WEBINARPlacemaking Careers: Breaking into the Field
Thursday, August 6 | 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT
Virtual | Starting at $15
About the Webinar
Placemaking careers don't follow one path. People come to the field from architecture, urban design, government, nonprofits, and everything in between. This session explores what it actually looks like to build a career in placemaking.
We’ll start with my story—how I found my way into public space work, what worked and what didn't—before we get into how the field itself has shifted and grown over the years, and the real challenges practitioners are navigating right now. From there, we'll break down where the jobs actually are, what employers look for, and how to build a portfolio that gets you noticed, no matter where you're starting from.
Whether you're a student, switching careers, just placemaking-curious, or someone who's been doing this work for years and wants a fresh perspective, this conversation is meant to offer both practical guidance and a bit of inspiration for turning a passion for public space into an actual profession. All registrants will receive a recording of the session.
What You'll Learn
My story: how I broke into placemaking, what I got wrong, and what I'd do differently
What placemaking actually is (and isn't) and how the field has evolved over time
Where the jobs are: nonprofits, municipal government, downtown partnerships/BIDs, design and planning firms, and freelance/consulting paths
What hiring managers actually look for and why your application matters more than your degree
The real numbers: salary ranges and typical career trajectories
The challenges practitioners face today from funding constraints to shifting public priorities
Live Q&A: bring your questions about the field, the job search, or my own path
About the Speaker
Carolyn Levine is the Senior Manager of Civic Engagement at the Downtown Denver Partnership where she is responsible for developing year-round engagement opportunities that educate, connect, and inspire. She is also the founder of This Must Be The Place, a bi-monthly newsletter that shares placemaking opportunities—from jobs and internships to articles and RFPs. Carolyn serves on the Board of Trustees for the Design Workshop Foundation and the Board of Directors for the City Park Alliance. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in Urban Placemaking and Management from Pratt Institute.
Price
This webinar uses a sliding-scale pricing model, designed to keep the session accessible to students and people early in their careers, while giving those who are able to pay more the option to help sustain the series. There's no need to justify which tier you pick, choose whichever feels right for you.
$15 - Students/Early Career
$35 - Suggested Price
$50 - Cover your own registration fee + a student/early career professional