The Design Trust for Public Space is seeking a part-time Communications and Events Coordinator to support our ambitious new agenda for New York City, based on viable and accessible public space. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 5, 2025

The Design Trust for Public Space is a non-profit organization that unlocks the potential of New York’s public spaces. Our unique model catalyzes design ideas into action for a more just and equitable city. We are celebrating three decades of transformative public space design in New York City throughout 2025. The Design Trust’s work can be seen and experienced throughout NYC–from parks and plazas to streets and public buildings. Our impact spans across the five boroughs—from our first project developing design guidelines for the Brooklyn Public Library system, to reclaiming the High Line as an open public space, and to our recent efforts at removing permitting barriers for hosting events and resources in shared spaces.

Some of our current projects and upcoming public events include:

• The Water RFP: This Fall, we are launching our 12th public call for project ideas, Water: Designing an Equitable Water Future for NYC. Central to our mission and program is our request for proposals (RFP), which asks all New Yorkers for ideas to realize projects that address a key public space concern in New York City. The “Water” Request for Proposals (RFP) recognizes that the long-term health and sustainability of the city’s public life depends on managing the risks of—and benefits of—New York as a water city, including commitment to innovative green infrastructure, well-planned coastal resilience, sustainable buildings, and cultural vibrancy.

• Reimagining the Enslaved African Burial Ground at Van Cortlandt Park: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is partnering with the Design Trust for Public Space to reimagine an Enslaved African Burial Ground site in the Bronx as a memorial space that fosters long-term healing and restoration, through community engagement, a series of meaningful activations and events, and a design ideas competition to reimagine the space.

• Common Yards: In partnership with the Trust for Public Land, we are hosting a national convening of public housing authorities, urban planners, and community organizations in October 2025 to expand on our work with New York City Housing Authority Residents using participatory design to create green space in public housing neighborhoods.

• Benefit for Public Space: Each year, our Annual Benefit honors innovative leaders who are instrumental in the positive transformation of the city’s shared landscape and raises crucial funds to make our work possible.

Position Summary: The Design Trust works to create a better New York City and believes that building a strong internal culture is key to doing so. We create spaces, opportunities, and resources for communities to actively engage with each other, their neighborhood, and their city. We take a listening and learning posture. Sharing our passion about public space and our mission, the Communications and Event Coordinator will play a key role in supporting our effective overall communications, media, and event outreach strategy that raises awareness of the organization, its projects, programs and policy recommendations. This position will provide hands-on experience in the urban planning field, public relations, and brand management, and provide vital event support to our Annual Benefit.  The position will report directly to the Senior Communications Manager and the Development Director.

Responsibilities and Duties: The position will begin in early October. Design Trust currently operates on a hybrid office schedule. Position will be mostly remote with 1-2 days in the Tribeca office (All staff are required to come in on Wednesdays). The position will be part-time (15-20 hours a week). We can work with you to create a schedule that supports you. Responsibilities include:

• Event Coordination: Support Annual Benefit event planning, logistics, donation tracking, invite management, and marketing outreach. A core part of this role is to support general event execution, which is key to our 2025 30th anniversary campaign, including public-facing and donor-exclusive events.

• Content Creation + Brand Management: Support creation of owned media content in adherence to DT brand guidelines and values, including website updates, blog posts, email marketing, and social media collateral. Help maintain the Design Trust editorial calendar, and pitch program marketing and community outreach ideas. 

• Public Relations: Help maintain press contacts list, research media opportunities, support Communications Manager in drafting and disseminating outreach materials like press releases, statements, media advisories, etc. 

• Documentation + Organizational Systems: Organize and upkeep photo and video archives documenting Design Trust projects and events, support with event documentation as needed.

Background, Skills, and Qualifications: Preferred Candidates will have the following: 

• Thrives in a small-office environment, proven excellent written and oral communication skills, and organizational skills.

• Experience with and knowledge of social media platforms and trends (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

• Excellent copyediting and copywriting skills

• Experience with CMS, Database management and website management

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Preferred experience with graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign and Photoshop, as well as Canva)

• Existing knowledge of urban planning and New York City policy and event management experience is a huge plus!

• Position open to current undergraduates, recent college graduates, and entry-level graduate students pursuing a degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Urban Design or a related field. (or a strong writer looking to break into the field)

Compensation: $20/Hour 15-20 hours a week.  Must be able to commit to being available for our 2026 Benefit (typically mid-June)

How to Apply: Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis Until September 5, 2025. To apply, send the following as one complete PDF file:

• A cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position and why you think public space access is an important issue in NYC.;

• Your resume (2 pages maximum),with  2-3 references;

• (Optional) Links/attachments to any relevant writing samples

Name your PDF file “lastname_firstname.pdf” and send your complete application to: amauzy@designtrust.org with “Coordinator Application” written in the Subject Line.

Design Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all abilities, ethnicities, genders, national origins or ancestries, socioeconomic statuses, races, formerly incarcerated statuses, religions, and sexualities to apply. Design Trust is also committed to accessibility and to working together with you to develop an accessibility plan.