The Organization:
The Downtown Poughkeepsie Business Improvement District (DTPK BID) mission is to support
and uplift local businesses in Downtown Poughkeepsie, enhancing quality of life for residents,
workers, and visitors. We drive economic development, attract investment, and champion
engaging experiences that inspire pride in our city. The DTPK BID will focus on providing
services that impact four key areas: beautification, public safety and security, business climate,
and downtown identity. Our vision is to establish Downtown Poughkeepsie as the Hudson
Valley’s premier commercial and cultural hub and create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible
urban center where people gather and businesses prosper. DTPK.org
Job Description:
The DTPK BID seeks its first Executive Director. This is a full-time annual contract position
responsible for the development and execution of our strategic plan and the day-to-day
management of the organization. The Executive Director will report to the DTPK BID Board of
Directors and meet regularly with the City of Poughkeepsie Mayor’s office, Police Department,
DPW and Common Council including attending other various local government meetings, as
needed, to partner effectively. The ED will serve as the primary point of contact for business
owners and residents within the district to ensure ongoing collaboration and communication,
delivering on our goal as a safe, welcoming, thriving downtown. The primary responsibilities of
the Executive Director are:
Community Engagement/Public Relations:
• Serve as the primary spokesperson, advocate, and liaison for the DTPK BID,
representing the organization at meetings and public events, with media, and through
consistent communication with DTPK BID businesses and residents.
• Develop and maintain strong, trust-based, working relationships with government
elected officials and staff, community organizations, and other potential partners.
• Attend in-District events to cultivate positive relationships within the community.
• Maintain the DTPK BID’s website and develop plan for an active, engaging presence on
social media channels. Coordinate all other communication functions required (press
releases, presentations, newsletters, etc) to ensure vision/goals alignment.
Administrative:
• Oversee all DTPK BID finances, and work closely with Board Treasurer to ensure
compliance with the DTPK BID’s financial policies and approved budget, including
oversight of annual audit when applicable. Prepare and present annual operating budget
for board approval.
• Partner with Board Chair to determine Board meeting schedule and committee
structure/meeting schedule. Prepare quarterly reports for Board meetings.
• Supervise DTPK BID personnel to include P/T Administrative Assistant and BID Street
Ambassador.
• Secure and manage any necessary contracts/relationships with vendors.
Fundraising:
• Develop and implement fund-raising strategies to support DTPK BID projects and
programs through corporate sponsorship support.
• Identify potential grant opportunities, submit grant applications, and manage any
reporting requirements for grants received.
• Performance-based bonus incentives are tied to meeting and/or exceeding fundraising
goals.
Programming:
• Develop and oversee all DTPK BID programs: Partner with Board and other
stakeholders to identify events that will drive traffic to the district for entertainment,
shopping, dining etc. Partner with City of PK as needed to provide supplemental
sanitation, security, management of district during events.
• Conduct data collection efforts to understand the impact of various DTPK BID programs
and subsequently make recommendations to evolve plans for continued/greater
success.
Qualifications:
Successful candidates for this position will have at least seven years’ professional experience
preferably working in one or more of the following areas: leading a nonprofit organization,
developing or managing economic development or fundraising initiatives, and/or hospitality,
event production, arts, marketing or public relations expertise. An entrepreneurial spirit who is
collaborative, detail-oriented and community centered will thrive in this role.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills with experience delivering
quantifiable outcomes.
• Experience creating and managing budgets effectively and responsibly.
• Experience planning and leading events and coordinating efforts with multiple
stakeholders.
• Cultural competency working with a diverse set of stakeholders; fluency in Spanish or
another language a plus.
Salary:
The compensation package for this position includes a base salary of $75,000 plus
performance-based bonus opportunities. The Executive Director will work on-site in the district
and will, at times, be required to work evenings and weekends.
To Apply:
Interested candidates: please email a resume and cover letter to dtpkny@gmail.com. The
deadline to apply is January15, 2026 with a proposed start date in mid-late February 2026. You
will receive a response within two weeks of your submission regarding your potential candidacy
and if next steps will be required. We will interview candidates on a rolling basis.
Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they
fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically
marginalized tend to apply only if they meet every requirement. If you believe you could excel in
this role, we encourage you to apply. It is the policy of the DTPK BID not to discriminate against
any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, disability, national origin,
race, religion or veteran status.
