Downtown River Point District Manager

Position Summary 

The Downtown River Point District Manager is responsible for the overall coordination,  promotion, and economic vitality of downtown Norfolk. This position serves as the primary  liaison among downtown businesses, property owners, the Downtown Board, City departments,  partner organizations, and the general public. 

The District Manager provides hands-on, on-the-ground leadership that supports downtown  businesses, coordinates events and promotions, advances tourism and visitor experience  initiatives, and fosters collaboration among stakeholders including the Downtown Norfolk  Association (DNA), Business Improvement District (BID), Vehicle Parking District (VPD), and  the City of Norfolk. 

This role requires a highly organized, relationship-driven professional who is energized by  community engagement, district activation, and the unique blend of commerce, history, arts, and  culture that defines downtown Norfolk. 

Key Responsibilities 

District & Business Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for downtown businesses and property owners 

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders
• Welcome and orient new businesses to downtown resources, programs, and events 

• Monitor downtown business activity, vacancies, and transitions and communicate trends as appropriate 

• Respond to downtown-related inquiries and concerns in a professional and timely manner 

Marketing & Promotion 

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies to promote downtown Norfolk 

• Maintain and update downtown website and social media platforms
• Create and coordinate promotional materials, branding initiatives, and advertising efforts 

• Coordinate cooperative marketing efforts among downtown merchants and partners 

• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for downtown Norfolk

Events, Promotions & Activation 

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee downtown events, seasonal programming, and promotional activities 

• Coordinate event logistics including permits, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and  partnerships 

• Maintain awareness of all events occurring within the downtown district
• Evaluate event effectiveness and recommend adjustments to maximize impact 

Tourism & Visitor Experience 

• Develop initiatives that enhance the downtown visitor experience and encourage repeat visits 

• Collaborate with local, regional, and state tourism organizations and chambers
• Promote downtown Norfolk as a destination for shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and events 

Administration & Board Support 

• Prepare agendas, reports, and updates for DNA, BID, and VPD meetings
• Attend monthly DNA meetings, quarterly BID meetings, and other community meetings as needed 

• Maintain records, minutes, attendance, and documentation
• Manage budgets related to marketing, events, and promotions in collaboration with the Board

Financial & Operational Coordination 

• Coordinate with external accounting services for bill pay and employee  compensation 

• Monitor financial reports and assist the Board in tracking expenditures
• Support grant opportunities and economic development initiatives impacting downtown 

Community Advocacy & Partnerships 

• Serve as liaison between downtown stakeholders and City departments
• Build relationships with partner organizations including Visit Norfolk, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, arts and cultural groups, and regional development entities
• Educate businesses and property owners on available improvement programs  and resources 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, public administration, tourism, or a related field preferred, or 2 years equivalent professional experience

• Experience in downtown management, nonprofit administration, community  engagement, event planning, marketing, economic development preferred, or 2 years equivalent professional experience  

• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills 

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs

• Proficiency with office software, website management tools, and social media platforms 

Working Conditions 

• Regular on-site presence within the downtown district, office provided 

• Occasional evening and weekend work required for meetings and events 

• Ability to lift, carry, or move materials related to events and promotions