Director Downtown Environment

Downtown Denver Partnership•Denver, CO

10d

About The Position

The Director of Downtown Environment leads public realm operations, service provider contracts, and field teams across the Downtown Denver Partnership and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District (DDBID). The role focuses on making downtown clean, beautiful, and welcoming, combining operational leadership with expertise in how cities function. The Director manages budgets and contracts, builds relationships with public and private partners, and turns organizational strategy into measurable results. The position prioritizes beautification and the public realm, using the Downtown Area Plan to guide delivery of a vibrant and beautiful place. The Director is a key member of the Downtown Environment leadership team and a voice for downtown operations and public realm asset management. The role works closely with City and County of Denver agencies, property owners, businesses, residents, nonprofits, community partners, DDBID Enterprise clients, and internal Partnership teams. It requires field work in all weather and occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends to support events and urgent operational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, urban planning, public administration, nonprofit management, business administration, construction management, or a related field.
7–12+ years of progressive experience, including leadership experience, in urban planning, downtown or district management, public realm operations, municipal or nonprofit management, or a related field.
Demonstrated budget responsibility and experience managing and overseeing service contracts and vendors, including performance monitoring and accountability.
Strong external-facing relationship management skills and experience working with government agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.
Ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Strategic planning and execution experience, including translating strategy into measurable outcomes.
Proven staff management experience, including coaching, developing, and evaluating teams.
Strong project and asset management skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with significant public visibility.
Excellent public presentation, written, and verbal communication skills, including comfort presenting to boards, public officials, and community groups.
Economic and community development mindset and commitment to downtown Denver and the people who live, work, and visit there.
Ability to work in the field in all weather conditions and occasionally work early mornings, evenings, and weekends to support events and urgent operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in local government and/or nonprofit organizations preferred.
Familiarity with business improvement districts, public-private partnerships, or similar entities preferred.

Responsibilities

Apply landscape architecture and urban planning expertise to public realm, streetscape, mobility, and placemaking priorities.
Execute the operations strategy, annual workplan, and performance goals in alignment with the Partnership’s strategic work plan and the DDBID operating plan.
Define, track, and report key performance indicators for cleanliness, activation, and public realm quality; anticipate changing needs and recommend service, staffing, and investment adjustments.
Build a robust asset management process to support the longevity of the downtown public realm.
Oversee daily public realm programs, including cleaning and maintenance, landscaping and beautification, seasonal lighting, and other district services.
Manage concurrent projects and field priorities from planning through delivery, ensuring timely, on-budget, high-standard work.
Monitor field conditions and coordinate rapid responses to maintenance and infrastructure needs across the district.
Coordinate with planning, events, marketing, communications, and advocacy colleagues to align operations with broader downtown initiatives.
Develop, manage, and monitor the operating budget, including monthly variance analysis, forecasting, and fiscal accountability.
Lead procurement and manage service provider and vendor contracts, including scopes of work, performance standards, invoicing, renewals, and corrective action.
Hold contractors, vendors, and internal teams accountable to KPIs and service levels through inspections, performance reviews, and reporting.
Seek cost efficiencies and alternative service delivery models that improve the long-term value of district investments.
Administer and ensure compliance with intergovernmental agreements, licenses, permits, and other obligations with public partners.
Assess operational and contracted-service risks, insurance, and liability considerations.
Serve as a primary liaison with City and County of Denver agencies to coordinate services and resolve downtown issues.
Build relationships with property owners, businesses, residents, nonprofits, community partners, and DDBID Enterprise clients; respond to operational concerns and demonstrate the value of district services.
Influence public- and private-sector partners and decision makers, often without direct authority, to advance shared downtown outcomes.
Lead, coach, and develop operations staff and foster a collaborative, accountable, service-oriented team culture.
Work hand-in-hand with the Safety Director and team and coordinate with the Partnership’s Planning and Community Impact and Strategic Programs and Activations teams.
Set expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and support direct reports’ professional growth.
Ensure staff and contracted teams are trained, equipped, and supported to work safely and effectively in the field.
Partner with Alignment leadership on strategy, budgets, and priorities, and provide updates on operational performance, risks, and opportunities.
Prepare and present reports, analysis, and recommendations to the Board, committees, and other governing bodies.
Support DDBID Board and committee processes related to the operating plan, budget, and annual reporting requirements.