Innovative and Growing Downtown Development Entity Seeks President/CEO

If you are a visionary leader who can amplify and execute a long-term vision for downtown growth and revitalization, the Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) invites you to apply to serve as its next President/CEO.  Located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, NC, the CSDD is seeking a President/CEO who will:

• Lead and manage oversight of the day-to-day operations of the CSDD, ensuring the organization’s mission and goals are carried out efficiently.
• Work closely with the 22-member CSDD Board of Directors to identify key priorities and tasks from the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals and vision.
• Maintain a positive work environment, empower staff to manage workload effectively, optimize performance with professional development opportunities.
• Maintain oversight over CSDD curated events, economic development initiatives, and placemaking activities as established by the strategic plan, contractual obligations, municipal guidance, board direction, and staff leadership to fulfill organizational mission.
• Offer a fresh perspective, integrate quickly into the community, identify and align with key local stakeholders, and create opportunities that promote sustainable growth and development for CSDD and Downtown Fayetteville.
• Directly manage fundraising activities, including current funder relations, securing grants, and identifying new streams of income and revenue to support CSDD projects and programs.

About the Cool Springs Downtown District and President/CEO Position:

Cool Spring Downtown District is at the heart of Fayetteville’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant, mixed-use district that combines residential, commercial, and cultural elements. CSDD is a unique organization with a two-fold organizational purpose: to manage the arts and entertainment district as well as manage the municipal services district in historic Downtown Fayetteville, NC. CSDD is a 501c3 organization and is partially supported by the municipal service district tax and a partnership with the City of Fayetteville. Activities include but are not limited to: large-scale festivals such as the Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus NYE Spectacular, monthly cultural events including 4^th Friday (Mar-Oct), the Safety and Engagement Ambassador Program, Resident Socials, Clean Streets (a shared waste management program), downtown merchant and business engagement and advocacy, business recruitment, and active involvement partnership with key stakeholders in downtown economic development initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate will have experience in economic development and/or urban management to assist with attracting new businesses, retaining existing District-wide retailers and businesses, and promoting the district's growth. In addition, the next President/CEO should have a demonstrable understanding of the use of arts, placemaking, and cultural activities to enhance economic growth and development, community engagement and quality of life for residents, visitors, and business owners alike.  The next President/CEO will have a strong background in financial management and budgeting to oversee resource-intensive and high-cost projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Additionally, the next President/CEO should be highly skilled in fundraising and capable of maintaining current and securing new sources of income and revenue to support the District's initiatives.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the next President/CEO will oversee a budget of $1M and three full-time (Senior Director of Programming & Engagement, the Director of Marketing and Activation, and the senior Safety and Engagement Ambassador), one part-time employee (Safety Engagement Ambassador), and one contract employee (Trolley Driver). The next President/CEO should demonstrate a balanced, forward-thinking management style that demonstrates respect for staff expertise, insight, and professional capability, leveraging staff talents and contributions, while navigating the complexities of downtown revitalization.

In the first year, the next President/CEO will prioritize gathering insights to lay a strong foundation for effective leadership moving forward through relationship building with key stakeholders and community leaders to develop a strong understanding the District's needs, while maintaining a highly visible role in the community and serving as the primary spokesperson for the Arts and Entertainment District and Downtown Fayetteville throughout the region.

Key Position Priorities:

• Provide vision and leadership to CSDD to resource the organization's changing needs with a focus on organizational capacity and staffing.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key City officials, the CSDD Board, and other leaders to ensure alignment between the organization’s strategic plan and vision for downtown Fayetteville’s growth and development.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate partners, local businesses, and community leaders to secure sponsorships, donations, and in-kind support for events and projects.
• Increase recruitment and marketing efforts and collaborate with property owners to address vacant properties and strengthen the District’s retail, entertainment and service-oriented business appeal.

 Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in urban planning, economic development, business and/or public administration, planning, community development, or a similar degree level of study and/or appropriate certification is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience in the field of economic, downtown, commercial corridor, and business district development, or related fields, with a proven track record of successful plan, project, and program creation, implementation, and management, and three years of supervisory experience are required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties will be considered.
• Residency within the city limits is preferred for this position but not required.

About Downtown Fayetteville:

Downtown Fayetteville is a vibrant area that blends history, culture, and modern development. It's the heart of the city and offers a mix of historic architecture, new businesses, and active community spaces. In recent years, the City of Fayetteville has revitalized and grown Downtown focusing on infrastructure, creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces, and attracting new businesses. As the management entity for the City’s Arts and Entertainment District, Cool Spring Downtown District is a focal point of these efforts.

Downtown Fayetteville offers a mix of locally owned shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, along with service-oriented businesses, and government agencies. It’s a perfect spot for strolling, shopping, and dining for residents and visitors alike. Popular dining spots range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, serving a mix of Southern comfort food, international cuisines, and craft beers. A vibrant cultural scene includes cultural spaces such as the Cameo Art House Theater, the Fayetteville Transportation and History Museum, and festivals such as the Juneteenth Jubilee and the International Folk Festival which celebrate our community’s uniquely rich and diverse community.

With a walkable downtown core, residents enjoy convenient access to dining, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor spaces like Festival Park and Linear Park. For sports enthusiasts, downtown Fayetteville is undergoing significant development, highlighted by Segra Stadium, a $40-million baseball stadium for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, an Astros affiliate and Class-A Advance baseball team. Adjacent to the stadium, the revitalized historic Prince Charles now offers 59 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments. As Fayetteville continues to grow, investment and expansion opportunities are expected to increase.

Downtown Fayetteville has seen significant revitalization, with new businesses, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions drawing both residents and visitors. As of December 2024, the median home price is $195,000, reflecting a 29.1% increase from the previous year. The district includes approximately 8,575 housing units, offering a mix of modern apartments, lofts, and historic homes. Downtown Fayetteville’s proximity to Fort Liberty and major transportation routes makes it a desirable location for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families alike.