Job Description & Requirements
President & CEO
Downtown Norfolk Council
Lead the Future of Downtown Norfolk
The Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) is seeking an inspiring, visionary CEO to lead the organization and the Downtown Improvement District at a pivotal moment of opportunity and transformation.
This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of Downtown Norfolk.
The next CEO will champion a bold, actionable vision for downtown’s continued growth and vitality, strengthening DNC’s role as a catalyst for economic development, investment, innovation, and place-making. The CEO will bring public- and private-sector leaders together around shared priorities and turn big ideas into measurable results.
Success will depend on the ability to build trust, forge consensus, and mobilize action among ratepayers, City leaders, businesses, property owners, residents, developers, institutions, and civic partners.
At the heart of the role will be creating new opportunities for economic resilience and growth—from attracting and supporting small businesses to expanding retail, encouraging investment, activating public spaces, and strengthening Downtown Norfolk as a vibrant destination to live, work, visit, and invest.
The CEO will lead across five critical areas:
• Strategic Vision — Define and advance an ambitious, compelling vision for Downtown Norfolk’s future.
• Organizational Leadership — Inspire a high-performing organization and translate strategy into action and results.
• Relationships & Partnerships — Build powerful relationships and unite diverse stakeholders around common goals.
• Urban Advocacy & Place Activation — Champion downtown, drive investment, and create an energetic, welcoming urban environment.
• Fundraising — Expand resources and cultivate the partnerships and investment necessary to bring DNC’s vision to life.
This is a chance to make a lasting impact on one of the region’s most important economic and civic assets—and to help define what Downtown Norfolk can become next. Base salary range: $225,000 to $260,000.
Annual performance bonus: Up to 10% of base salary, plus a revenue growth incentive.
More information and application procedures at: https://ctycms.com/va-norfolk/docs/hrs-norfolk-dnc-opp-profile-final.pdf