Join Our Team
Career Opportunities
Downtown Cleveland Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a more dynamic Downtown Cleveland through its Clean & Safe Ambassador program, Business Development Center, and the creation of unique Downtown experiences.
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Neighborhood Safety Specialists will patrol downtown on foot, bike and/or vehicle as a deterrent to and being on the lookout for unwanted behavior and activity, while providing information, assistance and directions to downtown workers, residents and visitors.
Neighborhood Safety Specialists are responsible for providing a visible uniformed presence within an assigned neighborhood. They serve in partnership with local law enforcement officers and proactively work with business owners, operators, outreach team members and other municipal and social service providers to promote and maintain a safe and welcoming neighborhood environment.
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Downtown Cleveland is seeking an impassioned city builder to join our team. The Senior Director of Investor Relations will focus on securing new corporate and individual support for the organization while maintaining and expanding existing fundraising relationships. They will be responsible for implementing and executing the membership program and securing sponsorships.
The Senior Director of Investor Relations reports to and supports the President & CEO. The position will offer a base salary of $70,000.
Responsibilities
Increase Annual Fundraising: Execute and support the development of strategies to grow annual contributions from both corporate and individual donors, ensuring robust support for our organization's initiatives and events.
Lead Corporate and Individual Membership Program: Implement and manage Downtown Cleveland's corporate membership program, fostering strong partnerships and enhancing engagement with the business and resident community.
Cultivate Donor Relationships: Build and maintain meaningful relationships with current and prospective donor companies, identifying opportunities for collaboration and financial support.
Secure Sponsorships: Identify and secure sponsorship opportunities for key events and projects, ensuring fulfilment of benefits and deliverables.
Collaborate on Fundraising Communications: Support the CEO and Chief of Staff in developing compelling fundraising pitches and marketing materials that effectively convey our vision, mission, and impact.
Organizational Knowledge: Gain an in-depth understanding of all aspects of Downtown Cleveland, Inc., including its vision, mission, goals, strategies, and key messages, and be able to communicate them clearly and persuasively to stakeholders.
Support Grant Activities: Assist with grant research, writing, and reporting to secure additional funding from foundations and governmental sources.
Coordinate Fundraising Events: Coordinate the planning and execution of Downtown Cleveland’s annual meeting and additional member events.
Maintain Donor Database: Maintain quality records of donor relationships, membership, deliverables, and prospects. Track and report on progress toward fundraising goals.
Staff Advancement Committee: Support CEO and Board of Directors in scheduling and planning Committee meetings.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, non-profit management and development, communications, or similar field
5+ years’ experience in fundraising
Donor management software experience
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Friendly demeanor
Exceptional emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills
Driven, open to learning, and able to exercise sound judgement in decision-making
Action and results oriented, organized, collaborative and creative
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
HSA employer contribution
FSA self-funded plan
403b retirement match
Vacation & personal (includes sick) leave
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Downtown Cleveland is seeking an impassioned city builder to join our team. The VP of Economic Development will oversee the Economic Development team with a focus on creating a more vibrant storefront economy. The ideal candidate can balance strategic thinking with actionable work.
The position is based on our Downtown Retail Strategy and centers on implementing the recommendations within the strategy that directly pertain to retail business attraction and support. As Cleveland has a well-connected network of real estate brokers who work to fill storefront spaces with tenants, the VP of Economic Development will support this work by providing high quality materials and assistance, building relationships with brokers and property owners, and communicating our vision for downtown’s retail corridors. This is an exciting opportunity to shape Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s storefront program.
The VP of Economic Development will report to the Chief of Staff. This is a senior staff position.
Responsibilities
Manage Economic Development staff, a team of interdisciplinary professionals supporting the work of the VP.
Lead the implementation of the Downtown Retail Strategy, including the planning and development of district level retail plans with the goal of growing and diversifying downtown’s business offerings.
Facilitate regular and consistent communication with downtown brokers and businesses regarding funding or education opportunities, relevant advocacy issues, and market updates.
Oversee the development of resources to be used by brokers and other CRE partners, including a semi-annual retail brochure.
Shape organization’s business outreach strategy.
Maintain storefront business database.
Oversee the planning, development, and execution of economic development programs.
Manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables for economic development initiatives.
Monitor and report on the progress of economic development projects to the President & CEO.
Build and maintain relationships with local government, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
Identify and address challenges faced by downtown businesses, providing technical assistance for businesses in areas including but not limited to:
Grants & Loans
City Permitting Process
Branding
Digital Marketing & Advertising
E-commerce
Storefront Designs & Merchandising
Food & Beverage Concepting & Visioning
Cash Flow/Money Management
Regulatory/insurance compliance
Business succession planning
Thoroughly learn, understand, and be able to clearly communicate all aspects of Downtown Cleveland’s work, as well as its vision, mission, goals, strategies, and key messages.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, communications, or related field
5-7 years relevant experience; experience in city building/business relations preferred
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Friendly demeanor
Exceptional emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills
Strong team orientation
Driven, open to learning, and able to exercise sound judgement in decision-making
Action and results oriented, organized, collaborative and creative
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
HSA employer contribution
FSA self-funded plan
403b retirement match
Vacation & personal (includes sick) leave
All positions offer a competitive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible spending account
403b retirement match
Vacation, personal and sick leave
Our Mission:
Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s mission is to attract residents, jobs, and investment to the city’s core through market influence, community impact, and creating irresistible experiences.
Our Vision:
We envision Downtown Cleveland as the hub of an inclusive 24/7 global city and welcoming beacon of talent that weaves downtown districts and surrounding neighborhoods into a seamless urban fabric.
EEO Statement:
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to consider this position. Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s commitment to inclusivity encompasses but is not limited to diversity in race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.