General Services Director, City of Durham, NC
Developmental Associates, LLC, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27703
About Us
The City of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Closes March 6, 2026
About The Community The City of Durham is located in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina. The city has a population of 317,467 and is a hub for life sciences, information technology, and clean technology. Durham is consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and play.
About The Organization Durham operates under a council–manager form of government and serves approximately 286,000 residents. The FY 2025–2026 operating budget totals $772 million.
Duties / Responsibilities
Provide executive leadership for the stewardship of city facilities, property, and public spaces.
Oversee day‑to‑day operations and long‑range planning for the city’s physical assets including deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects.
Serve as a visible representative and principal advisor to city leadership, the city council, boards, commissions, partner agencies, and the public.
Lead a workforce of 124 employees and manage an operating budget of $21 million.
Provide executive oversight of the city’s partnership with Keep Durham Beautiful and other community engagement initiatives.
Manage a $355 million capital improvement program, leading 114 diverse projects that range from revitalizing civic spaces to expanding the city’s cultural and public art footprint.
Develop and implement a clear project communications approach that provides internal clients and the public with timely updates on milestones, phase changes, impacts, and progress.
Prepare the department for current and future growth by embracing technology and systemization with innovation and creativity.
Key Position Priorities
Strengthen project delivery outcomes by engaging consultants and partners through structured feedback and focus groups.
Review and realign departmental services and resources to improve efficiency and collaboration across teams and divisions.
Rebalance leadership and operational support by giving managers and supervisors equal access to decision‑making.
Prepare the department for the city’s growth by embracing technology and systemization.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, business/public administration, or a related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of: facilities/asset management, capital program delivery, real estate portfolio management, or public‑sector infrastructure operations.
Demonstrated experience managing large budgets, complex vendor/consultant contracts, and multi‑disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, Engineering/Architecture, or related).
Professional credentials or equivalent (as appropriate).
Demonstrated success in reducing deferred maintenance, improving building performance/energy outcomes, and institutionalizing asset management practices.
The Successful Candidate
Leads with a collaborative and approachable style, creating an environment where people feel respected, supported, and encouraged to do their best work.
Holds a track record of excellence in departmental financial management, including operating and capital budgets, financial forecasting, and expenditure oversight.
Builds on the strengths and abilities of staff, recognizing talent across the organization and empowering teams to contribute meaningfully.
Demonstrates strong political acumen and the ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, partners, and stakeholders.
Understands the importance of timely, reliable project delivery and prioritizes service‑level responsiveness across all functions.
Communicates clearly, concisely, and openly, ensuring expectations are understood and information flows consistently throughout the organization.
Looks organizational change with intention and empathy, helping teams navigate transition while maintaining trust, clarity, and stability.
Salary and Benefits The anticipated hiring range for this position is $145,602 – $232,962, depending on qualifications and experience. The city offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a wellness program.
To Apply
All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
Applicants should apply by March 6, 2026.
The hiring team will invite successful semi‑finalists to virtual interviews and skill evaluations on April 16‑17, 2026.
Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Closes March 6, 2026
About The Community The City of Durham is located in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina. The city has a population of 317,467 and is a hub for life sciences, information technology, and clean technology. Durham is consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and play.
About The Organization Durham operates under a council–manager form of government and serves approximately 286,000 residents. The FY 2025–2026 operating budget totals $772 million.
Duties / Responsibilities
Provide executive leadership for the stewardship of city facilities, property, and public spaces.
Oversee day‑to‑day operations and long‑range planning for the city’s physical assets including deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects.
Serve as a visible representative and principal advisor to city leadership, the city council, boards, commissions, partner agencies, and the public.
Lead a workforce of 124 employees and manage an operating budget of $21 million.
Provide executive oversight of the city’s partnership with Keep Durham Beautiful and other community engagement initiatives.
Manage a $355 million capital improvement program, leading 114 diverse projects that range from revitalizing civic spaces to expanding the city’s cultural and public art footprint.
Develop and implement a clear project communications approach that provides internal clients and the public with timely updates on milestones, phase changes, impacts, and progress.
Prepare the department for current and future growth by embracing technology and systemization with innovation and creativity.
Key Position Priorities
Strengthen project delivery outcomes by engaging consultants and partners through structured feedback and focus groups.
Review and realign departmental services and resources to improve efficiency and collaboration across teams and divisions.
Rebalance leadership and operational support by giving managers and supervisors equal access to decision‑making.
Prepare the department for the city’s growth by embracing technology and systemization.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, business/public administration, or a related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of: facilities/asset management, capital program delivery, real estate portfolio management, or public‑sector infrastructure operations.
Demonstrated experience managing large budgets, complex vendor/consultant contracts, and multi‑disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, Engineering/Architecture, or related).
Professional credentials or equivalent (as appropriate).
Demonstrated success in reducing deferred maintenance, improving building performance/energy outcomes, and institutionalizing asset management practices.
The Successful Candidate
Leads with a collaborative and approachable style, creating an environment where people feel respected, supported, and encouraged to do their best work.
Holds a track record of excellence in departmental financial management, including operating and capital budgets, financial forecasting, and expenditure oversight.
Builds on the strengths and abilities of staff, recognizing talent across the organization and empowering teams to contribute meaningfully.
Demonstrates strong political acumen and the ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, partners, and stakeholders.
Understands the importance of timely, reliable project delivery and prioritizes service‑level responsiveness across all functions.
Communicates clearly, concisely, and openly, ensuring expectations are understood and information flows consistently throughout the organization.
Looks organizational change with intention and empathy, helping teams navigate transition while maintaining trust, clarity, and stability.
Salary and Benefits The anticipated hiring range for this position is $145,602 – $232,962, depending on qualifications and experience. The city offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a wellness program.
To Apply
All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
Applicants should apply by March 6, 2026.
The hiring team will invite successful semi‑finalists to virtual interviews and skill evaluations on April 16‑17, 2026.
Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr