Downtown SF Partnership
Director of Economic Development & Real Estate
Downtown SF Partnership, San Francisco, California, United States
Director of Economic Development & Real Estate
Direct message the job poster from Downtown SF Partnership
President & CEO at Downtown SF Partnership Position: Director of Economic Development & Real Estate
Salary Range:
$130,000 - $140,000 (exempt, salaried position)
Reports To:
VP of Planning & Economic Development
Location:
In-person at DSFP offices in downtown San Francisco, California
To apply:
Email a resume, cover letter, and writing samples directly to
careers@downtownsf.org . Applications without these items will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Who We Are:
The Downtown SF Partnership (DSFP) is a private, 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization and a leading voice in reimagining downtown San Francisco as a mixed‑use urban environment comprised of office, entertainment, arts and culture, and hospitality uses, with emerging AI technology and venture capital firms moving into the district. Downtown San Francisco is an economic powerhouse for the city, State, and country. It is small, accounting for approximately 4 % of San Francisco’s total land area but generating up to 70 % of the city’s GDP.
Founded in 2020, DSFP services 43‑blocks of San Francisco’s traditional Financial District and the Jackson Square through property assessments ($4.8 M/year), supplemented by grants and sponsorships ($1–2 M). It provides direct services covering supplemental cleaning and safety services, programming and events, public realm improvements, and economic development to support a clean, safe, vibrant, and memorable downtown.
What We’re Seeking:
As the
Director of Economic Development & Real Estate , you’ll join an award‑winning organization working on impactful, highly visible projects and initiatives helping shape downtown San Francisco’s future. You’ll work cross‑functionally with a professional team comprised of multi‑faced backgrounds and decades of experience.
We’re seeking a strategic thinker who brings subject‑matter expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for economic development to spur downtown regeneration. This is a key organizational position responsible for driving ground‑floor investment downtown. You excel working in high‑performing teams, thrive on building transformational relationships, are comfortable navigating complex relationships, and adept at operating in strategic and transactional environments. You are energized by connecting people and ideas to work with diverse stakeholder groups including employers, property owners, property managers, brokers, developers, retailers, and public agencies.
About the Role:
The position reports directly to the Vice President of Planning and Economic Development, with additional strategic direction from DSFP’s President and CEO. In this role, you’ll actively recruit and support a diverse mix of small business owners, hospitality establishments, and neighborhood amenities to revitalize and foster a vibrant, more resilient downtown, and ground‑floor commercial economy. This position collaborates with department team members; the Urban Design & Placemaking Manager and a Research and Data Analyst. Furthermore, the position works closely with the East Cut Community Benefit District to align strategies and tactics, as well as best practices, to deliver and track metrics.
KPI’s:
Increase the number of small to medium‑size ground‑floor businesses
Increase the number and quality of diverse and inclusive business ownership
Enhance ground‑floor tenant support and retention
Visible vibrant and activate streetscape
Areas of Responsibility
Program Management & Partnerships
Develop and execute a roadmap/strategic plan for the district’s ground‑floor revitalization in the Financial District, Jackson Square, and the Embarcadero.
Develop, implement and manage programs to support recruitment and retention of ground‑floor businesses.
Manage program design, goals, and KPI’s to ensure measurable impact.
Brief downtown stakeholders on market trends, economic data, and ground‑floor business strategies/tactics to drive district investment.
Collaborate with small businesses, business incubators, and community‑based organizations to foster growth and long‑term success.
Ground‑Floor Business Attraction, Retention, and Matchmaking
Identify, recruit, and match small business tenants with available ground‑floor spaces to reduce vacancies.
Build a pipeline of prospective tenants in the food and beverage, entertainment and experiential, retail, arts and culture sectors and neighborhood services.
Collaborate with property owners, developers, and brokers to understand needs, mitigate, and connect businesses to city resources.
Provide technical assistance to small businesses navigating leases, permits, and buildouts.
Property Owner and Broker Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial brokers, property owners and managers, and investors to support leasing and ground‑floor activation.
Serve as a connector between property owners and qualified small businesses.
Collaborate on innovating leasing models, pop‑up activations, and creative uses for vacant spaces.
Engage in strategic planning and program/projects analyzing feasibility and recruitment development interest, in partnership with the VP of Planning & Economic Development.
Lead site tours with businesses and investors to promote district amenities and availabilities.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Requirements/Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in economics, urban planning, real estate or a related field (Master’s degree is preferred)
A minimum of 7+ years of experience in economic development, commercial real estate, small business development, public administration, capital finance or related fields.
Strong understanding of commercial real estate, including leasing dynamics, tenant recruitment, tenant negotiations, and capital market conditions.
Proficiency with market intelligence and data management and communications.
Proven experience leading ground‑floor activation, tenant recruitment, or small business revitalization programs.
Existing relationships built with San Francisco‑based brokers and commercial real estate professionals a plus.
Experience working Business Improvement Districts/Community Benefit Districts (BIDs/CBDs) is a plus, as is familiarity with government environments.
Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling and actionable insights and recommendations.
Proficient experience using Microsoft Office & Google Workspace is required.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
Position Specifications, Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
$130,000 – $140,000 per year plus benefits
100 % employer‑paid healthcare, dental and vision plan
3‑weeks PTO, 14 paid holidays, plus the office is closed for winter break
Monthly commuter benefit
401(k) plan with a 3 % employer match
Life insurance policy
Professional opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and community networking events.
Work hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in‑person. Evening and weekend work may be required to support meetings and special events. The work environment is highly collaborative, fast‑paced, evolving, and dynamic, offering exposure to impactful projects and decision‑makers shaping downtown San Francisco.
To apply:
Email a resume, cover letter, and writing samples directly to
careers@downtownsf.org . Applications without these items will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
President & CEO at Downtown SF Partnership Position: Director of Economic Development & Real Estate
Salary Range:
$130,000 - $140,000 (exempt, salaried position)
Reports To:
VP of Planning & Economic Development
Location:
In-person at DSFP offices in downtown San Francisco, California
To apply:
Email a resume, cover letter, and writing samples directly to
careers@downtownsf.org . Applications without these items will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Who We Are:
The Downtown SF Partnership (DSFP) is a private, 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization and a leading voice in reimagining downtown San Francisco as a mixed‑use urban environment comprised of office, entertainment, arts and culture, and hospitality uses, with emerging AI technology and venture capital firms moving into the district. Downtown San Francisco is an economic powerhouse for the city, State, and country. It is small, accounting for approximately 4 % of San Francisco’s total land area but generating up to 70 % of the city’s GDP.
Founded in 2020, DSFP services 43‑blocks of San Francisco’s traditional Financial District and the Jackson Square through property assessments ($4.8 M/year), supplemented by grants and sponsorships ($1–2 M). It provides direct services covering supplemental cleaning and safety services, programming and events, public realm improvements, and economic development to support a clean, safe, vibrant, and memorable downtown.
What We’re Seeking:
As the
Director of Economic Development & Real Estate , you’ll join an award‑winning organization working on impactful, highly visible projects and initiatives helping shape downtown San Francisco’s future. You’ll work cross‑functionally with a professional team comprised of multi‑faced backgrounds and decades of experience.
We’re seeking a strategic thinker who brings subject‑matter expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for economic development to spur downtown regeneration. This is a key organizational position responsible for driving ground‑floor investment downtown. You excel working in high‑performing teams, thrive on building transformational relationships, are comfortable navigating complex relationships, and adept at operating in strategic and transactional environments. You are energized by connecting people and ideas to work with diverse stakeholder groups including employers, property owners, property managers, brokers, developers, retailers, and public agencies.
About the Role:
The position reports directly to the Vice President of Planning and Economic Development, with additional strategic direction from DSFP’s President and CEO. In this role, you’ll actively recruit and support a diverse mix of small business owners, hospitality establishments, and neighborhood amenities to revitalize and foster a vibrant, more resilient downtown, and ground‑floor commercial economy. This position collaborates with department team members; the Urban Design & Placemaking Manager and a Research and Data Analyst. Furthermore, the position works closely with the East Cut Community Benefit District to align strategies and tactics, as well as best practices, to deliver and track metrics.
KPI’s:
Increase the number of small to medium‑size ground‑floor businesses
Increase the number and quality of diverse and inclusive business ownership
Enhance ground‑floor tenant support and retention
Visible vibrant and activate streetscape
Areas of Responsibility
Program Management & Partnerships
Develop and execute a roadmap/strategic plan for the district’s ground‑floor revitalization in the Financial District, Jackson Square, and the Embarcadero.
Develop, implement and manage programs to support recruitment and retention of ground‑floor businesses.
Manage program design, goals, and KPI’s to ensure measurable impact.
Brief downtown stakeholders on market trends, economic data, and ground‑floor business strategies/tactics to drive district investment.
Collaborate with small businesses, business incubators, and community‑based organizations to foster growth and long‑term success.
Ground‑Floor Business Attraction, Retention, and Matchmaking
Identify, recruit, and match small business tenants with available ground‑floor spaces to reduce vacancies.
Build a pipeline of prospective tenants in the food and beverage, entertainment and experiential, retail, arts and culture sectors and neighborhood services.
Collaborate with property owners, developers, and brokers to understand needs, mitigate, and connect businesses to city resources.
Provide technical assistance to small businesses navigating leases, permits, and buildouts.
Property Owner and Broker Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial brokers, property owners and managers, and investors to support leasing and ground‑floor activation.
Serve as a connector between property owners and qualified small businesses.
Collaborate on innovating leasing models, pop‑up activations, and creative uses for vacant spaces.
Engage in strategic planning and program/projects analyzing feasibility and recruitment development interest, in partnership with the VP of Planning & Economic Development.
Lead site tours with businesses and investors to promote district amenities and availabilities.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Requirements/Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in economics, urban planning, real estate or a related field (Master’s degree is preferred)
A minimum of 7+ years of experience in economic development, commercial real estate, small business development, public administration, capital finance or related fields.
Strong understanding of commercial real estate, including leasing dynamics, tenant recruitment, tenant negotiations, and capital market conditions.
Proficiency with market intelligence and data management and communications.
Proven experience leading ground‑floor activation, tenant recruitment, or small business revitalization programs.
Existing relationships built with San Francisco‑based brokers and commercial real estate professionals a plus.
Experience working Business Improvement Districts/Community Benefit Districts (BIDs/CBDs) is a plus, as is familiarity with government environments.
Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling and actionable insights and recommendations.
Proficient experience using Microsoft Office & Google Workspace is required.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
Position Specifications, Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
$130,000 – $140,000 per year plus benefits
100 % employer‑paid healthcare, dental and vision plan
3‑weeks PTO, 14 paid holidays, plus the office is closed for winter break
Monthly commuter benefit
401(k) plan with a 3 % employer match
Life insurance policy
Professional opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and community networking events.
Work hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in‑person. Evening and weekend work may be required to support meetings and special events. The work environment is highly collaborative, fast‑paced, evolving, and dynamic, offering exposure to impactful projects and decision‑makers shaping downtown San Francisco.
To apply:
Email a resume, cover letter, and writing samples directly to
careers@downtownsf.org . Applications without these items will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
#J-18808-Ljbffr