CEO/Executive Director

International Downtown Association • Santa Monica, CA

86d • $250,000 - $275,000

About The Position

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) is the steward of one of California's most vibrant and loved downtowns. It is a coastal community with a creative as well as commercial culture which is attractive to locals and tourists alike. The anchor of downtown is the iconic Third Street Promenade, a world-class retail, dining, and entertainment destination. Located two blocks from the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier, downtown Santa Monica is one of the most iconic destinations in the world with over 100,000 daily visitors. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, DTSM manages the Downtown Santa Monica Property-based Business Assessment District (PBAD), which includes an area encompassed by Ocean Avenue, Wilshire Boulevard, Lincoln Boulevard and the Santa Monica Freeway, including the Third Street Promenade. It also manages two Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) and partners closely with the City of Santa Monica, property owners, and local businesses to ensure a clean, safe, inclusive, and thriving urban experience. With a thirteen member board, team of nine dedicated professionals and an annual budget of approximately $10 million, DTSM delivers programs in maintenance, public safety, marketing, events, placemaking, and economic vitality. DTSM is one of the most renowned downtown organizations in the placemaking industry. Downtown Santa Monica is at an exciting turning point. As downtowns across the country adapt to new trends in retail, tourism, and community life, DTSM is charting a fresh path forward, one that embraces creativity, sustainability, and financial resilience. The new CEO will lead this next chapter. Working closely with an engaged Board, City partners, businesses, and residents, the CEO will guide strategic initiatives that bring energy and innovation to the Promenade and surrounding blocks.

Requirements

• Senior-level leadership experience in downtown management, economic development, nonprofit, or related sectors.
• Experience and knowledge of economic development, placemaking, and public-private partnerships.
• Success generating new revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, and major events.
• Experience managing or producing large-scale public events or activations that strengthen the downtown Santa Monica brand and generate revenue.
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing complex budgets.
• Proven ability to build trust and consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfort working in a highly visible, public-facing role with media, elected officials, and business leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization in defining and achieving a shared vision for the future of Downtown Santa Monica.
• Build strong, productive relationships with City leadership, property and business owners, cultural partners, and community organizations.
• Strengthen downtown's economy through economic and business development, creative placemaking, and activation of public spaces.
• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, safety, and hospitality; oversee beautification and capital improvement efforts.
• Cultivate a high-performing staff.
• Serve as a visible and persuasive ambassador for Downtown Santa Monica.
• Expand DTSM's revenue base through sponsorships, corporate/brand partnerships, and earned income opportunities.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $250,000 to $275,000.
• Performance bonus.
• One-time PBAD renewal bonus.
• Benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations