Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) is seeking a Vice President of Economic Development to lead strategic initiatives from our corporate headquarters on South Charles Street. In this role, the Vice President will drive sustainable economic growth, foster business vitality, and enrich the urban experience in Downtown Baltimore. Working cross-functionally, the VP will define and implement programs and partnerships that enhance Downtown’s economic landscape, elevate public spaces, and create a vibrant community for residents, businesses, and visitors. This leader will guide a dedicated team to execute strategies, attract new investment, and strengthen Downtown Baltimore as a premier urban destination

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Set Economic Development Strategies and define departmental goals and objective to align with DPOB’s long-term objectives.
Develop and manage the department’s annual budget request.
Assist in securing funding for capital projects, developing the capital project budget and overseeing implementation of capital projects.
Write grants to private, public and institutional entities to secure capital and operating funds for priority projects.
Supervise and manage the department staff to facilitate progress on advancing projects and initiatives towards achieving stablished economic development and placemaking goals.
Serve as a liaison to multiple stakeholders including the business community, economic development organizations, and other non-profits.
Prioritize and curate the street-level experience through placemaking strategies that create a vibrant Downtown Baltimore, including creating an attractive public realm that supports street-level storefront-type businesses such as retail, entertainment, and goods.
Cultivate and create strong partnerships with stakeholders including public, private, and non-profit entities to support local business development, retention, and expansion, including creating and implementing a collaborative business retention and attraction program and an ongoing business visitation program in the Downtown Management District. The goal is for the VP of Economic Development, working with partners and stakeholders, to curate the street-level experience and decrease street-level vacancies with a retention/attraction program focused on uses such as art, experiential retail, services, dining, etc.
Negotiate economic development deals with prospective businesses.
In partnership with stakeholder entities, oversee business assistance activities, including business workshops, help businesses with issues affecting their businesses, communicatee grant and other resource opportunities, and connect businesses with other resources. The VP of Economic Development oversees maximizing business assistance programs including but not limited to:
- Operation Storefront
- BOOST
- Restaurant Recovery
- Technical assistance
- Project Core
Serve as the Project Manager for consultants and contractors working on economic development projects and monitor their work as necessary to ensure they are in accordance with their contracts.
Coordinate the department’s activities with other DPOB/DMA departments including marketing, Clean & Safe Operations, etc. Identify lead staff on projects, including lead project manager.
Oversee market research, data analysis, and trends assessment to guide economic development activities. Partner with external organizations to secure critical data, identify gaps, and support DPOB’s strategies through informed decision-making.
Jointly with DPOB/DMA Finance and Accounting, oversee accurate and timely reports required by grants.
Represent DPOB on the ground during crisis situations, coordinate responses to maintain stability and communicate with key stakeholders to support Downtown’s resilience.
Represents DPOB/DMA with City government and other entities’ meetings on topics impacting Downtown Baltimore.

Required Education And Experience

Minimum of Education or experience equal to a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Planning, Finance, Business Administration, Real Estate, or another related field.
A minimum of 10 plus years of experience in economic development or related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Experience working directly with diverse constituencies with differing characteristics, goals and lifestyle requirements.
Experience managing projects.
Experience in leading a team, motivating staff, and building a collaborative environment with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Minimum of Education or experience equal to a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Planning, Finance, Business Administration, Real Estate, or another related field.
A minimum of 10 plus years of experience in economic development or related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Experience working directly with diverse constituencies with differing characteristics, goals and lifestyle requirements.
Experience managing projects.
Experience in leading a team, motivating staff, and building a collaborative environment with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours

Occasional evening and weekend work may be requested to complete work deadlines and act on the behalf of the President.
Frequent local travel and occasional overnight and out of state travel.

In addition to competitive pay, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes 14 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), 40 hours of Sick and Safe Leave (both prorated to start date), 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a company match, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), pre-tax transit/parking benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

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VP of Economic Development