Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Flexible work hours
Employee assistance program
Job Description
The City of Wilmington is a dynamic municipal government dedicated to fostering a vibrant, thriving community through strategic leadership and innovative services. Situated along the scenic coast of North Carolina, Wilmington offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban development. The city is renowned for its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike by focusing on sustainable growth, cultural enrichment, and economic vitality. Within this framework, the City actively promotes downtown as a focal point for business, entertainment, tourism, and community engagement. Wilmington's government is structured to be responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking, with an executive management team that leads various citywide initiatives, collaborating closely with departments, stakeholders, and the public to maintain and elevate the city's standing as a premier destination.
The Downtown Services & Special Events Director is a senior leadership role positioned at the core of Wilmington's urban experience. Reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager, this role carries the responsibility of overseeing comprehensive downtown operations that include managing special events, film permitting, nightlife programs, social districts, and the convention center. The Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating essential municipal services that contribute to keeping the downtown area vibrant, safe, and welcoming. This position demands a visionary leader who can integrate strategic planning with day-to-day operations, ensuring programs support the city's goals while responding to community needs. The Director is also integral to reinforcing strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, elected officials, and residents.
A critical aspect of the role involves leadership and management of a diverse, high-performing team. The Downtown Services & Special Events Director provides coaching, accountability measures, performance management, and fosters professional growth within the department. The role involves setting both short- and long-term goals and devising integrated strategies and policies that align with Wilmington’s objectives for downtown revitalization and community involvement. The Director is the key liaison for multiple stakeholder engagements, including the Municipal Services District program, convention center operations, the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, and various downtown partnerships, ensuring cohesion across these entities.
The position requires a thorough understanding of municipal service delivery in a complex urban environment and the ability to develop and manage budgets effectively. The Director must maintain vigilance over emerging trends, regulatory changes, and operational risks, continuously updating policies and procedures to uphold excellence, safety, and efficiency. This includes facilitating downtown events and programming in collaboration with departments like Parks and Recreation, enhancing the cultural and economic fabric of the city.
Furthermore, the Director serves as a representative at public meetings, presentations, and events, requiring exceptional communication skills and a commitment to community engagement. Knowledge of the local and state economic and political landscape is essential, along with proven expertise in contract management, vendor negotiations, and stakeholder relations.
This position operates primarily in an office setting but involves frequent engagement with the public and field evaluation of event planning and downtown dynamics. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the role and its importance to the city’s function and image.
The City of Wilmington encourages candidates with a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community or Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a related field coupled with a minimum of ten years of progressive cross-functional experience in local government, program management, or corporate special event management to apply. Local government experience is preferred but not mandatory. The position remains open until filled, with the first application review two weeks after posting. This role offers a prestigious opportunity for a dedicated leader to shape the city’s downtown experience and contribute meaningfully to Wilmington’s future as a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and community life.
The Downtown Services & Special Events Director is a senior leadership role positioned at the core of Wilmington's urban experience. Reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager, this role carries the responsibility of overseeing comprehensive downtown operations that include managing special events, film permitting, nightlife programs, social districts, and the convention center. The Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating essential municipal services that contribute to keeping the downtown area vibrant, safe, and welcoming. This position demands a visionary leader who can integrate strategic planning with day-to-day operations, ensuring programs support the city's goals while responding to community needs. The Director is also integral to reinforcing strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, elected officials, and residents.
A critical aspect of the role involves leadership and management of a diverse, high-performing team. The Downtown Services & Special Events Director provides coaching, accountability measures, performance management, and fosters professional growth within the department. The role involves setting both short- and long-term goals and devising integrated strategies and policies that align with Wilmington’s objectives for downtown revitalization and community involvement. The Director is the key liaison for multiple stakeholder engagements, including the Municipal Services District program, convention center operations, the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, and various downtown partnerships, ensuring cohesion across these entities.
The position requires a thorough understanding of municipal service delivery in a complex urban environment and the ability to develop and manage budgets effectively. The Director must maintain vigilance over emerging trends, regulatory changes, and operational risks, continuously updating policies and procedures to uphold excellence, safety, and efficiency. This includes facilitating downtown events and programming in collaboration with departments like Parks and Recreation, enhancing the cultural and economic fabric of the city.
Furthermore, the Director serves as a representative at public meetings, presentations, and events, requiring exceptional communication skills and a commitment to community engagement. Knowledge of the local and state economic and political landscape is essential, along with proven expertise in contract management, vendor negotiations, and stakeholder relations.
This position operates primarily in an office setting but involves frequent engagement with the public and field evaluation of event planning and downtown dynamics. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the role and its importance to the city’s function and image.
The City of Wilmington encourages candidates with a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community or Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a related field coupled with a minimum of ten years of progressive cross-functional experience in local government, program management, or corporate special event management to apply. Local government experience is preferred but not mandatory. The position remains open until filled, with the first application review two weeks after posting. This role offers a prestigious opportunity for a dedicated leader to shape the city’s downtown experience and contribute meaningfully to Wilmington’s future as a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and community life.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community or Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a closely related field
- At least ten years of progressively responsible, cross-functional experience in local government, program management, corporate special event management, public administration, or related field
- Local government experience preferred
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and work in a climate-controlled office setting
- Capacity to walk outdoors frequently to interact with the public and evaluate downtown events
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing environment
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community or Economic Development, Urban Planning, or related field
- At least ten years of progressively responsible cross-functional experience in local government, program management, corporate special event management, or public administration
- Experience in local government preferred
- Proven leadership and team management skills
- Skilled in strategic planning, policy development, and program implementation
- Expertise in project management, budgeting, grant acquisition, and contract negotiation
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with elected officials, community members, and partners
- Ability to monitor trends, assess risks, and innovate service delivery
- Knowledge of local and state economic and political landscape or ability to develop this understanding
Job Duties
- Oversees daily operations of downtown services programs
- ensures work is completed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with standards and regulations
- Plans, directs, and evaluates departmental staff
- provides coaching, accountability, performance management, and professional development
- Develops and implements long- and short-term goals, integrated strategies, and policies for downtown services initiatives
- Provides guidance and collaborates with City staff and stakeholders on downtown events, film permits, special events, alley activation, public art and programming, and holiday lighting
- Directs and manages the City’s Municipal Services District program as staff liaison to the MSD Committee and services contractor
- Directs and manages the Convention Center services contract and liaises with the facility operator and City Asset & Property Management
- Coordinates with the Wilmington Regional Film Commission and Conventions and Visitors Bureau on downtown initiatives and budgeting
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with community, elected officials, residents, and organizational partners
- represents department in meetings and public events
- Monitors emerging trends, risks, and regulations, updating policies and procedures to ensure operational excellence
- Plans, designs, and executes downtown events and programming in collaboration with Parks and Recreation and other departments
- Develops understanding of downtown areas’ unique needs and establishes positive relationships with respective merchant associations
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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