Vice President of Operations and Special Services

Tampa Downtown Partnership; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional nonprofit organization in Tampa seeks a Vice President of Operations and Special Services to enhance Downtown's vitality. The role involves overseeing operations, financial management, and strategic planning to foster an inclusive urban environment. Candidates should have substantial management experience and a strong commitment to community engagement. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental benefits

Personal Paid Time Off

Matching 401(k) plan

Commuter transportation allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of supervisory, managerial experience in related fields.
• 3 years in a senior leadership position required.
• Experience with operational budgets and program deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational strategies aligned with organizational mission.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on operational objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders in community development.

Skills

Operational excellence

Financial management

Team leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, urban planning or related field

Advanced degree or professional certification

Job description

Vice President of Operations and Special Services

Department: Operations/ Regular Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: President & CEO

Application Deadline: October 20, 2025

Vision

Tampa Downtown Partnership is the leader in fostering a vibrant, diverse, 24-hour Downtown in which to live, work, play, and learn.

Mission

As a private nonprofit, our mission is to champion the vitality and growth of Tampa’s Downtown, convening stakeholders, embracing innovation, and fostering thriving Downtown neighborhoods. Guided by our core values of Innovation, Operational Excellence, Collaboration, Inclusivity, and Integrity, we deliver services and initiatives that make Downtown a place for all, and we’re seeking a Vice President of Operations and Special Services who not only manages our essential services but also embodies these values in their work.

About the Downtown Special Services District

The Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District program through an annual contract with the City of Tampa. Through the Special Services District, the Partnership works to promote the Downtown experience through a multitude of initiatives such as clean and safe, placemaking and beautification efforts, marketing, transportation and urban planning. The Partnership also works with numerous organizations to identify and facilitate opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and strategic planning for issues related to Tampa’s Downtown.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Operations and Special Services plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, strategic alignment and departmental effectiveness to advance the mission and objectives of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. This role requires a dynamic, seasoned professional who is a responsive and inventive thinker that will ensure the efficient utilization of resources. The VP of Operations and Special Services fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. The role is responsible for oversight of the Operations team and works closely with other senior staff to achieve performance goals and objectives and also advises on staffing and other organizational resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The VP of Operations and Special Services oversees a portfolio responsible for executing the TDP’s strategic priorities related to clean and safe, microtransit, public space activation, unhoused services and overall district operations. This portfolio advances Tampa’s Downtown transformation by aligning infrastructure, placemaking, and services with long-term growth objectives. Under the leadership of the VP of Operations and Special Services, the portfolio includes three primary teams:

• Clean and Safe – ensuring clean, safe, and welcoming environments through essential services (clean and safe, maintenance, unhoused services).
• Placemaking & Public Space Activation – delivering engaging, people-centered spaces and experiences.
• Downtown Area Shared Hubs (DASH) – sustainable microtransit service providing access across seven downtown neighborhoods

Together, these departments shape the physical experience of Downtown, ensuring that operational excellence and place-based activities support a thriving, inclusive urban core.

Duties / Responsibilities

Operational Leadership – develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives, including field activities, subcontractors and contracts, beautification activities, budgets, programs, and schedules.

• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet operational objectives while supplying expertise and guidance on projects and systems. Oversee the workflows of the department.
• Collaborates with other departments to carry out the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Identifies, recommends and supervises implementation of new processes, technologies and cost-effective systems that improve and streamline processes and use of resources to meet current and future needs of organization.
• Work with TDP staff and external consultants on special initiatives.

Financial Management – collaborate closely with the President & CEO and Finance leadership to develop and support the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Assist with opportunities for revenue generation, cost optimization, and resource allocation to support growth. Present periodic performance reports and KPI metrics to the President & CEO, senior leadership and TDP Board Finance Committee.

Strategic Planning – works in partnership with the President & CEO to provide leadership and execute initiatives that drive growth, innovation and impact. Monitor and evaluate the progress of initiatives against near-term performance goals and longer-term strategic objectives, adjusting as necessary to stay responsive to changing dynamics within the Special Services District (SSD).

Partnership Development – cultivate productive relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, community and cultural organizations and residents, fostering collaboration and ensuring support for Downtown Tampa’s development. Attend meetings, including weekend meetings and events, as a representative of TDP.

Team Leadership and Development – manage the daily activities and performance of the Operations department, creating a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning. Mentor and develop Operations staff, providing performance feedback, coaching, and professional growth opportunities that support their success. Role model cross-departmental teamwork behaviors, including collaboration with executive leadership.

Personal Attributes & Alignment with Mission

• Mission-driven mindset: Passion for strengthening vibrant, inclusive downtown neighborhoods
• Innovative thinker: Brings creative approaches to essential services and problem-solving
• Operational excellence: Detail-oriented, disciplined, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes
• Collaborative spirit: Builds trusted relationships with staff and community partners
• Inclusive leader: Values diverse perspectives and fosters an equitable, welcoming environment
• Integrity and accountability: Operates with the highest ethical standards and transparency
• Experience in project management and operations of public spaces or hospitality. Working understanding of city government, area maintenance and public safety, and Public-Private Partnerships.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures and best practices in public administration, urban planning and/or hospitality.
• Strong organizing skills with the ability to navigate challenging organizational, regulatory and procedural barriers to produce results under tight timelines and in high stress situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Background and experience highlight a high degree of professionalism, with indication of high integrity and good practical judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration and negotiation skills, with the ability to build consensus among multiple audiences with competing interests to facilitate action.
• A team builder with excellent capacity to manage and lead people.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including regular evening and occasional weekend hours.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, public administration or a directly related field. Advanced degree and professional certification a plus.
• Eight years of successful hand-on supervisory, managerial and field management experience (e.g., area maintenance and grounds crews, parks, plazas, public safety, etc.) related to Special Services Districts, Business Improvement Districts or other Special Taxing Districts, hospitality, economic development business or nonprofit management. Three years in a senior leadership position required.
• Experience providing and supporting collaborative leadership of programs in a non-profit organization with an ability to maintain strong working relationships with government officials.
• Experience with oversight of an operational budget, including ability to balance program deliverables against cost constraints.

Compensation Overview

• This is a full-time, in office, position
• Salary: Commensurate with prior work experience
• Company offered health, vision and dental benefits, life insurance
• Personal Paid Time Off
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Commuter transportation allowance available, if eligible

The Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Partnership to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, disability/handicap, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, citizenship status, service member status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, national origin, genetic information, or any other category protected by law in all employment practices

Why Join Us

As Vice President of Operations and Special Services, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Partnership delivers measurable impact for Tampa’s Downtown. You’ll work with a dynamic, collaborative team committed to shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative urban core where people live, work, learn, and enjoy.

Applications should be submitted by October 20, 2025

Disclaimer: This job description does not constitute a contract of employment, expressed or implied. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or skills, associated with the position. Employer reserve right to modify job responsibilities as need arises.

Website: www.tampasdowntown.com