Deputy Director

DOWNTOWN SPECIAL SERVICES DISTRICT DEPUTY DIRECTOR ABOUT THE NBDD

The New Britain Downtown District (NBDD) is a quasi-governmental Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) established under Connecticut State Statute to enhance the economic vitality, appearance, and overall experience of downtown New Britain. Also known as a Business Improvement District, the NBDD sits right between two gateway cultural Districts, Little Poland and the Barrio Latino. The NBDD is funded through a special assessment on district property owners and in return is charged to deliver supplemental services and strategic initiatives that go beyond standard municipal operations to support the downtowns revitilization. As the economic and cultural heart of the city, downtown New Britain serves as a hub for residents, businesses, institutions, and visitors. The NBDD works collaboratively with the City of New Britain, property owners, businesses, and community partners to strengthen the district through economic development, placemaking, marketing, and public space activation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Deputy Director serves as a senior executive of the NBDD to provide strategic leadership through this development-based role. Reporting to the Executive Director and NBDD Board of Commissioners, this role assists in the oversight of day-to-day operations across economic development, fundrasinig, district planning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational management. The Deputy Director works closely with property owners, businesses, municipal partners, the Board of Commissioners, and other stakeholders to advance initiatives that drive investment, continusously improve the area, and support long-term economic vitality. Additonally, this position oversees part-time staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Vision Oversee day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives of the NBDD that position Downtown New Britain as a welcoming, culturally vibrant, and economically resilient district in central CT. Assist in procuring a Downtown Strategic Plan and implent action items from the plan or corresponding work plans that translate the vision into practical progress and measurable outcomes for the organizations capacity. Serve as a core representative of Downtown New Britain in local workgroups and committees, bringing credibility and balance to conversations related to economic development, public safety, housing, and public realm improvements. Build trusted relationships with elected officials, city departments, educational institutions, property owners, small businesses, developers, nonprofits, arts organizations, and residents. Advocate for policies, zoning, and development strategies that support sustainable and equitable downtown growth. Act as Executive Director in their absence. Economic Vitality & Development Advance business attraction, retention, and vacancy reduction efforts in collaboration with stakeholders. Develop and implements strategies to reduce storefront vacancies and strengthen and compliment the district's business offerings. Design and administer incentive programs (ex. façade improvements, tenant attraction tools) to encourage private investment and property activation. Track and analyze economic indicators, including vacancies, business turnover, and investment activity, to inform strategy and measure impact. Identify and secure grant funding, sponsorships, and alternative revenue sources to support district initiatives and operating budget. Collaborate with municipal departments, developers, and stakeholders on infrastructure improvements, redevelopment projects, and public space enhancements. Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Supports stakeholder engagement efforts including meetings, outreach, and program participation through correspondences and focus groups. Develop and coordinate events, both existing and new, including programming that activates different parts of Downtown for different audiences, draws new audiences from surrounding communities in the region, and ensures the events are benedicial to stakeholders. Guide marketing, communications, and placemaking initiatives that highlight Downtown's cultural assets and strengthen its regional profile. Supports implementation of district-wide tourism and marketing initiatives in coordination with the Executive Director across social media, website, email communications, digital kiosk and print materials. Coordinates content collection and storytelling to highlight district programs, businesses, and events ensuring consistency in branding and messaging across all platforms and initiatives. Organizational & Finacial Management Work closely with the Board of Commissioners to develop and implement annual work plans, initiatives, policies, and long-term strategies. Schedule board meetings and prepares agendas, reports, and relevent materials; ensures timely communication and follow-up on Board actions. Support Board development, including recruitment, engagement, and alignment with district priorities. Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and manage the organization's annual budget in alignment with district goals. Prepare financial reports and updates for the Board of Commissioners and relevant stakeholders in compliance with all applicable regulations, contracts, and reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year college or technical school in related area and four years of progressively responsible related experience; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge of DSSD's and the local and State legislation in which they operate under. Previous BID experience preferred, but not required. Knowledge of the principles or urban planning, economic development, historic preservation, marketing, and accounting. Knowledge of commercial real estate. Demonstrated success managing staff, contractors, budgets, and strategic initiatives Experience leading development, fundraising or other sponsorship efforts. Proven ability to build relationships with government, civic, and private partners. Strong public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills. Creative, entrepreneurial thinker who thrives in a fast-moving, transformative environment working independently and collaboratively. Must be able to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds associated with events, public space management, and district operations. Willingness to work outside tradtional office hours such as weekends and evenings.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time role requiring 25-30 hours per week, with salary compensation ranging from $53,000 - $70,000 based on experience, and additional healthcare and retirement stipends.

SUBMISSION

Please submit your resume and cover letter to discover@downtownnewbritain.com by May 29, 2026.

Pay:

$53,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) Flexible schedule Health savings account

Work Location:

In person