Safe & Clean Programs Director

Lead Downtown Spokane’s efforts to create a vibrant, safe, and welcoming city core.

Join a mission-driven team at the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP), where you’ll lead innovative, data-informed programs that improve public spaces, drive community trust, and make downtown Spokane a place where everyone belongs. As the Director of Clean & Safe Programs, you’ll manage a dynamic team, oversee a $1M operations budget, and steward programs that shape how people experience downtown.

About DSP: The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is dedicated to the creation of a dynamic, vibrant, livable, and sustainable Downtown. As a private, 501c(6) not-for-profit organization, the DSP serves as Spokane's central city advocate focused on economic and community vitality initiatives. As the manager of the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District (BID) since 1995, the DSP provides supplemental programs and enhanced services in the 80-block area that supports nearly 1,500 property owners and business tenants. To learn more about the DSP, visit DowntownSpokane.org.

About the Position: The Safe & Clean Programs Director is responsible for all activities related to ensuring downtown Spokane is safe, clean and welcoming for all to work, live and visit. The Director leads the implementation of high-quality, data-driven and efficient safety and maintenance operations, beautification and public realm programs, resource management, and quality assurance mechanisms.

The Director is responsible for planning, supervising and reporting on the investment of approximately $1M in resources annually to proactively enhance the public realm and mitigate the issues that may hinder economic vitality within the boundaries of the BID. The Director is employed by and represents DSP to BID ratepayers, property owners and managers, business tenants, and the general public, including downtown visitors. Specifically, the Director is a primary point of contact for concerns regarding public space services and is required to have the skills to both engage with the public and collaborate with ratepayers, business owners, managers, City partners and various other agencies.

The Director manages the overall clean and safe program and activities related to public spaces, and also provides clear direction and oversight of contracted service providers and 15-20 assigned personnel, monitors/evaluates their performance, provides reports and manages daily activities within the established policies and guidelines. The Director also supports the execution of special projects related to security, cleaning and placemaking efforts that enhance public spaces, as well as overseeing contracts and grants that support DSP’s mission.

Reports To: President & CEO

Direct Reports: Ambassador Team Lead, Clean Team Lead, Security & Hospitality Ambassadors, Clean Team Members

Starting Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000 annually for candidates meeting the minimum qualifications. Final compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Employee Benefits*:

• Employer paid Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Employer paid Long Term Disability & Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays off annually
• 80 hours of accrued vacation plus Washington sick leave annually
• Simple IRA with employer-paid 3% match
• Monthly transportation & technology stipends
• Performance bonus eligibility
• Professional development support

• Some benefits may be subject to waiting periods

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Manage deployment of appropriate staff, equipment and resources to support Security & Hospitality Ambassadors and Clean Team Members.
• Equip, motivate, and monitor the daily work of department employees.
• Manage staff administration, including scheduling, time and attendance, and reporting.
• Establish key performance indicators and evaluate employee performance on an ongoing basis, provide support and implement corrections as needed.
• Oversee training and orientation of procedures, programmatic changes, and directives.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures, including but not limited to safety, customer service, uniform, professional image, and productivity.
• Respond to concerns from ratepayers, stakeholders and the public while working to mitigate negative activity in the BID.
• Receive, prioritize, and execute work requests and provide timely and consistent reporting of all personnel activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain accurate data and develop trend reports related to services, crime and homelessness in the district.
• Direct vehicle fleet, equipment, and inventory.
• Liaison/interface with relevant public sector departments.
• Manage Downtown Security Collaborative with property owners and public safety stakeholders (e.g. local law enforcement, security providers, etc.) to provide effective communications channels.
• Build alliances and goodwill with appropriate partners, providers and government agencies to support homeless outreach services
  in the district.
• Manage supplemental/vendor contracts, including negotiating and administration to ensure optimal performance.
• Oversee CPTED evaluation and rebate program.
• Manage investments in social outreach programs, including evaluation of success.

Public Space Management

• Apply principles of equity and universal design to ensure public space services are welcoming and inclusive for all users.
• Develop and maintain a database of all public space assets in the BID and their condition/deficiencies/needs, including street lighting, sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaping, planters, public signage, trash cans, traffic signals, etc.
• Manage partnerships, sponsorships and contracts to correct, improve and/or enhance public spaces.
• Develop and maintain operational protocols for emergency response, severe weather events, and unexpected service disruptions in coordination with city and regional partners.Oversee installation and manage beautification and placemaking projects, including seasonal decorations, planting, decorative lighting, public art, etc.
• Identify and implement sustainable practices in clean and beautification programs, including waste diversion, water-wise landscaping, and energy-efficient lighting.
• Implement and support education campaigns related to public space norms, downtown code of conduct, and appropriate use of public amenities.
• Support site-specific projects and programs.

Administration

• Collaborate cross-functionally with DSP teams (marketing, events, policy) to align operations with placemaking goals, programming, and stakeholder engagement.
• Working with President & CEO, annually develop and manage operational strategic priorities and goals.
• Working with the Manager of Finance & Administration, develop and manage annual detailed department budget.
• Prepare and deliver reports on operations for BID Ratepayer Advisory Board & DSP board, stakeholders and community.
• Champion a culture of safety by chairing the internal safety committee, conducting regular risk assessments, and ensuring compliance and training protocols are met or exceeded. Participate in Senior Team strategic planning.

Other duties may be requested/assigned.

About You: You are a strategic operator, hands-on leader, and urban innovator. You bring operational savvy, emotional intelligence, and an eye for detail. You thrive in the complexity of public spaces, engaging diverse stakeholders with confidence and care. Your leadership inspires pride and professionalism in frontline teams—and your strategies produce measurable impact in the public realm.

Qualifications:

• Tact, good judgment, and ability to maintain professional decorum under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and competence in representing management policies positively and consistently to employees, board members, ratepayers, stakeholders and the general public.
• Clear verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write information clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership and professional demeanor with the ability to address employee challenges and coach team members to succeed.
• Experience managing multiple projects with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment and an ability to work quickly and efficiently to solve problems.
• Eye for detail with demonstrated fiscal and business management skills to develop, manage and track budgets.
• Knowledge and/or experience in property or facilities management, landscaping, or urban planning.
• Experience managing, evaluating and negotiating contracts.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Passion for downtown Spokane with exceptional work ethic and ability to exemplify DSP core values: Collaborative, Innovative, Diverse.
• Minimum high school education or equivalent with ability to learn and retain directions, facts, etc. (B.A. in related field preferred)
• Minimum five years (5) work experience as a supervisor of hourly employees in a related field, including PBID/BIA, tourism, hospitality, municipal government law enforcement, security or other service industry.
• Physical stamina to lift heavy objects and perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as required.
• Flexibility in scheduling, including some evenings and/or weekends as necessary.
• Understanding of budget and database management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite and understanding of online platforms, including Google Workspace, Dropbox, and AI is a plus.
• Proficient with mobile phones and smart devices.
• Able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time with occasional lifting/pulling/pushing up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Pass background & drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business, or related field.
• CPTED Certification.
• Data analysis skills and/or experience with mobile work order software.

This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week but may be required to work more to meet deadlines, finish assignments, attend events and meetings, evaluate neighborhood conditions or address service delivery. This position may require occasional morning, evening and/or weekend work as needed for various downtown related events/meetings and travel may be required. While the DSP offers flexible work schedules and occasional remote work options, this position is primarily based in the office located in downtown Spokane.

To Apply:
All applicants must complete the online application at DowntownSpokane.org/employment. A complete application includes a resume, cover letter, and responses to the supplemental questions.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Selected candidates will be contacted directly. No walk-ins, please.

Downtown Spokane Partnership is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusion and diversity. The DSP recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected statuses as required by applicable law. The DSP does not discriminate based on genetic information in its employment-related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All employees must have permission to work in the U.S.; employment eligibility verification is required.