The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
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.
Typical Tasks
- 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.
Qualifications
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.
Supplemental Information
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.
Our Core Values
INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What We Offer
The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
- Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
- Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
- Free on-site city gym access
- Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
- 6-weeks paid parental leave
- Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
- Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
- Tuition assistance benefits
Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department.
All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.
Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.
Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.
Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.
Retirement
- NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
- Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):
- Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
- Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
- Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
- Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
- Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.
Miscellaneous
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Cancer & Critical Illness
- Accident Insurance
- Whole Life Insurance
- Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
**This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.**
01
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
02
Do you have a valid Drivers License?
03
Which best describes your highest level of education from an accredited university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community/Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a closely related field?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate Degree
- None - N/A
04
How many years of experience do you have in progressively responsible, cross-functional experience in local government, program management, corporate special event management, public administration, or a related field?
- I have no experience
- less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 8 years
- 8 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years or more
05
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #4. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
06
Do you have experience working for a local government/municipality?
07
Do you understand that attendance at evening meetings and occasional after-hours or emergency response may be required, and this position requires working flexible hours to accommodate the changing demand for services and evenings and weekends may be required?
08
The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.
