Reopened

Position Closes August 3, 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 connect—and 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 Director to provide executive leadership for the stewardship of City facilities, property, and public spaces. The General Services Director isn't just a department head; the successful candidate will be the custodian of Durham’s future and a primary architect of the city’s physical identity. This is a rare opportunity.

The General Services Department plays a critical role in supporting Durham’s quality of life and economic vitality by managing the City’s built environment through strategic planning, facilities operations, and capital project delivery. The General Services Director oversees a diverse range of services—from building design and construction to facilities maintenance, landscaping and urban forestry, cemeteries, real estate services, cultural and public art programs, and sustainability initiatives—that support the City’s physical assets.

About the Organization: 

The City of Durham operates under a council–manager 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 2,600 employees working across 26 departments that serve approximately 286,000 residents.

The City’s FY 2025–2026 general operating budget totals $772 million, representing an 8% increase over the previous fiscal year. The budget is supported by a property tax rate of 43.71 cents per $100 of assessed value, which funds community safety, employee compensation, and infrastructure projects. This rate reflects a 5.48-cent increase over the revenue-neutral rate, driven in part by a $200 million voter-approved bond to support investments in parks, sidewalks, and streets.

The City’s day-to-day operations and plan for future growth are guided by its Strategic 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.

A 2024 Resident Survey indicates that 79% of respondents rated the city as an excellent or good place to live, while 74% are satisfied with the overall quality of life in their neighborhood.  Initiatives in the strategic plan have set a high bar to increase those percentages over time and to achieve Council goals of: Shared Economic Prosperity, Creating a Safer Community Together, Connected, Engaged and Diverse Communities, Innovative & High Performing Organization, and Sustainable Natural and Built Environment.

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 Durham here.

About the Department and Position:

Reporting to the City Manager’s Office, the General Services Director leads one of the City’s 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.

The Director oversees day-to-day operations and long-range planning for the City's physical assets, including deferred maintenance and CIP, and provides leadership to a workforce of 124 employees with an operating budget of $21 million. The Director sets departmental direction and ensures City priorities are advanced through effective governance, policy development, and performance management. In addition to overseeing the City’s physical assets and related services, this role provides executive oversight of the City’s partnership with Keep Durham Beautiful—an initiative that engages residents in volunteer-driven efforts to maintain clean, green, and welcoming community spaces—ensuring 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 city’s cultural and public art footprint. The Director isn’t 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 found here.

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 professionals—from urban foresters to architects—fostering 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 Department here.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s 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: 

• Master’s 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.

Salary and Benefits:

• The anticipated hiring range for these positions is $145,602 – $232,962, depending on 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 apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates/jobs/5222080/general-services-director-city-of-durham-nc?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the organization’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by August 3, 2026.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to virtual interviews and skill evaluations on September 3-4, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

The City of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process.