The City of Norfolk is seeking an innovative, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as Director of The Slover, the City's premier mixed-use event, meeting, and community destination that welcomes over 150,000 visitors a year. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for one of Norfolk's signature public facilities, integrating hospitality, event experiences, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, education, and public services into a vibrant destination that serves residents, businesses, visitors, and community partners. The Director is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, exceptional customer experiences, financial sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Through innovative leadership and collaboration, the Director maximizes facility utilization, expands community impact, and positions The Slover as a regional destination where people gather to celebrate, collaborate, learn, and experience arts and culture. The Slover is home to five integrated operating areas:

Venue Rentals & Guest Experiences :

including meetings, conferences, weddings, special events, and the 235 Speakeasy at The Slover Downtown Branch at

Slover:

An anchor-branch sized library in the

Norfolk Public Library System Creative Studios:

Digital Media, Sound Studio, and Maker Studio Hendrix Business Center:

A resource for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing business or non-profit organizations Café

Space:

Operated through a lease agreement The Director ensures these operating areas work together as a cohesive destination while recognizing the unique mission and purpose of each. The Downtown Branch at Slover is an integral component of the Norfolk Public Library System. The Director of The Slover provides administrative oversight for the Downtown Branch while ensuring library operations support the strategic direction, policies, service standards, and initiatives established by the Director of Libraries. The Director serves as the primary representative for The Slover and works collaboratively with City leadership, the Slover Library Foundation, Norfolk Public Library System, community organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit partners, and private businesses to strengthen community engagement, increase earned and contributed revenue, expand strategic partnerships, and enhance The Slover's regional visibility and impact. Executive Leadership Provides strategic vision and executive leadership for The Slover. Establishes measurable organizational goals and performance metrics. Promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and exceptional customer service. Leads organizational change initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and customer experience. Venue & Destination Operations Oversees The Slover as a premier event venue and multi-use destination. Maximizes facility utilization through a balanced mix of public services, community programming, and revenue-generating activities. Provides leadership for venue rentals, meetings, conferences, weddings, special events, and hospitality operations, including the 235 Speakeasy and café lease agreement. Ensures outstanding customer experience across all operating areas. Downtown Branch at Slover Provides administrative oversight for the Downtown Branch at Slover. Collaborates with the Director of Libraries to ensure library operations, collections, programming, and services remain aligned with the Norfolk Public Library System's strategic plan, policies, and service standards. Hendrix Business Center Oversees programs, partnerships, and services supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Expands opportunities for economic development through strategic partnerships and community collaboration. Creative Studios Provides leadership for the Creative Studios by expanding access to innovative technologies, creative resources, and educational opportunities. Supports programming that encourages creativity, digital literacy, and community engagement. Financial Management & Revenue Development Develops and administers departmental operating and capital budgets. Identifies opportunities to diversify revenue through venue rentals, commissions, grants, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Monitors financial performance and ensures responsible stewardship of public resources. Community Partnerships & External Relations Serves as The Slover's chief ambassador and spokesperson. Cultivates productive relationships with the Slover Library Foundation, Norfolk Public Library leadership, Friends of Norfolk Public Library, City leadership, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. Facility Operations Oversees facility maintenance, capital improvements, safety, security, and long-range asset management. Ensures the facility remains welcoming, accessible, and operationally efficient. Organizational Leadership Recruits, develops, mentors, and evaluates department staff. Promotes diversity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Supports employee development through coaching, succession planning, and professional learning opportunities. Specialized knowledge in a professional or technical field which is generally acquired through a master's degree, MBA, MPA or related degree and equivalent coursework/experience related to non-profit or business. Five plus years of related experience, including a track record of organizational leadership and development; innovation in lifelong learning through programs, exhibits, services, and events; knowledge of complex building operations and technology; and experience in equitably leading a diverse staff and patronage.

Signing Bonus:

This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 sign-on bonus. This position is unclassified and serves at the will of the City Manager.