Executive Director/Chief Development Officer

Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc (GDPI) is searching for an exceptional leader to develop partnerships, build on existing relationships and raise funds to support the efforts of the Parks. The Director will lead operations, playing a vital role in developing a strategic vision of the Parks. Implementing a sustainable fundraising strategy is a critical tenet of that vision. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader, passionate about public spaces and community building, with demonstrated strengths in fundraising, leadership, and organizational management. It is expected that the Executive Director and Chief Development Officer be present both in the office and in the Parks and be an active and engaged member of the Greensboro community.

GDPI was created in 2016 to manage and program both Center City and LeBauer Parks. The 501(c)(3) non-profit maintains a public-private partnership with the City of Greensboro, serving the community through activated urban greenspaces. The mission of GDPI is to serve as the executive management of Greensboro's two largest downtown parks, focusing on public activation, maintenance, financial well-being and overall vitality.

Center City Park and LeBauer Park are a combined 5-acre urban green space serving as the central gathering place for Greensboro's residents and visitors in a setting that is both relaxed and lively. Each year, the parks play host to hundreds of public programs and events, bringing more than 375,000 visitors annually. The parks feature outstanding public art, recreational equipment, facilities for children, pet-friendly spaces, cafe dining, and artistic performance pavilions. Located directly across Davie Street from one another, each park offers a unique atmosphere in the heart of the Cultural Arts District. From LeBauer's innovative design dedicated to activity and play, to Center City's lush, green serenity, visitors are sure to find whatever park experience they desire.

Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Board of Directors of
Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc (GDPI). The annual compensation is targeted at $110,000-
$115,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. GDPI offers a competitive benefits package including partial employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, cell phone allowance, PTO hours, paid holidays and free downtown parking.

Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to
promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, and we
encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply

Fundraising and Development
● Oversee all fundraising activities, cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and
partners. Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that reflects
the need for creative partnerships and new fundraising opportunities, in concert with
the Board of Directors. These efforts should include corporate sponsorships,
foundation support, grant funding, and entrepreneurial revenue streams
● Ensure thoughtful stewardship of donors and partners, with systems to track engagement and impact
● Collaborate with Board of Directors on fundraising ideas/needs

Leadership
● Provide leadership as the public-facing representative of the Parks in the Greater Greensboro community
● Oversee the management, operation, fundraising, activation and promotion of the Parks
● Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners and stakeholders:

• The City of Greensboro owns the Parks and is a key partner in its operation and
  growth. GDPI must have a strong relationship with the City: Includes regular meetings and collaboration with City stakeholders (Parks and Recreation, City Manager’s office, Greensboro Police Department, others as needed) and communication with elected officials

1. 1. Collaborative focus on solutions to challenges and opportunities within the Parks, including but not limited to visitors experiencing homelessness, maintenance and upkeep, security
   2. Ability to clearly understand and communicate with City partners about division of roles but also to collaborate on solutions

• Downtown Greensboro, Inc., downtown businesses, and constituents
• Current and future sponsors and donors
• Identify relationships, partnerships and stakeholders that may need to be
  developed and strengthened

● Direct relations with the operators of restaurants, other concessions, vendor markets, and any other enterprises doing business with GDPI

● Work closely with Board of Directors, including excellent communication, problem solving and management of regular meetings

● Ensure the Parks are clean and safe, working closely with the contracted security
provider to enforce policies

• Maintain clear and consistent communication regarding current policies adherence plan; communicate challenges and vulnerabilities
• Troubleshoot and address issues, concerns, and incidents occurring in the Parks

Staff/Organization Management
● Manage and direct staff made up of full- and part-time employees who work in the office and in the Parks

• Identify training opportunities where needed
• Conduct staffing evaluations where necessary based on outlined cycle for each employee
• Recruit, train and mentor staff members

● Work with Board of Directors Executive team on any HR issues that need additional oversight or escalation
● Continued evaluation of staffing structure and job responsibilities based on the needs of the Parks

Programming and Events
● Manage program staff to ensure programs are aligned with mission, well-run and effective
● Foster innovative and inclusive programming that attracts broad audiences, deepens community engagement, and positions the Parks as a hub of cultural and civic activity
● Work with staff on negotiating and managing larger events, including capturing appropriate metrics for park utilization. Communication to Board of Directors when support or financial approval is needed

Horticulture and Physical Maintenance
● Collaborate with City, Board and Staff on managing strategic horticultural plan, ensuring gardens and lawns are well maintained, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing.
● Along with Facilities Director, maintain inventory of physical assets and identify areas for improvements. Work with Finance Director and Board on plan for budgeting for maintenance needs

To Apply:

(1) Submit a resume highlighting your experience as it aligns to the job responsibilities.
(2) Submit a cover letter answering the following questions:
● Why do you want to work as the Executive Director and Chief Development Officer?
● What, specifically, can you bring to this position that will benefit GDPI and the public?
● What do you hope to get out of your experience working with Greensboro Downtown Parks?

Submit materials to Kim Martin at hr@greensborodowntownparks.org

Post Offer Requirements:
● Credential and reference check
● Driving record check
● Criminal history, Child Protective Services registry, and sex offender record check