General Services Director

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and long-range planning for the City's physical assets, including deferred maintenance and CIP.
• Provide leadership to a workforce of 124 employees with an operating budget of $21 million.
• Ensure City priorities are advanced through effective governance, policy development, and performance management.
• Oversee 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.
• Lead the City’s massive $355 million Capital Improvement Program, managing 114 diverse projects ranging from revitalizing civic spaces to expanding the city’s cultural and public art footprint.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Qualifications

The City of Durham is seeking a leader who enjoys running large, complex operations and working in public service. The ideal candidate will have experience with delivering projects with an outcome mindset, while collaborating with consultants, partners, and community stakeholders.

Skills

The General Services Director 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.

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.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for these positions is $145,602 – $232,962, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The position includes residency requirements consistent with organizational policies and needs.