Job Description

The Vice President for Safety & Activation (VP) will lead Downtown Cleveland's Place Management Business Center, overseeing Clean & Safe Operations, Park Management, and Programming & Activation. This role is responsible for creating a welcoming, safe, and vibrant downtown environment by strategically aligning public safety efforts with public space activation initiatives.​

The VP will serve as the organization’s primary liaison to public safety and public works agencies, expanding smart technology initiatives and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance both security and the overall downtown experience. By integrating safety with placemaking, the VP will drive strategies that not only protect but also activate and energize downtown’s public realm, which deters unwanted behavior and fosters a positive sense of community.

This position reports to the COO and directly manages the Senior Director for Clean & Safe, the General Manager for Clean & Safe, and the Senior Director for Parks & Public Spaces.​

Key Responsibilities:

Public Safety & Quality of Life

• Liaison to Public Safety Officials: Serve as Downtown Cleveland’s primary contact with city, county, state, and federal public safety agencies, as well as the city’s parks and public works departments.​
• Partnerships & Collaboration: Build and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, emergency services, and public works officials to enhance downtown safety, cleanliness, and public space usability.​
• Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution: Interface with downtown stakeholders, property owners, businesses, and residents to proactively anticipate, address and resolve public safety and quality-of-life concerns.​
• Crisis Management: Support coordination of downtown incident response, including crime, severe weather, or other emergencies in collaboration with public safety partners.​

Smart Camera & Technology Expansion

• Smart Camera Initiative: Oversee the growth and management of Downtown Cleveland’s smart camera network, including camera feed monitoring.
• Data-Driven Strategies: Leverage technology and data insights to develop and refine resource deployment strategies, measure impact, and enhance situational awareness.​
• Integration with Activation: Use real-time data and camera insights to inform and optimize public space programming, ensuring events and activities are strategically placed and well-protected.​

Place Activation & Public Space Management

• Public Space Activation: Oversee the Programming & Activation team to design and execute events, activities, and placemaking initiatives that foster vibrancy, attract visitors, and enhance public safety through increased presence and positive activation.​
• Parks & Public Spaces: Partner with the city’s parks and public works departments to ensure maintenance, improvement, and effective use of downtown parks and public spaces.​
• Safety-Driven Activation: Integrate safety considerations into public space activation strategies, using programming to promote natural surveillance, encourage foot traffic, and deter crime through positive activity.​
• Event Coordination: Collaborate with public safety officials to ensure seamless coordination of security measures for public events, balancing safety protocols with an engaging downtown experience.​

Leadership & Team Oversight

• Strategic Execution: Implement and oversee safety and activation strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, policies, and goals set by the CEO.​
• Staff Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the Senior Director for Clean & Safe, the General Manager for Clean & Safe, and the Senior Director for Parks & Public Spaces.​
• Operational Efficiency: Ensure efficient resource allocation, budget management, and operational performance across the Place Management Business Center.​

Qualifications:

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in public safety, place management, operations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.​
• Public Safety & Activation Expertise: Proven ability to collaborate with public safety agencies while leading placemaking and public space activation efforts.​
• Technology & Innovation: Demonstrated experience implementing and expanding smart technology programs, such as surveillance cameras or public safety technologies, with the ability to leverage data for activation strategies.​
• Placemaking & Activation: Experience developing and overseeing programming and activation initiatives that drive public engagement and support safety objectives.​
• Leadership Skills: Strong team leadership, staff development, and stakeholder management abilities.​
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the organization to public officials, partners, and stakeholders.​
• Passion for Downtown: Demonstrated interest in and dedication to Downtown Cleveland’s mission to attract people, jobs, and investment to the urban core.
• Certifications: Certification for Leadership in Place Management (LPM) or similar credential preferred.​

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA employer contribution
• FSA self-funded plan
• 403b retirement match
• Vacation & personal (includes sick) leave

EEO Statement

Downtown Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to consider this position. DCA’s commitment to inclusivity encompasses but is not limited to diversity in race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability.

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