Update: Due to high interest in this position, we are reviewing all applications received by the previously stated deadline of August 8, 2025 at 5 pm. Thank you for your interest in working with the Central Eastside.

TITLE: District Activation Manager
SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, including some evenings/weekends
SUPERVISOR: Executive Director
SALARY: $75,000 – $80,000/year, Exempt
BENEFITS: Employer-paid Medical Coverage; Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave, District Parking Pass and discounted Central Eastside commuter pass option

ABOUT US

Central Eastside PDX is a joint effort of the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) and Central Eastside Together (CET). The organizations share staff to execute advocacy priorities and deliver business-centered programs in the Central Eastside. The CEIC is the business association for the Central Eastside, and CET is one of three Enhanced Services Districts (ESD) in Portland. Together, they serve a nearly 700-acre district that spans from I-84 to Division and the Willamette River to SE 12th Avenue—home to more than 1,300 businesses and 22% of Portland’s central city total acreage. 

Since 2019, Central Eastside Together has supported a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient district by funding and coordinating enhanced services including cleaning, community safety, beautification, economic development, hospitality, and special events.

THE ROLE

The District Activation Manager is a community-facing leader who brings energy and visibility to the Central Eastside through events, district promotion, placemaking, and business support. This position strengthens the district’s identity as a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike—connecting people to places, and businesses to opportunities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the District Activation Manager collaborates with internal teams, local partners, and small businesses to create meaningful programming and resources that elevate tourism, drive foot traffic, and foster a sense of pride across the neighborhood. This role also plays a critical part in building sponsorship opportunities and creating pathways for public-private collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director to align district programming with long-term goals.

• Co-create and manage an annual plan for events, hospitality, and promotions.

• Support the annual budgeting process and provide financial tracking for all activation-related programs.

• Identify sponsorships and funding to grow our impact.

• Track local and regional trends to keep the district’s offerings fresh and relevant.

Events & District Promotion

• Plan and produce signature events that boost business and tourism.

• Support CEIC-led events like member mixers and the Annual Celebration.

• Coordinate with outside event organizers to ensure successful activations.

• Represent the district at public events, festivals, and community gatherings.

Business & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with businesses through regular check-ins and outreach.

• Help businesses navigate permits, street closures, and public space use.

• Collaborate with Field Operations Manager to ensure contract teams support district activities.

• Convene local stakeholders to gather input and align goals.

• Partner with groups like Venture Portland and Proper Portland to grow visibility.

• Keep our community informed with clear, timely updates.

Placemaking & Hospitality

• Co-create and distribute district maps, business passports, and promotional swag.

• Keep event listings and district content updated on our website.

• Work with third-party partners to enhance district identity and walkability.

• Support projects that make the area more welcoming, safe, and vibrant.

Program & Committee Management

• Manage the Better Together Grant (BTG) Program: track progress, support grantees, and report results.

• Lead the BTG Committee by providing necessary documentation to score and select grant recipients.

• Lead the Placemaking & Activation Committee, which is a committee of the Board of Directors, to align efforts with district goals.

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communication Manager to create assets that tell our story.

• Manage sponsorship requests and co-develop a distribution strategy. 

Reporting & Innovation

• Report on progress at board meetings and community events.

• Track participation, outcomes, and metrics across programs.

• Research national best practices and apply them locally to keep us ahead of the curve.

QUALIFICATIONS

This is a fast-paced, community-centered role for someone who thrives on collaboration, creativity, and making an impact. The right candidate will bring: 

• 3+ years experience in event coordination, community engagement, tourism/hospitality, or nonprofit program management

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Familiarity with city permitting processes and vendor coordination

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Experience managing budgets and tracking program performance

• Proficiency in Google Workspace; working knowledge of Canva, CRM, or CMS tools is a plus

• A collaborative, curious, and solutions-oriented mindset

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications for the position to admin@centraleastside.biz with the subject “District Activation Manager.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to applications received by 5:00 PM on August 8, 2025. Position open until filled. We seek a person in this position by September 29. As such, we anticipate the interview process to be as follows:

8/18 through 8/22: Rd 1. Phone Screens

8/25 through 8/29: Rd. 2 Virtual Meeting

9/2  through 9/12 : Rd. 3 In person Meeting

LOCATION:
Our office is located in the Central Eastside Industrial District, Portland, Oregon. We have a hybrid working schedule in the office Tuesday-Thursday from 9-5 pm and WFH on Monday and Friday. This position is required to attend CEIC and CET-sponsored events, which may occur in evenings and/or weekends, and attend some district events, which may occur outside standard business hours, as a representative of the organizations.

The Central Eastside Industrial Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any classification protected by federal , state or local law.