Who We Are

Founded in 1997 as a private, nonprofit place-management organization, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is a catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public-private partnerships, and enhancing the downtown experience for all. We oversee a 140-block area of approximately 530 properties and numerous parks and public spaces, from Massachusetts Avenue NW on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue NW on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue NW on the east to 16^th Street on the west.

Since its founding, the BID has supported the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Downtown through street outreach and other services. In February 2019, the BID began operating the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC) with funding from the DC Department of Human Services. Today, the BID operates the DDSC six days a week, funds street outreach services through a third-party provider, and more, for while serving as a leader on homeless services for the community.

Position Summary

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (“BID”) is seeking a talented and energetic individual to join the team and facilitate the next chapter of downtown’s evolution in the post-pandemic era. The ideal candidate will have a passion for urban design, policy, and real estate, with a strong skillset in project management, data analysis, and written and verbal communication. The role includes supporting implementation of the Downtown Action Plan, tracking real estate trends and projects, and helping to facilitate stakeholder communication and engagement across a wide array of initiatives.

The Planning & Economic Development Associate (“Associate”) will be a key member of the BID team and work on a variety of projects and programs that touch other departments such as Marketing & Communications, Events, and Public Space Operations. The Associate will report to the Director of Planning & Economic Development (“Director”) and be primarily responsible for data management, mapping, and supporting publication of monthly, quarterly and annual reports. Other responsibilities will include development of marketing collateral and support of the BID’s 5-year strategic plan goals. The Associate will also help to build relationships with potential and existing tenants, commercial real estate professionals, and representatives of local and federal agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Research and Data Analysis:

• Collect, aggregate and present key real estate market information including but not limited to occupancy rates, rents, space availability, return to office utilization, and building sales. Oversee publication of these metrics on a monthly, quarterly and/or annual basis in collaboration with the Director

• Track and manage project-level data of development pipeline and recently delivered project

• Undertake periodic demographic analysis and economic modeling on the potential impact of development, anchor attraction, and public policy initiatives

• Provide quick analysis and summary information on submarket conditions in easy-to-read data visualizations for internal and external distribution

• Develop GIS mapping infrastructure to visually represent market data and other information on a building-by-building basis

- Strategic Planning:

• Assist in implementation of key initiatives aligned with the Downtown Action Plan, the Gallery Place/Chinatown Task Force, Downtown East University District, and other planning efforts associated with downtown revitalization

• Contribute to programs that promote business retention, expansion, and attraction within the District

• Identify opportunities for new business development and investment, and support BID-led grant initiatives to support new programs

- Business Retention and Attraction:

• Identify and engage with existing businesses and tenants to understand their needs and challenges, providing support to ensure their continued success in DowntownDC

• Collaborate with Director to attract new businesses to the area by promoting DowntownDC’s unique advantages and facilitating connections with potential investors and developers

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including property owners, developers, and government officials and agencies

• Research and design sector-focused marketing collateral to support the BID and District government’s business attraction efforts

 - Public Realm:

• Monitor and oversee planning programs and initiatives in partnership with the Director, ensuring they are executed effectively and deliver measurable results

• Support other BID departments in activations and physical improvements

• Support Director in oversight of design and construction initiatives on an intermittent basis

 - Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Support Director on stakeholder matters, representing the BID at meetings, and providing project information, real estate data, and other important information

• Educate stakeholders and local leaders on policies and initiatives that support DowntownDC’s economic development objectives

• Support management of the BID’s salesforce database, including intermittent data entry and recall of stakeholder contact information

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, real estate, economics, or a related field; master’s degree preferred

• 1–5 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in planning, economic development, public administration, or real estate

• Office attendance of four (4) days per week to facilitate team building and on-the-ground knowledge of the neighborhood

• Experience working with or within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or public-private partnership

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and comfort with engaging stakeholders from all backgrounds

• Strong interest and commitment to cities and urban placemaking, with an understanding of the influence that market forces and public policy have on the built environment

• Ease with quantitative analysis and ability to understand and present data in a compelling way

• Technical proficiency in ArcGIS and proven track record in spatial analysis and graphic presentation of maps

• Effective oral and written communication skills, including ability to ‘tell the story’ to a wide array of audiences

• Solutions-focused attitude and collaborative mindset to complement a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, track progress on goals, and clearly report project updates on a consistent basis

• Cursory knowledge of the DC real estate market, development processes, and the role of District agencies in both

• Expertise in using PowerPoint and Excel. Knowledge of Salesforce is preferred but not required

Compensation

This position is full-time with a salary range between $70,000 and $85,000.

How to Apply

This position will remain open until filled; however, interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for priority consideration.

To apply for this position, please click "Apply Now", where you will be prompted to upload your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience.

Submissions without requested items may not receive full consideration. References will be requested from candidates who receive further consideration. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to queries about application status and will only reach out to candidates we pursue further. Employment offers are conditional upon a successful criminal background check and screening for illegal substances.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, the DowntownDC  BID is committed to excellence through diversity. The BID recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. Please note that all new DowntownDC BID employees must have permission to work in the U.S.; therefore, employment eligibility verification is required.