Downtown Services & Special Events Director
City of Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States
Are you a collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, operations, and community engagement?
We are looking for a Downtown Services & Special Events Director, a senior leadership role at the heart of the city’s most vibrant spaces. This position oversees citywide downtown operations—including special events and film permitting, nightlife programs, social districts, and the convention center—while coordinating key municipal services that keep downtown thriving.
As a member of the executive management team reporting to the Deputy City Manager, the Director provides strategic vision and leadership to elevate Wilmington’s downtown as a premier destination to live, work, dine, shop, and visit—locally and across North Carolina.
Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.
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 to build a high-performing, diverse team.
Develops and implements long- and short-term goals, integrated strategies, and policies for downtown services initiatives.
Provide guidance and collaborate with City staff and the appropriate internal and external stakeholders on downtown events, film permits, special events, alley activation, public art and programming, and annual holiday lighting.
Direct and manage the City’s Municipal Services District program (MSD) by acting as staff liaison to the MSD Committee and the City’s MSD services contractor.
Direct and manage the Convention Center services contract, by acting as staff liaison to the facility operator, managing annual budget, and facilitation of routine building maintenance inspections by the City Asset & Property Management staff.
Coordinate with the Wilmington Regional Film Commission on film industry production activities and Wilmington Conventions and Visitors Bureau on downtown initiatives, annual budgeting, and special tourism related projects. Acts as a liaison with downtown partnerships.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with the community, elected officials, residents, and organizational partners and city staff; represents the department in meetings, presentations, and public events.
Monitors emerging trends, risks, and regulations; develops and updates policies, procedures, and standards to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement.
In collaboration with Parks and Recreation and other city departments, plan, design, and execute downtown events and programming, including festivals, markets, and other community events, to attract residents and visitors.
Develops a keen understanding of the unique needs and business development opportunities of the City’s principal downtown areas and develops positive relationships with the respective area merchant associations; the downtown principal areas, including the Central Business District, Brooklyn Arts District, Soda Pop District, Castle Street District, Cargo District, South Front Street District, and Northern Waterfront District.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community/Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible, cross‑functional experience in local government, program management, corporate special event management, public administration, or a related field; local government experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Additional Requirements
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and hold accountable a high-performing, diverse team; fosters professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of safety and inclusion.
Skilled in developing and executing long- and short-term departmental strategies, policies, and programs that align with community priorities and organizational goals.
Project management expert with knowledge to oversee operating and budgets, securing grant funding, and delivering projects efficiently, on time, within budget, and to standard.
Builds strong relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, community members, developers, and regional partners; negotiates and manages contracts, agreements, and vendor performance.
Demonstrates ability to monitor trends, assess risks, and update policies, procedures, and standards to ensure operational excellence, safety, and innovative, efficient service delivery.
Keen understanding of local and state economic and political landscape or ability to demonstrate the development of this understanding.
This position is primarily office‑based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate‑controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines. The position requires walking outdoors to interact with members of the public, to evaluate special event planning and to gain a firm understanding of the downtown landscape.
The position functions in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and public‑facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners.
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We are looking for a Downtown Services & Special Events Director, a senior leadership role at the heart of the city’s most vibrant spaces. This position oversees citywide downtown operations—including special events and film permitting, nightlife programs, social districts, and the convention center—while coordinating key municipal services that keep downtown thriving.
As a member of the executive management team reporting to the Deputy City Manager, the Director provides strategic vision and leadership to elevate Wilmington’s downtown as a premier destination to live, work, dine, shop, and visit—locally and across North Carolina.
Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.
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 to build a high-performing, diverse team.
Develops and implements long- and short-term goals, integrated strategies, and policies for downtown services initiatives.
Provide guidance and collaborate with City staff and the appropriate internal and external stakeholders on downtown events, film permits, special events, alley activation, public art and programming, and annual holiday lighting.
Direct and manage the City’s Municipal Services District program (MSD) by acting as staff liaison to the MSD Committee and the City’s MSD services contractor.
Direct and manage the Convention Center services contract, by acting as staff liaison to the facility operator, managing annual budget, and facilitation of routine building maintenance inspections by the City Asset & Property Management staff.
Coordinate with the Wilmington Regional Film Commission on film industry production activities and Wilmington Conventions and Visitors Bureau on downtown initiatives, annual budgeting, and special tourism related projects. Acts as a liaison with downtown partnerships.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with the community, elected officials, residents, and organizational partners and city staff; represents the department in meetings, presentations, and public events.
Monitors emerging trends, risks, and regulations; develops and updates policies, procedures, and standards to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement.
In collaboration with Parks and Recreation and other city departments, plan, design, and execute downtown events and programming, including festivals, markets, and other community events, to attract residents and visitors.
Develops a keen understanding of the unique needs and business development opportunities of the City’s principal downtown areas and develops positive relationships with the respective area merchant associations; the downtown principal areas, including the Central Business District, Brooklyn Arts District, Soda Pop District, Castle Street District, Cargo District, South Front Street District, and Northern Waterfront District.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community/Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible, cross‑functional experience in local government, program management, corporate special event management, public administration, or a related field; local government experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Additional Requirements
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and hold accountable a high-performing, diverse team; fosters professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of safety and inclusion.
Skilled in developing and executing long- and short-term departmental strategies, policies, and programs that align with community priorities and organizational goals.
Project management expert with knowledge to oversee operating and budgets, securing grant funding, and delivering projects efficiently, on time, within budget, and to standard.
Builds strong relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, community members, developers, and regional partners; negotiates and manages contracts, agreements, and vendor performance.
Demonstrates ability to monitor trends, assess risks, and update policies, procedures, and standards to ensure operational excellence, safety, and innovative, efficient service delivery.
Keen understanding of local and state economic and political landscape or ability to demonstrate the development of this understanding.
This position is primarily office‑based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate‑controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines. The position requires walking outdoors to interact with members of the public, to evaluate special event planning and to gain a firm understanding of the downtown landscape.
The position functions in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and public‑facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners.
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