Director of Downtown Arts, Culture,

Director of Downtown Arts, Culture, & Entertainment Join DowntownDC BID as Director of Downtown Arts, Culture, & Entertainment. About DowntownDC BID DowntownDC is the most diverse and exciting neighborhood in a major city with 140 walkable and transit‑rich blocks covering business, education, government, shopping, dining, parks, art, music, sports, theatre, history. Founded in 1997, the BID is a private nonprofit place‑management organization where property owners fund services that enhance public experiences. The BID acts as catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public‑private partnerships, and enhancing the downtown experience for all. Position Summary The Director will lead the effort to position DowntownDC as the region’s premier destination for arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. This role unifies the area’s theaters, museums, galleries, entertainment venues and creative spaces under a shared identity that celebrates Downtown’s vibrancy, creativity, diversity and respects its historic Chinatown roots. Vision The Director will enact and refine the BID’s vision, building on recommendations from the Downtown Action Plan and Gallery Place‑Chinatown Task Force to amplify DowntownDC’s cultural and creative assets and strengthen its identity as a global destination for arts, entertainment, and innovation by focusing on four strategic pillars. Strategic Pillars (re)Defining & Amplifying Our Brand – unite Downtown’s cultural assets under a shared identity supported by bold marketing and coordinated programming. Expanding Access & Engagement – deepen audience connections through innovative tools, promotions and partnerships that make Downtown’s arts and entertainment offerings more visible, affordable and inclusive. Elevating the Audience Experience – enhance every touchpoint – from public space activation to safety and accessibility – ensuring a memorable, welcoming visit. Growing the Creative Ecosystem – invest in local artists, performances and programming that nurture diverse talent, support creative workers and reflect the spirit of DC. Duties & Responsibilities Stakeholder Coordination & Partnership Building – Lead convener for Downtown’s cultural and entertainment institutions, collaborating quarterly to share projects. Align efforts with the Mayor’s Gallery Place/Chinatown Task Force and the Downtown Action Plan. Build authentic relationships with Chinatown leaders, community organizations, and small businesses to ensure inclusive initiatives. Brand & Marketing Leadership – Create and maintain a unified Downtown Arts, Culture & Entertainment brand, visual identity and event calendars. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications on joint campaigns, social media initiatives and direct‑marketing to amplify visibility. Partner with Destination DC, Events DC, and other key marketing partners to elevate Downtown’s cultural profile locally, nationally and internationally. Creative Placemaking & Programming – Curate and support dynamic public space activations in partnership with arts and entertainment institutions. Identify and champion placemaking and beautification projects, including lighting, signage and public art along key corridors. Explore and pilot a TKTS‑style ticket booth or digital hub to promote access to local performances. Funding & Sustainability – Manage initiative’s operational and program budget in coordination with BID leadership. Identify new revenue streams – grants, sponsorships, philanthropic partnerships via the DowntownDC Foundation. Assess and develop legislation for direct investment in arts and entertainment. Research, develop, and implement ROI initiatives to support downtown businesses’ viability. Develop long‑term governance recommendations, including potential standalone nonprofit or affiliated 501(c)(3). Measurement & Accountability – Establish metrics and reporting systems to track engagement, visibility and economic impact. Develop and execute workplans to measure public perception, provide feedback and analysis to BID and partners. Provide regular updates to the BID President & CEO, Board of Directors and partners. Prepare quarterly progress reports highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities. All other duties as assigned. Ideal Candidate Profile Visionary leader who blends creativity with organizational and relationship management skills. Experienced in arts management, urban planning, cultural strategy, or destination marketing. Skilled in coalition‑building, stakeholder engagement and translating big‑picture ideas into action. Deep appreciation for cultural diversity, urban vitality and the power of arts to shape identity and economic growth. Exceptional communicator with a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit. Proven success and interest in fundraising, identifying grants, and securing sponsorships. Strong financial acumen and experience creating and adhering to budgets and spending plans. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in the arts, culture or entertainment industry; 10+ years preferred for leading stakeholder‑convening projects. Bachelor’s degree. Strong written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to thrive in high‑pressure environments and multi‑task. Strong work ethic. Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include nights and weekends. May occasionally work in adverse weather conditions. Why Join Us This rare opportunity allows the Director to shape the next chapter of DowntownDC’s cultural renaissance. You will have a dedicated BID team, a network of leading cultural institutions and strong city partnerships to bring bold ideas to life and keep DowntownDC at the heart of the district’s creative community. Compensation & Benefits Salary: $105,000 – $125,000 per year. Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match and safe harbor, FSA, HSA, Metro travel card. How to Apply This position will remain open until filled; interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Click HERE to upload your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Required materials without complete submission may not receive full consideration. References will be requested from candidates who receive further consideration. Due to volume, we cannot respond to status queries; we reach out only to candidates we pursue. Employment offers are conditional upon a successful criminal background check and substance‑use screening. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY As an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, DowntownDC BID is committed to excellence through diversity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status and other protected status per law. All new employees must be authorized to work in the U.S. and provide employment eligibility verification. #J-18808-Ljbffr