TalentRise, An Aleron Company
Talent Consultant, Executive Search @ TalentRise | MBA
At TalentRise, Inc., we are proud to support
Buffalo Place, Inc.
in their
Executive Director
search and to play a role in advancing downtown Buffalo’s vibrancy and community impact.
About Buffalo Place, Inc.
Buffalo Place, Inc. serves as the steward and advocate for Downtown Buffalo, dedicated to maintaining, promoting, and enhancing the city’s central business district as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Established as Buffalo’s official Business Improvement District (BID), the organization represents downtown property owners, businesses, and residents, working collectively to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment year-round.
Through its work in operations, marketing, and event management, Buffalo Place plays a central role in shaping the downtown experience. The organization manages beautification, maintenance, and safety coordination efforts, while producing signature events such as the Downtown Country Market, Thursday Concert Series, Rotary Rink, and New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, each drawing thousands of visitors and reinforcing downtown’s vitality.
In partnership with the City of Buffalo, Erie County, Visit Buffalo, and other civic and cultural organizations, Buffalo Place leads initiatives that strengthen the downtown economy and support long‑term urban revitalization. The organization also oversees the Buffalo Place Foundation, which expands its capacity to secure grants, sponsorships, and partnerships that sustain placemaking and community programming across the city’s core.
Position Responsibilities Leadership & Governance
Serve as the public face and chief spokesperson for Buffalo Place, representing the organization to the media, business community, civic partners, and regional stakeholders.
Provide strategic direction and day‑to‑day leadership to a multidisciplinary staff, fostering a collaborative, mission‑driven culture focused on results and community impact.
Partner closely with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities, implement policies, and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and financial goals.
Lead by example through transparent decision‑making, consistent communication, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Oversee human resources activities including recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, while promoting accountability and efficiency across all areas of the organization.
Operational Oversight
Direct and coordinate the daily operations of Buffalo Place, ensuring high‑quality delivery of services, programming, and downtown management initiatives.
Lead regular staff and Board meetings, providing timely updates on performance metrics, financials, and key initiatives.
Support and participate in the work of standing committees, including Security, Operations, Marketing, and Planning, ensuring progress and clear communication between committees and the Board.
Collaborate with city and county departments, the Buffalo Police Department, and other agencies to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown environment.
Oversee administration of all external grants and funding contracts, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and proper use of funds.
Leverage data and community feedback to drive decision‑making and continuous improvement in operations and programming.
Programming & Events
Lead the creation, execution, and promotion of signature downtown events and activations that reinforce Buffalo Place’s mission and brand identity.
Drive innovation in event programming, introducing new concepts that attract diverse audiences and celebrate Buffalo’s culture.
Collaborate with arts and cultural institutions, sports organizations, restaurants, and entertainment venues to develop programming that enhances the downtown experience.
Expand the organization’s marketing and outreach efforts through traditional, digital, and experiential campaigns that elevate awareness and participation.
Ensure operational excellence in event execution, including vendor relations, sponsorship management, budgeting, and post‑event analysis.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Build and nurture strong relationships with city and county officials, business owners, developers, cultural organizations, and residents to align downtown priorities.
Act as a trusted liaison and advocate for downtown stakeholders, ensuring their voices are represented in planning, policy, and program development.
Collaborate with regional economic development entities, such as Visit Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, to coordinate complementary initiatives and leverage shared resources.
Proactively engage with local and state partners to support infrastructure investments, placemaking projects, and urban planning efforts.
Strengthen resident engagement by developing new forums, volunteer opportunities, and community‑driven events that foster local pride and participation.
Strategic Planning, Revenue Generation & Finance
Partner with the Board to establish and execute the organization’s long‑term strategic vision, aligning programming, partnerships, and resources with measurable goals.
Prepare and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.
Seek new revenue streams through grant opportunities, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships to support the organization’s mission and expand its reach.
Evaluate and enhance internal systems, bylaws, and governance policies to ensure Buffalo Place remains compliant, effective, and adaptive to changing community needs.
Monitor local, state, and federal legislation affecting urban revitalization, public safety, and nonprofit operations, advising the Board on potential impacts and opportunities.
Additional Requirements
Graduate degree (or equivalent experience) in business administration, public administration, urban planning, marketing, or related discipline.
Proven experience in community or economic development, placemaking, or management of urban programs and events.
Strong leadership experience managing teams and collaborating with a Board of Directors.
Demonstrated success in building partnerships, managing budgets, and driving strategic growth in a nonprofit or public sector environment.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence among diverse stakeholders.
Familiarity with downtown Buffalo or comparable urban environments preferred.
Experience with marketing, sponsorship development, or property management is a plus.
A downtown Buffalo residency is preferred, as it supports deeper community engagement, though it is not required.
Salary: $135,000–$150,000 per year (commensurate with experience).
Comprehensive benefits package , including health, retirement, and professional development.
Equal Opportunity Statement Buffalo Place is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Buffalo Place, Inc.
in their
Executive Director
search and to play a role in advancing downtown Buffalo’s vibrancy and community impact.
About Buffalo Place, Inc.
Buffalo Place, Inc. serves as the steward and advocate for Downtown Buffalo, dedicated to maintaining, promoting, and enhancing the city’s central business district as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Established as Buffalo’s official Business Improvement District (BID), the organization represents downtown property owners, businesses, and residents, working collectively to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment year-round.
Through its work in operations, marketing, and event management, Buffalo Place plays a central role in shaping the downtown experience. The organization manages beautification, maintenance, and safety coordination efforts, while producing signature events such as the Downtown Country Market, Thursday Concert Series, Rotary Rink, and New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, each drawing thousands of visitors and reinforcing downtown’s vitality.
In partnership with the City of Buffalo, Erie County, Visit Buffalo, and other civic and cultural organizations, Buffalo Place leads initiatives that strengthen the downtown economy and support long‑term urban revitalization. The organization also oversees the Buffalo Place Foundation, which expands its capacity to secure grants, sponsorships, and partnerships that sustain placemaking and community programming across the city’s core.
Position Responsibilities Leadership & Governance
Serve as the public face and chief spokesperson for Buffalo Place, representing the organization to the media, business community, civic partners, and regional stakeholders.
Provide strategic direction and day‑to‑day leadership to a multidisciplinary staff, fostering a collaborative, mission‑driven culture focused on results and community impact.
Partner closely with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities, implement policies, and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and financial goals.
Lead by example through transparent decision‑making, consistent communication, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Oversee human resources activities including recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, while promoting accountability and efficiency across all areas of the organization.
Operational Oversight
Direct and coordinate the daily operations of Buffalo Place, ensuring high‑quality delivery of services, programming, and downtown management initiatives.
Lead regular staff and Board meetings, providing timely updates on performance metrics, financials, and key initiatives.
Support and participate in the work of standing committees, including Security, Operations, Marketing, and Planning, ensuring progress and clear communication between committees and the Board.
Collaborate with city and county departments, the Buffalo Police Department, and other agencies to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown environment.
Oversee administration of all external grants and funding contracts, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and proper use of funds.
Leverage data and community feedback to drive decision‑making and continuous improvement in operations and programming.
Programming & Events
Lead the creation, execution, and promotion of signature downtown events and activations that reinforce Buffalo Place’s mission and brand identity.
Drive innovation in event programming, introducing new concepts that attract diverse audiences and celebrate Buffalo’s culture.
Collaborate with arts and cultural institutions, sports organizations, restaurants, and entertainment venues to develop programming that enhances the downtown experience.
Expand the organization’s marketing and outreach efforts through traditional, digital, and experiential campaigns that elevate awareness and participation.
Ensure operational excellence in event execution, including vendor relations, sponsorship management, budgeting, and post‑event analysis.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Build and nurture strong relationships with city and county officials, business owners, developers, cultural organizations, and residents to align downtown priorities.
Act as a trusted liaison and advocate for downtown stakeholders, ensuring their voices are represented in planning, policy, and program development.
Collaborate with regional economic development entities, such as Visit Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, to coordinate complementary initiatives and leverage shared resources.
Proactively engage with local and state partners to support infrastructure investments, placemaking projects, and urban planning efforts.
Strengthen resident engagement by developing new forums, volunteer opportunities, and community‑driven events that foster local pride and participation.
Strategic Planning, Revenue Generation & Finance
Partner with the Board to establish and execute the organization’s long‑term strategic vision, aligning programming, partnerships, and resources with measurable goals.
Prepare and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.
Seek new revenue streams through grant opportunities, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships to support the organization’s mission and expand its reach.
Evaluate and enhance internal systems, bylaws, and governance policies to ensure Buffalo Place remains compliant, effective, and adaptive to changing community needs.
Monitor local, state, and federal legislation affecting urban revitalization, public safety, and nonprofit operations, advising the Board on potential impacts and opportunities.
Additional Requirements
Graduate degree (or equivalent experience) in business administration, public administration, urban planning, marketing, or related discipline.
Proven experience in community or economic development, placemaking, or management of urban programs and events.
Strong leadership experience managing teams and collaborating with a Board of Directors.
Demonstrated success in building partnerships, managing budgets, and driving strategic growth in a nonprofit or public sector environment.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence among diverse stakeholders.
Familiarity with downtown Buffalo or comparable urban environments preferred.
Experience with marketing, sponsorship development, or property management is a plus.
A downtown Buffalo residency is preferred, as it supports deeper community engagement, though it is not required.
Salary: $135,000–$150,000 per year (commensurate with experience).
Comprehensive benefits package , including health, retirement, and professional development.
Equal Opportunity Statement Buffalo Place is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr