Executive Director

The Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN) formed in 2021. Our mission is to activate, connect and enhance public spaces in the downtown and along the waterways of Providence to spark civic pride, fuel economic vitality, attract visitors and showcase the city as a world class destination. We work across the public spaces that run from Waterplace Park to Greater Kennedy Plaza to the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge.

We envision a network of dynamic, interconnected public spaces and waterways that serve as a model for urban vitality in downtown Providence. Strengthened by enduring public and private partnerships and sustained investment, these spaces enrich lives and draw in residents and visitors to cultivate a sense of belonging, build traditions, and drive community well being through the energy and participation of the people who use them daily.

• Collaboration: amplifying and leveraging the unique strengths and interests of our communities and partners
• Connectedness: bringing Providence communities together to create a common sense of belonging
• Creativity: identifying opportunities to enhance and elevate these spaces through art installations, cultural programming, recreation, and other initiatives

DPPN is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role for someone who loves Providence, activating public spaces, and stewarding partnerships to turn big ideas into real experiences for the community.

The Executive Director serves as the primary relationship manager for the organization, working closely with the City, downtown stakeholders, cultural partners, funders, and residents to strengthen and activate Providence’s downtown parks and waterways. This role blends strategy and execution and requires someone who is comfortable leading externally while also managing core organizational systems.

Because DPPN is a small nonprofit focused on directing as many resources as possible toward free public programming and park activation, this position offers a competitive salary but does not currently include employer provided benefits. This role includes responsibility for fundraising, partnerships, marketing, data tracking, and core financial management, including working in Quick Books and coordinating with the organization’s accountant and Board Treasurer on financial oversight and annual review.

• Lead organizational fundraising strategy and pursue foundation, corporate, public, and individual support
• Prepare competitive grant proposals and manage reporting for funders such as Rhode Island Foundation, Bank Newport, PPL Foundation, and Commerce RI
• Steward relationships with funders, donors, sponsors, and program officers
• Partner with board members on donor cultivation and sponsorship outreach
• Plan, produce, and grow an annual signature fundraising event that builds long term donor support and community visibility
• Manage fundraising campaigns on Givebutter and related platforms
• Maintain organized grant, donor, and sponsorship tracking systems
• Turn program data and community voices into clear, compelling impact reports for funders and sponsors

• Serve as the primary convener and connector among downtown businesses, developers, cultural organizations, universities, and community groups
• Strengthen working relationships with City of Providence departments and state agencies
• Coordinate with tourism and economic development partners to align programming and promotion
• Represent DPPN in public meetings, partner convenings, and regional conversations
• Advocate for downtown parks and public spaces in planning, transportation, environmental, and economic development discussions
• Maintain regular communication with partners about projects, timelines, and opportunities for engagement

• Lead planning and delivery of downtown activations, festivals, and seasonal programs that are free and open to the public
• Manage permits, contracts, logistics, safety planning, and vendor coordination
• D…