Executive Director, Mission Hills Business Improvement District

About the Mission Hills Business Improvement District

Mission Hills Business Improvement District (MHBID) is a non-profit 501c 6 community based organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life within the boundaries of the MHBID neighborhood of San Diego. Through business support, community engagement, and signature events, MHBID fosters a vibrant upmarket neighborhood of 450 small businesses that attracts local and regional patronage. Its goals include the enhancement of a commercial district that serves the surrounding residential population. To thrive, these businesses must also attract regional clientele and tourists seeking unique shopping, dining, legal, medical and dental, self-care, and beauty experiences. Improvements to public transportation, pedestrian amenities, design, special events, and active business recruitment are some of the tools used to further MHBID’s goals. MHBID is directed by a 7-member Board of Directors, which oversees operations of MHBID’s committees and staff. Primary committees include Promotions, Economic Development, Design, and Parking. The Board of Directors is composed of business owners in the Mission Hills Business Improvement District as well as voting Associate Members. The MHBID exists through a contractual partnership with the City of San Diego.

About the Role: Executive Director

Mission Hills BID is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director with a successful fundraising record. The ideal candidate is incredibly creative and resourceful, able to lead the organization’s strategic success, oversee daily operations, and advocate for the continued economic and cultural vitality of Mission Hills BID. The Executive Director will be responsible for program development, fiscal management, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight of the BID, key district events and marketing initiatives, and serve as the liaison between the Mission Hills BID and local governmental agencies and community-based organizations. An ability to adapt to a dynamic working environment is critical. Additionally, the Executive Director will serve on the Washington Street MAD Citizens Advisory Committee, chair the Mission Hills Parking Advisory Committee and fill the business seat of the Uptown Community Parking District (if a contract is extended by the City in FY28), and serve on the SDPD Western Division Captain’s roundtable.

Schedule: Time to accomplish the organization’s goals

Location: Mission Hills, San Diego 92103 (In Mission Hills and remote)

Essential Job Functions & Duties

Leadership & Strategic Vision:

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to advance the mission of the Mission Hills BID.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the approximately 450 Mission Hills businesses within the boundaries of the Mission Hills BID.
• Engage with local government agencies, business owners, and community partners to foster economic and physical improvements.

Operations & Program Management:

• Oversee the effective administration of the Mission Hills BID, ensuring compliance with City, State and Federal regulations and alignment with organizational goals.
• Proven success in project management, growth and sustainability.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the annual banner programs including Spotlight, Architecture Series, Call to Action, Colors on Canvas children’s hand painted, and San Diego County Fair Partnership, ensuring their success as a community and economic driver.
• Lead the planning and execution of major district events, including Taste of Mission Hills, Shop Small and Shop Local, to drive economic activity and community engagement.
• Manage the Mission Hills BID marketing campaign, overseeing digital marketing efforts, website management, and social media strategies to promote the district’s businesses, events, and community initiatives.
• Supervise staff, consultants, and volunteers to ensure efficient program delivery.

Financial & Fundraising Management:

• Develop and oversee the annual budget, ensuring financial stability and accountability.
• Identify and pursue donors and fundraising initiatives, sponsorships and grant opportunities.
• Manage contracts, partnerships, and financial reporting for all programs.
• Manage the monthly bookkeeping reports required by the City of San Diego contract.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Foster strong relationships with business owners, residents, city officials, and partner organizations.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of the businesses in the Mission Hills BID’s business district.
• Enhance the visibility and impact of the major district events through strategic marketing, vendor relations, and community partnerships.
• Organize events, workshops, and programs that promote business engagement and economic development.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience doesn’t count for everything, but it does count, so we will only consider candidates with senior leadership experience who also have:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, urban planning, nonprofit management, or proven success.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful leadership and fundraising experience in nonprofit management, economic development, urban revitalization, or a similar sector.
• Strong financial acumen, with fundraising success and experience managing budgets.
• Knowledge of Business Improvement Districts, community development, and transportation programs preferred.
• Exceptional communication and public relations skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Success with grant writing, government contracts, and public-private partnerships.
• Passion for urban development, small business support, and sustainable transportation solutions.

Key Skills

• Proven fundraising success
• Leader and Problem Solver
• Project Management Success
• Community Engagement & Outreach Success
• Professional under fire
• Grace and Grit
• Administrative & Operations Success
• Technical & Software Proficiency
• Ability and desire to meet things head-on
• Marketing & Communications Success

Tool Knowledge

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Canva
• Mailchimp
• Meta Business Suite
• WordPress

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Rate: $5K per month on a consulting basis.

Benefits: Flexible Schedule. Opportunity to lead a transformative organization in one of San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Application Process & Deadline

At the end of the day, we just think that this work is really special and incredibly fun. Why else do it?

So if this sounds like somewhere you belong, we look forward to hearing from you.

To apply, please email MissionHillsBID@gmail.com with a cover letter sharing your interest and qualifications for this position, your resume, and three professional references. Email subject line should be: “Executive Director Application – [Your Name]”.

Applications are due by or before March 12, 2026.

Position is scheduled to start May 11, 2026.

Mission Hills BID is an Equal Opportunity Employee

Pay: From $5,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA 92101