Founded in 1974, Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with the mission to preserve, promote and advocate for the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Fla. Both neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. RAP also operates the Riverside Arts Market (RAM), a community hub showcasing local arts, culture, and small businesses every Saturday under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Our programs aim to be welcoming, inclusive, and impactful for all. 

This position builds on the previous Creative Placemaking Specialist role. It seeks to continue existing projects at various stages of planning and execution, as well as conceptualize and design new ones in collaboration with community and organization partners. 

POSITION OVERVIEW
Employment type: full-time, salaried
Reports to: Development Director

RESPONSIBILITIES
The goal of the Project Manager is to manage and execute projects that will preserve, maintain, and enhance public places in Riverside and Avondale. This role will improve parks, private property, and public areas by uplifting art, culture, and history as well as enhancing the natural environment and biodiversity. The Project Manager will work directly with the Development Director and interface regularly with the Executive Director and Communications Director and is supported by the Creative Placemaking Committee, composed of RAP Board Members and community members with passion and expertise on the topic. 

Project Management & Coordination

• Responsible for representing RAP in developing, executing, and managing multiple projects and initiatives. Build and maintain project timelines, coordinate action items across the team, track project status, and problem-solve as needed.
• Fully manage each project, including communications with artist(s), committee members, and partners, meeting notes, timelines and action items, project status, and budget tracking and updates. 
• Apply for and receive permits for installation of public art projects and neighborhood infrastructure improvements
• Work with a team to execute communications strategies, fundraising goals, and community priorities for each placemaking project
• Create program budgets and fundraising plans/strategies for executing with the Development team
• Oversee 4-6 calls-to-artists per year; draft RFP’s and RFQ’s, build and maintain a roster of creatives for application to projects, and serve as the primary point of contact
  
  

Community Engagement & Stewardship

• Work with the RAP Creative Placemaking Committee on executing priorities and goals as defined through our annual Committee Charter
• Coordinate key community stakeholders, business leaders, and experts that are critical voices in planning, collaboration, and execution of any projects; identify additional stakeholders with whom to build new relationships and expand our network
• Engage community members through inclusive, equity-centered outreach that is driven and supported by residents and builds on existing neighborhood assets
• Maintain project partner lists, relationships with funders, artists, community partners
  
  

Event Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement activities within the public spaces in the Riverside Avondale neighborhood that create a sense of place including the merchant districts, parks, and the public spaces. We manage/operate the Riverside Avondale Community Garden, the John Gorrie Dog Park, and RAM
• Provide placemaking assistance and operational support to the Garden Tour, Music Tour, and other RAP signature events, as needed
• Work with community partners and small businesses to strengthen one another for holistic community improvement through the merchant districts

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS
Required: 

• 3-5 years of project management experience. 
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and multitasking skills, willingness to learn new subjects, interest supporting small businesses in our Merchant Districts

Preferred: 

• Obtaining permits, executing contracts for long-term maintenance of public art, creating contracts with artists and creatives for work to be executed, committee leadership, public facilitation, working with budgets over $25k
• Experience with an RFP process for public art, working with artists, art in public places
• Experience creating a workplan, fundraising and/or reporting experience
• Previous work with interactive visual apps, crowdsourcing, video, or digital storytelling

BENEFITS
Salary offered is $54,000 – $59,000 depending on experience. Annual compensation evaluation and year-end bonus are provided. Macbook is provided. 

RAP operates a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) which allows for direct payouts of qualified expenses up to $3,000 per year, as well as a SIMPLE IRA retirement account with a 3-percent annual match. Employer-paid professional development and continuing education are provided. Benefits include 12 paid holidays per calendar year and two weeks paid vacation to start. The schedule is flexible and work from home options are available, as needed. Travel is minimal.

TO APPLY
Email info@riversideavondale.org with resume and letter of interest. Applicants are encouraged to include examples of community engagement project plans, work plans, and/or project tracking for previously completed work. Applications received before April 20, 2026 will receive priority consideration; all applications will be considered until the position is filled. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. If you believe you’d excel in this role, we want to hear from you.