Filled – CEO of Georgetown Business Improvement District
On behalf of our client, Georgetown BID, P3Hired is conducting a retained executive search for its next CEO
For more information, or to send your credentials, please email careers@p3hired.com with “Georgetown BID CEO” in the subject line. All inquiries will be treated as confidential.
Links
Overview
For more information about Georgetown BID please visit GeorgetownDC.com and follow GBID on social media via
Economic Development
Surveying market research and providing tenant support to ensure occupancy.
Transportation
Improving mobility through planning and advocacy, curbside management, and infrastructure.
Marketing and Events
Promoting Georgetown’s appeal and expanding upon its 12.5 million annual visitors.
Street Services
Maintenance, cleaning, and safety initiatives.
Public Safety
Partnering with law enforcement and the community.
Streetscape and Placemaking
Enlivening public spaces with installations, holiday décor, and plazas.
A Thriving Commercial Hub
High Demand and Unique Spaces
Georgetown boasts about 3.3M sq.ft. of office space, 2.1M sq.ft. of retail space, and the region’s most desired hotels making it a pre-eminent mixed-use neighborhood in the Mid-Atlantic with an attractive blend of business and lifestyle offerings.
Visitor Magnet
With over 12.5M annual visitors, Georgetown is a premier destination renowned for its embodied history, top-tier retail, and cultural appeal, driving foot traffic and economic activity.
Strong Retail Resilience
Retail vacancy has dropped to 8%, with over 60 new businesses opening last year, demonstrating Georgetown’s success in business retention and attracting fresh talent and brands.
Challenges and Unique Opportunities
Post-Pandemic Rebound
Retail vacancies have declined to pre-pandemic lows, due to strong leasing activity and revitalization efforts which have fueled customer traffic and tenant sales performance.
Comparative Edge
Office occupancy exceeds city and regional averages, presenting an advantage for further attracting businesses to this historic, walkable environment that appeals to modern tenants.
Platform for Growth
As DC’s oldest neighborhood, Georgetown offers distinct opportunities for economic development in a culturally rich setting. Georgetown serves as a living laboratory for leading retail innovation; when Georgetown acts, the region notices and emulates.
Partnerships and Engagement
Unified Vision
Through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, GBID cultivates a shared vision that promotes Georgetown’s unique character and strengthens its economic vitality.
Cultural Programming
Affiliated nonprofit Georgetown Heritage supports arts, history, and educational programs, enriching the community and enhancing Georgetown’s cultural offerings.
Community-Centric Events
Signature events, such as the French Market, attract visitors and engage residents, reinforcing Georgetown’s identity as a vibrant, must-visit neighborhood.
The Role and Responsibilities
The CEO’s responsibilities encompass several key areas:
Strategic Leadership and Operations
- The role requires vision-setting and executive oversight across multiple strategic domains, ensuring cohesive, high-level leadership and direction.
- Public Space Management: Oversees Street Services, Streetscape Improvements, and Public Safety.
- Community Engagement and Marketing: Leads efforts in Economic Development, Placemaking, Destination Management, and Marketing, including PR, social media, and events.
- Infrastructure and Mobility: Guides Transportation Planning, Capital Projects, and Urban Development efforts.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Cultivates and sustains strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, public agencies, community leaders, and private sector partners.
- Serves as GBID’s primary spokesperson, representing the organization at public forums and engaging with the media to promote the organization’s mission.
Organizational Management and Administration
- In conjunction with the CFO, effectively directs financial operations, including budget preparation for board review and semi-annual tax billing.
- Oversees financial compliance, ensuring adherence to audit standards and maintaining strong internal controls.
- Upholds HR policies and leads strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational standards and culture.
- Supports and manages board committees, including the Executive, Nominations, and Governance Committees, fostering collaborative engagement.
Fundraising and Resource Development
- Leads fundraising initiatives, including government grants, sponsorships, and private partnerships to support GBID programs.
- Develops and implements strategies to secure additional funding for capital projects, arts installations, and cultural programming.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Cultivates and sustains strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, public agencies, community leaders, and private sector partners.
- Serves as GBID’s primary spokesperson, representing the organization at public forums and engaging with the media to promote the organization’s mission.
Leadership Skills of the Ideal CEO
We seek a strategic, innovative, and hands-on executive who embodies Georgetown’s values and has a proven track record of driving transformative initiatives to success. This individual will bring both a deep passion for Georgetown’s unique history, culture, and community, and a vision for its future as Washington’s premier mixed-use neighborhood.
Strategic and Innovative Thinking
Entrepreneurial and creative, the ideal candidate develops fresh insights and questions conventional methods to implement plans that align with the organization’s long-term vision. With a strong capacity for innovative solutions, they leverage creativity to seize new opportunities and manage risks effectively.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
A collaborative and influential leader with executive presence, skilled in building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, community leaders, and decision-makers. This individual fosters a high-performance culture, skillfully navigating complex relationships to advance shared objectives and representing the organization’s interests with integrity and respect.
External Awareness
Politically astute and informed, this leader stays current on local, national, and global trends impacting Georgetown’s development. They understand the organization’s influence on the broader environment and possess the acumen to engage effectively with local government officials, administrators, and community influencers.
Results-Oriented
This CEO maintains an unwavering focus on achieving data driven measurable results, advancing initiatives even in the face of challenges, risks, or external pressures. With high ethical standards and a commitment to serving the community, they are able to confidently lead Georgetown into its next phase, embodying both integrity and a passion for public service.
People Management
Motivates and guides individuals towards realizing the organization’s vision, mission, and objectives, while fostering an inclusive, positive workplace conducive to personal and professional growth. This includes promoting cooperation, teamwork, and constructive conflict resolution among team members.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, urban planning, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in economic development, urban planning, or a related field, with a proven record in strategy and team management.
- Experience in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, with strong knowledge of governance, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit management.
Industry Knowledge and Skills
- Strong financial acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, audits, and government funding processes.
- Expertise in public relations, marketing, branding, and community engagement to position Georgetown as a premier destination.
- Extensive knowledge of urban planning, economic development, and real estate, with demonstrated success in placemaking, public safety, and infrastructure initiatives, particularly in DC or a similar urban area.
- Familiarity with DC government agencies and elected officials, with experience in grant applications and public funding.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to leverage data for informed decision-making.
Compensation and Application Process
Georgetown BID offers a competitive total compensation package, with a range of $250,000 to $350,000, commensurate with experience. This includes a comprehensive benefits package featuring health insurance, retirement plan, and generous leave policies.
Apply
Georgetown BID is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity, welcoming candidates of all backgrounds to apply.