Downtown Huntsville Inc. - President & CEO Employment Opportunity

 

Position Announcement - President & CEO Downtown Huntsville Inc. Location: Huntsville, AL  Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site  Reports To: DHI Board of Directors

About Downtown Huntsville, Inc. Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and economically strong downtown that serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the city. Through advocacy, placemaking, business engagement, and strategic partnerships, DHI connects people and possibilities, supporting local entrepreneurs, enhancing public spaces, and driving smart growth.

Position Overview DHI is seeking a visionary and action-oriented leader to serve as its next President & CEO. This role offers a unique opportunity to guide one of the South’s fastest-growing downtowns through its next chapter of growth. The ideal candidate will bring experience in downtown development, stakeholder engagement, strategic visioning, and organizational leadership.

Key Areas of Responsibility 

Vision & Leadership

  • Champion a bold, forward-thinking vision for downtown Huntsville

  • Lead with creativity and a long-term, community-first perspective

  • Inspire innovation in placemaking, programming, and strategic planning

Urban Development

  • Drive economic development through strategic partnerships and public-private initiatives

  • Understand and support smart growth, real estate investment, transportation, housing, and public space activation

  • Support public realm initiatives, including beautification, safety, and infrastructure improvements

  • Collaborate with local and regional partners to strengthen the downtown business mix and physical landscape


Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as a connector between business owners, residents, developers, and public officials

  • Advocate for downtown interests at the local and state levels

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, board members, & institutional partners


Organizational Management

  • Oversee a high-performing team and manage the day-to-day operations of the organization

  • Lead financial management, fundraising, membership growth, and committee engagement

  • Advance DHI’s financial sustainability through clear budgeting, strategic funding initiatives, and resource alignment

  • Work closely with the board of directors to align efforts with organizational goals

Strategic Communication

  • Serve as DHI’s chief spokesperson and ambassador

  • Lead marketing, branding, and public relations efforts that elevate downtown’s profile

  • Use data and storytelling to communicate impact and drive action


Qualifications

  • Proven leadership experience in downtown development, urban planning, economic development, or a related field

  • Strong understanding of nonprofit management, advocacy, and public-private partnerships

  • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking skills

  • Passion for urban vitality, inclusive growth, and community engagement

Education Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field is required.

  • A master's degree in a relevant field is preferred and may substitute for experience.

 Work Experience

  • A minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in urban development, economic development, or community engagement, preferably in a nonprofit or public sector context.

  • Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and initiatives, with experience in budget management and financial oversight.

  • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and advocacy within urban environments.

  • Demonstrated experience with urban planning principles, economic development strategies, and revitalization efforts is highly desirable.


How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by emailing a resume and brief cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications to social@downtownhuntsville.org. Review of candidates will begin on July 15, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.