Release Date: June 7,2024
Downtown Akron Partnership Board of Directors Announces Search for President
June 7, 2024, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP), a key contributor to downtown Akron’s economic development engine, announces that it has opened the search for a new president and chief executive officer (CEO). The search will be led by the DAP board of directors. The selected candidate will succeed Suzie Graham Moore, who was president of DAP until February 2024, when she was appointed Director of Economic Development for the City of Akron.
Established in 1996, DAP is a 501(c)3 organization whose work has centered on the necessity of a thriving urban core and the importance of downtown as a key component of the health and success of the city and region. The mission of DAP is to promote and build a vibrant and valuable downtown. Through strategic marketing, clean and safe programs, and management of resources for the downtown Akron Special Improvement District (DASID) through a contract for services, DAP works to promote downtown as a gathering place in the center of our community.
DAP's members include property owners, business leaders, and government officials who want to improve the image of downtown as a safe, convenient location for businesses, working professionals and families. DAP is governed by a board of trustees as diverse as the interests of our city. DAP receives general operating support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, and GAR Foundation.
The President and CEO of DAP is a proven leader and professional who understands the design, programmatic, and human factors necessary to continue downtown Akron’s progress as a vibrant and valuable place for all. The CEO leads DAP in downtown advocacy, promotes businesses, supports residents and property owners, performs research, market analyses and studies, markets the downtown neighborhood as a destination, and serves as an information source to stakeholders and the public. The CEO also initiates, leads, plans, facilitates, and manages DAP activities, and provides strategic leadership to both the DAP and DASID Boards of Directors and staff by establishing and implementing long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies, and overseeing a team of professional staff of DAP employees.
The successful candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; MBA or other advanced degree is preferred. Among other qualifications, at least 5 years of relevant experience leading non-profit, business development, public engagement, or other similar institutions is required—10 or more years of leadership is preferred.
A full description of job requirements and essential duties and responsibilities is available on the DAP website.
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and resume to DowntownAkronPartnershipBoard@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 21, 5 pm.