General Services Director

Posted: 03-Jul-26 | Location: Durham, North Carolina | Type: Full Time | Closes August 3, 2026

About the role

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 successful candidate will be the custodian of Durham’s future and a primary architect of the city’s physical identity. This role 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.

The General Services Director will lead a $355 million Capital Improvement Program, managing 114 projects that range from revitalizing civic spaces to expanding the city’s cultural and public art footprint. 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.

About the organization

The City of Durham operates under a council–manager form of government, led by a seven-member City Council. The City Manager oversees daily operations with three Deputy City Managers and one Assistant City Manager, leading over 2,600 employees across 26 departments serving approximately 286,000 residents.

The City’s FY 2025–2026 general operating budget totals $772 million, supported by a property tax rate of 43.71 cents per $100 of assessed value. The budget funds community safety, employee compensation, and infrastructure projects, including a $200 million voter-approved bond for parks, sidewalks, and streets.

The City’s Strategic Plan, Durham: Level Up Durham, guides operations and growth, focusing on shared economic prosperity, community safety, engagement, innovation, and sustainability. A 2024 Resident Survey found 79% of respondents rated Durham as an excellent or good place to live, with 74% satisfied with their neighborhood’s quality of life.

The City emphasizes community engagement through advisory boards, open data platforms, social media, and surveys.

About the department

Reporting to the City Manager’s Office, the General Services Director leads a complex operational department responsible for the stewardship of City facilities, property, and public spaces. The Director oversees day-to-day operations and long-range planning for the City's physical assets, including deferred maintenance and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

The department manages a workforce of 124 employees with an operating budget of $21 million. The Director sets departmental direction, ensures alignment with City priorities, and provides executive oversight of the City’s partnership with Keep Durham Beautiful, a volunteer-driven initiative for community spaces.

The General Services Department supports Durham’s quality of life and economic vitality through strategic planning, facilities operations, and capital project delivery. Highlighted construction projects can be found here.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for the stewardship of City facilities, property, and public spaces.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and long-range planning for the City’s physical assets, including deferred maintenance and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Lead a $355 million Capital Improvement Program with 114 projects, including civic revitalization and cultural/public art expansion.
• Serve as a principal advisor to City leadership, the City Council, boards and commissions, partner agencies, and the public.
• Manage large budgets, complex vendor/consultant contracts, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Foster a culture of fairness, transparency, and internal growth within a diverse team of professionals (e.g., urban foresters, architects).
• Advance sustainability and energy management initiatives for a resilient municipal environment.
• Ensure alignment and accountability for the City’s partnership with Keep Durham Beautiful.

Requirements

• 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.

Pay

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

Benefits

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a comprehensive wellness program. The position includes residency requirements consistent with organizational policies and needs.