Application Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT
Applications: Accepted online only through the City of Eugene website.

The City of Eugene’s Community Development Division is seeking a Downtown Manager to join its Economic Prosperity team and lead efforts to strengthen downtown Eugene as the commercial and cultural center of the region.

The Downtown Manager will work closely with community organizations, business and property owners, private developers, public agencies, and City departments to identify opportunities and develop partnerships that create a safe, clean, active, and economically vibrant downtown.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, collaborative professional with demonstrated experience in downtown management, project implementation, and community partnerships. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, professionalism, independent judgment, and the ability to manage high-profile projects subject to public scrutiny.

The Economic Prosperity team values collaboration, excellence, and innovation while working to make tangible improvements to Eugene’s economic vitality and livability. Community Development is also committed to advancing racial equity and incorporating equity principles into its programs, partnerships, and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Collaboration & Relationships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for interdepartmental and interagency efforts within the Downtown Plan area.

• Develop and maintain relationships with businesses, property owners, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders.

• Build trust among internal and external partners and identify opportunities for collaboration.

• Analyze proposed policies and procedures, guide leadership through policy decisions, and communicate information to stakeholders.

• Collaborate with partners to develop sustainable approaches for downtown services, including security, janitorial services, and programming.

• Incorporate racial equity principles into downtown development efforts and build relationships with historically marginalized communities.

• Prepare and present information to City Council, advisory committees, community organizations, and the public.

• Coordinate downtown communications, including serving as a City spokesperson and supporting press releases, social media, and web content.

Placemaking & Downtown Management

• Help develop and implement goals related to downtown public safety, social services, physical improvements, events, transportation, programming, and communications.

• Identify and prioritize placemaking opportunities, from temporary installations to major permanent projects.

• Partner with City teams, including Cultural Services, Urban Forestry, Public Works, and Facilities, to incorporate art, natural vegetation, maintenance, and other improvements into downtown projects.

• Stay current on downtown planning and management best practices and apply them to short- and long-term strategies.

• Collaborate with maintenance teams, Eugene Police, and social service providers to support a safe, clean, and welcoming downtown.

• Convene and participate in interdepartmental meetings and task teams to coordinate downtown planning, operations, projects, and funding.

• Manage or partner on implementation of placemaking and capital projects.

Development & Business Support

• Identify redevelopment opportunities and help establish priorities and implementation strategies.

• Support private developers planning and constructing new residential and commercial projects.

• Maintain awareness of public- and private-sector projects throughout downtown and identify opportunities for collaboration.

• Connect prospective tenants with vacant commercial spaces and work with partners to recruit businesses downtown.

• Support efforts to expand economic opportunities among historically marginalized populations.

Administration & Leadership

• Ensure compliance with City policies and legal requirements affecting downtown Eugene.

• Select, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff.

• Develop, negotiate, and administer contracts and agreements in accordance with City procurement requirements.

• Apply for and manage grants.

• Manage capital projects.

• Research, analyze, interpret, and prepare studies and reports using available data.

• Manage special projects and other assignments supporting City and department goals.

• Demonstrate accountability, collaboration, adaptability, and responsibility for performance and results.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• At least five years of professional experience in project management or program administration.

• At least one year of supervisory or program experience.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field, plus four years of professional experience in downtown management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable.

• A valid Oregon driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire. Candidates must pass a driving-record check and maintain a record meeting City standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will have knowledge of:

• Downtown development and management strategies.

• Relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures.

• Marketing, public information, communications, and promotional techniques.

• Relationships between public- and private-sector organizations.

• Contract negotiation, development, and administration.

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices.

The successful candidate should also be able to:

• Adapt to changing priorities, competing demands, and uncertainty.

• Maintain a constructive approach when facing challenges or skepticism.

• Manage multiple complex projects and meet time-sensitive deadlines.

• Exercise sound independent judgment, initiative, and creativity with minimal supervision.

• Communicate complex information clearly and concisely in writing, conversation, and public presentations.

• Work effectively with the public, business community, elected officials, developers, and community partners.

• Research and prepare technical funding proposals, contracts, reports, and financial information.

• Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, anticipate consequences, and implement solutions.

• Build trust and work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and diverse community stakeholders.

• Respond promptly and professionally to private development partners.

• Effectively use Microsoft Office and other standard computer applications.

Apply by 5 p.m. PT on Friday, October 23, 2026, through the City of Eugene’s online application system.