Summary
Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
Downtown San José stands on the cusp of transformation. As the cultural and economic heart of the Silicon Valley, San José’s downtown represents both the soul of the city and a high-potential canvas for innovation, vibrancy, and inclusive growth. The next Chief Executive Officer of the San José Downtown Association (SJDA) will have a rare opportunity to lead this renaissance – bringing together civic leaders, small business owners, and the broader community to elevate Downtown into a model of modern urban vitality. With major global events on the horizon, an evolving urban landscape, and an engaged network of stakeholders, the CEO will be empowered to catalyze lasting change at a defining moment in San José’s trajectory. This is more than a leadership role – it’s a chance to shape the future of one of America’s most dynamic urban centers.
THE CITY OF SAN JOSÉ
Known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world’s leading region of innovation. Encompassing approximately 181 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. With nearly one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States. San José’s quality of life is unsurpassed. Surrounded by the Diablo and Santa Cruz mountain ranges and enjoying an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, residents have easy access to the beaches along the California coast, including Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel; Yosemite and Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada; local and Napa Valley wine country; and the rich cultural and recreational life of the entire Bay region. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines. For more information about the unparalleled quality of life in San José, please visit Why San Jose?
SAN JOSÉ DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
The San José Downtown Association (SJDA) is a non-profit organization that manages the Business Improvement District (BID) and the Property-Based Improvement District (PBID) in downtown San José. The SJDA represents more than 2,000 businesses, non-profits and property owners who work collaboratively to enhance the Downtown experience. SJDA has a staff size of 13 and a combined annual budget of $10 million.
Additional information about the SJDA, including the BID, PBID, and Foundation can be found here.
THE POSITION
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) will serve as the strategic and operational leader of the organization, reporting to the Board of Directors and acting as the primary public face of the SJDA. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Downtown San José by advancing economic development, public space activation, stakeholder engagement, and civic advocacy.
The CEO will drive a vision that balances innovation with respect for Downtown’s identity and history. They must demonstrate political savvy, coalition-building skills, and a results-oriented mindset, while aligning staff and external partners toward ambitious and measurable goals.
Key areas of responsibility include leadership and stakeholder engagement; strategic planning and vision; operational oversight and organizational culture; financial management and fundraising;
advocacy and policy influence; business development and member advocacy; events, promotion and public activation; and placemaking and street beautification.
The ideal candidate will be a skilled coalition builder, capable of aligning stakeholders with diverse perspectives; an active listener and strategic communicator; a hands-on leader who can prioritize, execute, and delegate effectively; financially literate, with experience in nonprofit or government budgets and fundraising; a credible representative for Downtown San José and its business community; grounded in San José’s context—respectful of the Downtown’s identity and motivated to enhance it; and experienced in public-private partnerships, urban policy, or economic development.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration, political science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following: nonprofit management, business improvement districts, downtown associations, economic development organizations, municipal government, or other closely related field.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The annual salary range for this position is $295,000 – $310,00, plus the opportunity performance-based bonuses at the board’s discretion, as well as an excellent benefits package. The final candidate’s qualifications and experience will determine the actual salary.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online by Monday, September 1, 2025, at:
This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100
