The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) seeks a visionary and strategic Director to lead the UniverCity District Partnership (UDP). UDP is an affiliated business entity of the UMB Health Sciences Research Park (RPC) and UMB. The position will report jointly to UMB's Senior Vice President for Economic Development and the Board of Directors of RPC. This new entity will assist UMB in its mission to create a vibrant, interconnected urban district that enhances the University's appeal to students, faculty, businesses and the broader community.

This role will oversee the implementation of the UMB Vibrancy Initiative, the management and operations of the UniverCity District Partnership, and the strategic development of real estate assets to drive economic development and placemaking in the district. The position will have one direct report who will be hired by the successful candidate. The position will also be assisted by and work in coordination with multiple UMB Offices, including Research and Development; Real Estate, Planning, and Space Management; Academic Affairs; Government Affairs; and Communications and Public Affairs.

BENEFITS (Exempt Regular):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the primary executive leader of the UniverCity District Partnership, ensuring alignment with UMB's goals and objectives.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business plan for the organization, based on the identified goals within the UMB Vibrancy Initiative, including the management of a real estate development entity.

• Foster strong relationships with UMB leadership, the UMB Foundation, city officials, businesses, and community stakeholders to advance the organization's mission.

• Establish key performance indicators and benchmarks to measure success across the organization's core focus areas: Placemaking, Connection, and Economic Development.

Connectivity & Community Engagement

• Develop and implement programming and events that foster a sense of community and attract new audiences to the district.

• Work in collaboration with partners to implement community engagement initiatives, including business roundtables, stakeholder workshops, and collaboration with local organizations.

• Strengthen partnerships with key institutions such as CFG Bank Arena, theaters, and housing programs to enhance the district's cultural and economic vitality.

Placemaking & Real Estate Development

• Oversee real estate acquisition and development efforts, including the West Lexington Street Redevelopment and other strategic opportunities.

• Drive capital projects focused on enhancing the public realm, such as street and sidewalk improvements, signage and branding initiatives, and campus standardization efforts.

• Partner with city agencies, developers, and investors to attract and manage real estate investments within the district.

Economic Development & Fundraising

• Pursue grant funding and financial support from key stakeholders.

• Implement business attraction and retention strategies, including targeted efforts to bring new businesses, grocery stores, and commercial enterprises to the district.

• Oversee advocacy and marketing initiatives, leveraging research and data to position the district as a premier urban environment for work, study, and leisure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's Degree in business, urban planning, real estate development, or a related field (Master's preferred)

Experience: Ten (10) years in urban planning, real estate development, economic development, or nonprofit leadership/partnerships. Previous experience in economic development in the Baltimore Region preferred.

Supervisory Experience: Three (3) years of direct management or leadership experience. Financial disclosure reporting by State of Maryland Ethics Commission.

Other: Proven track record of managing large-scale urban development projects and securing funding through grants, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic sources. Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a broad range of stakeholders. Experience working with government agencies, universities, and private sector partners to drive economic and real estate initiatives. Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Accomplishes responsibilities by primarily (>50%) performing significant managerial functions within area of responsibility. Possess subject matter expertise in a professional discipline. Achieves objectives through coordinated efforts of others, typically by managing recruitment, engagement, performance, and development of employees. Develops, implements, and manages goals and objectives. Participates in strategic planning. Determines and enforces processes, practices, and/or policies. Manages operations, workflow, projects, and/or systems that have strategic impact. Accountable for operational and/or financial resources. Accountable for legal and policy compliance. Oversees and executes strategic goals and objectives that align with overall School/University strategy. Broad authority to make managerial decisions within area of responsibility, informing leadership of significant financial, personnel, and strategic decisions. Decisions and quality of execution have significant impact on other functional areas. Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

HIRING RANGE: $136,000 - $172,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.