on new tasks as the network evolves
• Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong cross-functional partnership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and teams
• Strong relationship-builder with demonstrated ability to cultivate trust with external stakeholders; comfort working with community-based organizations and community leaders around urban issues
• Strong graphic presentation skills; fluency with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus

Abilities

• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events and convenings.
• Based in New York City and able to work in the office three days per week, comfortable working in a hybrid office/home environment, and able to travel to Network member sites across North America.
• Commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in public spaces and the workplace

This is a Full-Time, year-round, exempt position.

Actual salaries will vary on various factors, including but not limited to experience and performance. The annual salary range is from $70,000 to $80,000.

The location for the role remains hybrid, with a requirement to physically report to the office (located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in New York City).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays
• Discounted Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with vendors at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to the Whitney Museum
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growth & Development

About Friends of the High Line:

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement:

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If you have a disability and need help with the application process:

• Email [email protected] to request accommodations (like alternative formats, extra time, etc.)

• This email is ONLY for requesting disability accommodations

• Resumes sent to this email won't receive special treatment in the selection process
• The only special consideration will be providing the specific accommodation you need to complete the application fairly