General Services Director, City of Durham, NC
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Job Location:
Durham, NC - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 145602 - 232962
Posted on:
16 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
About Us
Position Closes March 6 2026
- Are you a leader who enjoys running large complex operations and working in public service
- Are you comfortable leading multiple teams and ensuring work gets done well on time and within budget
- Are you motivated by shaping the places where people live work gather and connectand leaving them better than you found them
- Do you have experience with delivering projects with an outcome mindset while collaborating with consultants partners and identified community stakeholders
If so the City of Durham is seeking a General Services Directorto provide executive leadership for the stewardship of City facilities property and public spaces. TheGeneral Services Directorisnt just a department head; the successful candidate will be the custodian of Durhams future and a primary architect of the citys physical identity. This is a rare opportunity.
The General Services Department plays a critical role in supporting Durhams quality of life and economic vitality by managing the Citys built environment through strategic planning facilities operations and capital project delivery. TheGeneral Services Directoroversees a diverse range of servicesfrom building design and construction to facilities maintenance landscaping and urban forestry cemeteries real estate services cultural and public art programs and sustainability initiativesthat support the Citys physical assets.
About the Community:
The City of Durham a growing and forward-thinking community is located in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina. The City of Durham is the County seat of Durham County. The City is grounded in research and development from the regions major research institutions and many private and federal labs which have fueled business and economic growth and have made the region a world leader in life sciences information technology and clean technology.
Consistently ranked among the top places to live work and play Durham is a magnet for talent attracting innovative companies working in high-growth industries. Durham the City of Medicine has long been known for world-class medical facilities including top-ranked Duke University Medical Center and an industry-leading pharmaceutical sector. The healthcare industry in Durham County includes more than 300 medical and health-related companies and practices with a combined payroll exceeding $1.2 billion annually.
More recently Durham County has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs and high-tech startups propelled by the launch of American Underground a startup incubator and accelerator and the Durham Innovation District a planned mixed-use residential/retail/lab and workspace in Downtown Durham. Durham boasts a premier performing arts center and the Durham Bulls AAA baseball addition to Duke University Durham is home to North Carolina Central University the nations first public Historically Black College and University now a major center for biotech and bio-manufacturing R&D and Durham Technical Community College a key partner in preparing a competitive workforce. Private investment is flourishing redeveloping former tobacco and textile warehouses and historic buildings into exciting mixed-use developments filled with diverse and popular housing options restaurants artist studios retail spaces and small businesses.
About the Organization:
The City of Durham operates under a councilmanager form of government led by a seven-member City Council consisting of the Mayor and six Council members who establish policy and appoint a City Manager to oversee daily operations. The City Manager along with three Deputy City Managers and one Assistant City Manager leads more than 2600 employees working across 26 departments that serve approximately 286000 residents.
The Citys day-to-day operations and plan for future growth are guided by itsStrategic Plan Durham: Level Up Durham which was updated in 2024 and guides how the City serves its residents invests in its future and creates opportunities for all.
The City prides itself on community engagement and offers multiple ways for the community to become involved and stay informed from 27 Advisory Boards and Commissions to state-of-the-art communication tools such as an open data Web platform social media and community surveys.
Learn more about the City of Durhamhere.
Duties/Responsibilities
About the Department and Position:
Reporting to the City Managers Office theGeneral Services Directorleads one of the Citys most complex operational departments with responsibility for the stewardship of City facilities property and public spaces. This position also serves as a visible representative and principal advisor to City leadership the City Council boards and commissions partner agencies and the public.
TheDirectoroversees day-to-day operations and long-range planning for the Citys physical assets including deferred maintenance and CIP and provides leadership to a workforce of 124 employees with an operating budget of $21 million. TheDirectorsets departmental direction and ensures City priorities are advanced through effective governance policy development and performance addition to overseeing the Citys physical assets and related services this role provides executive oversight of the Citys partnership withKeep Durham Beautifulan initiative that engages residents in volunteer-driven efforts to maintain clean green and welcoming community spacesensuring alignment accountability and shared outcomes.
Durham is at a pivotal crossroads of growth. The General Services Director will take the helm of a massive $355 million Capital Improvement Program leading 114 diverse projects that range from revitalizing civic spaces to expanding the citys cultural and public art footprint. The Director isnt just managing assets but building the landmarks that define Durham for generations.A list of highlighted construction projects currently underway or recently completed by the Department can be foundhere.
If you are a leader who values technical excellence as much as human connection this is your stage. You will lead a dedicated team of professionalsfrom urban foresters to architectsfostering a culture of fairness transparency and internal growth. Your work in sustainability and energy management will directly contribute to a more resilient high-performance municipal environment.Learn more about the Departmenthere.Key Position Priorities:
- Strengthen project delivery outcomes by engaging consultants and partners through structured feedback and focus groups to improve processes accountability and results on future capital projects.
- Review and realign departmental services and resources to improve efficiency and collaboration across teams and divisions ensuring standard operating procedures key performance indicators peer benchmark metrics and accountability
- Develop a clear and consistent project communications approach that provides internal clients and the public with timely updates on milestones phase changes impacts and progress.
- Rebalance leadership and operational support by giving managers and supervisors equal access to decision-making strengthening support for operations staff and focusing on the everyday services residents rely on most.
- Prepare the Department for the citys current and future growth by embracing technology and systemization with innovation and creativity fostering a culture of whats next
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in engineering architecture construction management business/public administration or a related field.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following: facilities/asset management capital program delivery real estate portfolio management or public-sector infrastructure operations.
- Demonstrated experience managing large budgets complex vendor/consultant contracts and multi-disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree (MPA MBA Engineering/Architecture or related).
Experience leading an enterprise-wide facilities or capital program in a growing city/county. - Professional credentials or equivalent (as appropriate to background).
- Demonstrated success in reducing deferred maintenance improving building performance/energy outcomes and institutionalizing asset management practices.
The Successful Candidate:
- Leads with a collaborative and approachable style creating an environment where people feel respected supported and encouraged to do their best work;
- Holds a track record of excellence in departmentalfinancial management including operating and capital budgets financial forecasting and expenditure oversight.
- Builds on the strengths and abilities of staff recognizing talent across the organization and empowering teams to contribute meaningfully;
- Demonstrates strong political acumen building productive relationships with elected officials partners and stakeholders while navigating complex governance environments;
- Understands the importance of timely reliable project delivery and prioritizes service-level responsiveness across all functions;
- Brings strong financial acumen with the ability to manage resources responsibly while motivating staff to meet performance expectations;
- Holds underperformance accountable in a fair consistent and respectful manner addressing issues directly while maintaining professionalism;
- Communicates clearly concisely and openly ensuring expectations are understood and information flows consistently throughout the organization;
- Listens actively to employees at all levels values their perspectives and incorporates diverse viewpoints into decision-making;
- Approaches leadership with patience emotional intelligence and sound judgment remaining calm and thoughtful in challenging situations;
- Demonstrates open-mindedness and self-awareness remaining receptive to new ideas and constructive feedback from staff;
- Shows integrity transparency and fairness earning trust through consistent actions and principled decision-making;
- Makes timely well-reasoned decisions balancing input and collaboration with clear accountability; and
- Leads organizational change with intention and empathy helping teams navigate transition while maintaining trust clarity and stability.
Additional Information
Salary and Benefits:
The anticipated hiring range for these positions is $145602 $232962 dependingon qualifications and experience. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including a comprehensive wellness program.The position includes residency requirements consistent with organizational policies and needs.
To applyplease visit and click on the General Services Director City of Durham NCtitle.
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) NOT the organizations employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by March 6 2026.
- The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to virtual interviews and skill evaluations on April 16-17 2026.Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Directinquiries to.
The City of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates LLC manages the recruitment and selection process.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
