Director of Downtown Arts, Culture, & Entertainment

WHO WE ARE

DowntownDC is the most diverse and exciting neighborhood in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of DC in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: business, education, and government; shopping and dining; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history—adding up to a bright future. The BID was founded in 1997 as the city’s first private nonprofit place management organization where property owners agree to tax themselves to fund services that enhance people’s experiences in the downtown area. The BID is a catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public-private partnerships, and enhancing the downtown experience for all.

The BID’s area includes 530 properties and is defined by Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Downtown Arts & Entertainment will lead the effort to position DowntownDC as the region’s premier destination for arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. This role will unify the area’s extraordinary mix of theaters, museums, galleries, entertainment venues, and creative spaces under a shared identity that celebrates Downtown’s vibrancy, creativity, and diversity—while honoring its historic Chinatown roots.

As part of the DowntownDC BID’s strategic commitment to advancing the Downtown Arts & Entertainment, the Director will serve as the chief convener, collaborator, and champion for the district’s cultural ecosystem. Through creative placemaking, branding, and cross-sector partnerships, the Director will activate public spaces, expand access to the arts, and cultivate a thriving creative economy that attracts residents, workers, and visitors year-round.

VISION

The Director of Downtown Arts & Entertainment will enact and refine the BID’s vision, building on the recommendations from the Downtown Action Plan and Gallery Place-Chinatown Task Force to amplify the richness of DowntownDC’s cultural and creative assets, strengthening its identity as a global destination for arts, entertainment, and innovation by focusing on four strategic pillars.

STRATEGIC PILLARS

1. 1. (re)Defining & Amplifying Our Brand – Unite Downtown’s cultural assets under a shared identity supported by bold marketing and coordinated programming that shines a spotlight on the neighborhood’s creative energy.
   2. Expanding Access & Engagement – Deepen audience connections through innovative tools, promotions, and partnerships that make Downtown’s arts and entertainment offerings more visible, affordable, and inclusive.
   3. Elevating the Audience Experience – Enhance every touchpoint—from public space activation to safety and accessibility—ensuring that every visit feels memorable, welcoming, and worth repeating.
   4. Growing the Creative Ecosystem – Invest in local artists, performances, and programming that nurture diverse talent, support creative workers, and reflect the spirit of DC.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Downtown Arts & Entertainment willbe responsible for the following:

1. Stakeholder Coordination & Partnership Building
   • Serve as the lead convener for Downtown’s cultural and entertainment institutions—including theaters, museums, galleries, sports and entertainment venues, and other organizations—no less than quarterly, fostering collaboration through clear communication and shared project initiatives.
   • Align efforts with the Mayor’s Gallery Place/Chinatown Task Force and the Downtown Action Plan, ensuring synergy between public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders.
   • Build authentic relationships with Chinatown leaders, community organizations, and small businesses to ensure cultural initiatives are inclusive and reflective of community priorities.
2. Brand & Marketing Leadership
   • Lead the creation of a unified Downtown Arts & Entertainment brand, narrative, and visual identity, leveraging input from key stakeholders and in collaboration with the BID’s Marketing and Communications team as appropriate.
   • Create, maintain, and circulate event calendars to partner institutions reflecting all relevant events, productions, and other cultural activations within the downtown core.
   • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Department on joint marketing campaigns, social media initiatives, and direct-marketing efforts to amplify visibility and drive audience engagement.
   • Partner with Destination DC, Events DC, the Marketing and Communications Department, and other key marketing partners to elevate Downtown’s cultural profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
3. Creative Placemaking & Programming
   • Curate and support dynamic public space activations in partnership with arts and entertainment institutions—from outdoor performances and pop-ups to installations and festivals—that help connect culture to downtown as a place. Support arts institutions in creating these events and find opportunities to leverage public space in collaboration with the BID Events and Public Space Operations teams as appropriate.
   • Identify and champion placemaking and beautification projects that enhance the public realm, including lighting, signage, and public art along key corridors by cultivating ideas from partners and key stakeholders and identifying opportunities in collaboration with the BID Public Space Operations teams as appropriate.
   • Explore and pilot a TKTS-style ticket booth or digital hub to promote access to local performances and events.
4. Funding & Sustainability
   • Manage the initiative’s operational and program budget in coordination with BID leadership.
   • Identify new revenue streams, including grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships through the DowntownDC Foundation.
   • Assess and develop legislation to propose direct investment in the arts and entertainment in collaboration with the BID’s Planning and Economic Development Team.
   • Research, develop, and implement return on investment opportunities that will generate economic impact and support downtown businesses viability in collaboration with the BID’s Planning and Economic Development Team.
   • Develop long-term recommendations for potential governance structures, including exploration of a standalone nonprofit or affiliated 501(c)(3) entity.
5. Measurement & Accountability
   • Establish metrics and reporting systems to track engagement, visibility, and economic impact.
   • Develop and execute workplans to measure public perception of DowntownDC and its culture & entertainment offerings, providing feedback and analysis to the BID and cultural partners.
   • Provide regular updates to the DowntownDC BID President & CEO, Board of Directors, and partners.
   • Prepare quarterly progress reports highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities.

All other duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• • A visionary leader who blends creativity with strong organizational and relationship management skills.
  • Experienced in arts management, urban planning, cultural strategy, or destination marketing.
  • Skilled in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and translating big-picture ideas into action.
  • Deep appreciation for cultural diversity, urban vitality, and the power of arts to shape identity and economic growth.
  • Exceptional communicator with a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Proven success and interest in fundraising, identifying grants, and securing sponsorships.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience creating and adhering to budgets and spending plans.

REQUIRED

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the arts, culture, or entertainment industry, and experience leading projects that convene diverse stakeholders required ten ((10) years or more of experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and multi-task.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some nights and weekends as appropriate.
• May infrequently work in adverse weather conditions.

WHY JOIN US

This is a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of DowntownDC’s cultural renaissance. The Director will have the support of a dedicated BID team, a network of leading cultural institutions, and strong city partnerships to bring bold ideas to life and ensure that DowntownDC continues to shine as the heart of the District’s creative community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation for this full-time, salaried position ranges from $105,000 – $125,000.

Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with matching and safe harbor; FSA and HSA (with the HSA covering the employee deductible); and a Metro travel card.

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 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.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• • A visionary leader who blends creativity with strong organizational and relationship management skills.
  • Experienced in arts management, urban planning, cultural strategy, or destination marketing.
  • Skilled in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and translating big-picture ideas into action.
  • Deep appreciation for cultural diversity, urban vitality, and the power of arts to shape identity and economic growth.
  • Exceptional communicator with a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Proven success and interest in fundraising, identifying grants, and securing sponsorships.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience creating and adhering to budgets and spending plans.

REQUIRED

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the arts, culture, or entertainment industry, and experience leading projects that convene diverse stakeholders required ten ((10) years or more of experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and multi-task.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some nights and weekends as appropriate.
• May infrequently work in adverse weather conditions.