Summary
Description
Who We Are
Downtown Partnership ensures that Downtown Colorado Springs serves as the economic, civic, and cultural heart of the Pikes Peak region. A 501c4 organization, Downtown Partnership manages the contracts for service with the Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Business Improvement District, the Downtown Development Authority, and the 501c3 nonprofit Downtown Ventures.
The Opportunity
Downtown Partnership has facilitated stakeholder engagement over the past year to build the Elevate Downtown Plan, which provides a framework for the next chapter of our work and the development of Downtown Colorado Springs. In order to meet those needs, we are reimagining the structure of the team to be equipped to lead in new and different ways.
The Director of Planning & Economic Development is an evolution of a current position, and is designed to play two primary roles as they serve as the primary steward of the Elevate Downtown Plan:
- An external role, as a highly visible, community-facing leader who will engage in a high-touch, in-person way with Downtown businesses, property owners, partners, and stakeholders.
- An internal role, serving as the key thought partner to the CEO, and managing the analysis and reporting on Downtown economic trends to inform communications, strategy, and planning.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in shaping the economic growth, physical growth, and investment priorities of Downtown Colorado Springs.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Key aspects of the ideal candidate include:
- A highly relational person – this is someone who can’t sit in their office behind a computer for long, and would much rather be out in the community nurturing connections and understanding stakeholder needs and priorities. They make each person they meet – regardless of role – feel valued and included in appropriate ways.
- An economic development nerd who has experience in – and passion for – urban community development. Practically, speaking, that looks like: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (preference for business, economics, real estate, finance, public administration, planning, or community/economic development).
- Steeped in the details of what helps cities thrive: a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in this or a related field such as real estate, project management, or business development. They’ve got a solid understanding of commercial mixed use real estate development, and public financing tools, and can demonstrate proficiency in the foundations of our work like market research, business writing, contract management, fiscal analysis, and financial modeling. They have been deeply involved in developing a similar economic development plan, even if they haven’t fully led the process.
- Someone who thrives on a small team and recognizes the importance of deepening the team’s values and norms. They are happy to roll up their sleeves to handle details and are aware of how their actions will support a healthy culture.
- A strategic thinker and communicator, adept at knowing when to zoom in to analyze the details, and when to zoom out to connect with the strategy and the why; this is someone who is skilled at translating our work to multiple audiences, both in writing and in conversation.
- A connection to Colorado Springs or similarly sized city, and a demonstrated ability and desire to listen first to fully understand a community and its culture.
Role Expectations and Responsibilities Overview
The Director of Planning & Economic Development is the primary steward of the Elevate Downtown Plan, and the bulk of the work they do connects directly with driving the strategy and implementation of that plan, from engaging with a wide range of community members and stakeholders, to managing detailed analysis and reporting. The Director will serve as the main thought partner to the CEO on the strategies and approaches to economic and community development, informing the overall organizational plans.
The initial emphasis of the role will focus on devising the strategic implementation approach for the Elevate Downtown Plan, integrating existing and planned projects in that strategy, and aligning with the opportunities for financing, and the budgeting process for future years.
At a very high level, about 75% of their time will be focused on the external, relational component of their work, and the remaining 25% on the ongoing and regular internal, administrative work. Their overall responsibilities fall into these major categories:
External, Relational Work (75%)
The core of this role is about building and nurturing relationships across the community: all of the work in business development, informing the Elevate implementation plan, and serving as a liaison and advocate for Downtown Colorado Springs comes back to the daily connections the Director builds with the stakeholders and businesses who make our city thrive.
In more detail, the work falls into these categories:
Business Development & Support:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with property owners, developers, brokers, and commercial real estate professionals.
- Partner with chambers, economic development groups, and City departments to enhance business services.
- Develop relationships with local and national developers and real estate investors and provide assistance and guidance on public and private financing mechanisms.
- Evaluate the Downtown business landscape, identify gaps, and implement strategies to grow priority sectors (office/workforce, retail, food and beverage, hospitality, lifestyle, entertainment).
- Attract, support, and onboard new businesses—from site selection through opening.
- Serve as the primary resource for navigating planning, zoning, permitting, financing, and business assistance programs including identifying new financial resources at the local, state, and national level.
- Develop a business-support toolkit and maintain an updated inventory of high-impact available/vacant commercial spaces.
- Advise and administer grant, loan, and support programs: research best practices, assist applicants, draft recommendations, and present recommendations to the board.
Planning & City Liaison Responsibilities:
- Lead implementation of the Elevate Downtown Plan and Plan of Development by identifying priority projects, investment areas, and policy actions.
- Manage a portfolio of planning and economic development projects with significant independence and judgment.
- Represent Downtown in citywide economic development initiatives, working groups, and planning efforts.
- Serve as a key liaison with Planning, Public Works, Parks, Utilities, Transit, and other municipal agencies, ensuring Downtown priorities are understood and advanced.
- Provide input on planning documents, collaborate closely with the Urban Planning Division, and advocate for Downtown-aligned outcomes.
Community, Advocacy & Communication:
- Lead or co-facilitate forums, town halls, merchant meetings, and other gatherings to address business needs and advocate for policy improvements.
- Represent Downtown interests at City Council, Downtown Review Board, Planning Commission, Colorado Springs Utilities, and other meetings as needed.
- Work with the Director of Communications to develop strategies that promote Downtown’s value and highlight the benefits of doing business in the city center.
- Integrate principles of environmental sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion into business and economic development services.
Internal, Administrative Work (25%)
The internal, behind-the-scenes work is essential to communicating and translating information to our stakeholders, and much of it occurs on a less-frequent basis.
- Lead production of the annual State of Downtown Report, quarterly metrics, and other key reporting documents.
- Track and report on investment trends, visitorship, real estate activity, sales tax, permits, and business activity (leads, openings, closings, expansions).
- Manage tax increment financing (TIF) agreements and annual processing in coordination with finance and executive leadership.
- Manage contracts and consultants for Downtown-initiated projects and ensure statutory compliance.
- Track program and project progress to boards, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, data-informed decisions, and continuous improvement.
Location and Travel
The Director is expected to maintain a substantial presence in the field—attending meetings, visiting business locations, and participating in events that strengthen the Downtown business ecosystem. A strong physical presence in the Downtown area is essential for building trust, staying informed, and providing timely support. The ability to travel by car within Colorado Springs is required, as well as the flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary starts at $85,000, with final compensation to be determined based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance – 100% of premiums covered
- 11 paid holidays plus two personal days
- 3 percent company match into SIMPLE IRA
- Three weeks’ vacation accrual (increases based on tenure)
- Paid parking and bike share membership
- Fitness center access
To Apply:
If you’re excited about this role and feel a passion for our mission, we encourage you to apply, even if you’re not sure whether you meet all the requirements. Email your resume and a brief paragraph about your interest to our consulting partner with Downtown Partnership in the subject.
Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Downtown Partnership
Downtown Partnership is the lead organization working to ensure that Downtown Colorado Springs serves as the economic, civic and cultural heart of the region. A 501c4 nonprofit, Downtown Partnership serves as the management company for three affiliate organizations working toward the betterment of Downtown: Downtown Ventures, a 501c3 nonprofit, and two quasi-governmental taxing districts: the Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Business Improvement District and the Downtown Development Authority.
The Downtown Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives and life experiences. We strongly embrace respect for all and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability.
