Downtown Outreach and Marketing Specialist

Downtown Outreach and Marketing Specialist

Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), Wilmington, NC

Full‐Time Employee, Approx. 40 Hours per Week with Additional Hours during Special Events and other activities

Please email your cover letter and a copy of your resume to office@wilmingtondowntown.com

Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI) is seeking a dedicated and dynamic professional to assist in all aspects of marketing, promotion, and business outreach in downtown Wilmington. This position is ideal for a candidate who is passionate about small business and community development, with a creative approach to marketing and communications.

WDI is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to facilitating the growth and development of Wilmington’s Central Business District and holds a contract with the City of Wilmington to conduct Municipal District Services. Through strategic partnerships, WDI assists, advocates for, and supports our thriving urban community.

General Position Overview

The Downtown Outreach and Marketing Specialist will play a vital role in supporting business and property owners within the Downtown area and Municipal Service District (MSD), facilitating access to programs, services, and all organizational initiatives. The position also involves managing WDI’s marketing, promotion, and event-related efforts as well as other key responsibilities as assigned by the President and CEO. This position acts under the direction of the President and CEO, with responsibilities to include but are not limited to:

Business Outreach and Engagement

• Develop and implement a structured business outreach schedule, targeting at least 25 business visits per week.
• Present business engagement talking points to convey MSD/WDI services and programs, leaving behind printed materials.
• Build and maintain a CRM database of downtown businesses, tracking outreach efforts and relationships, as well as pertinent business information.
• Monitor new business openings through news and social media tracking, and business license records.
• Coordinate introductory meetings as part of the business outreach schedule, offering Ribbon Cutting and promotional services to new businesses.
• Distribute information about WDI programs, in addition to MSD information (posters, flyers, maps, brochures) to businesses and residents.

Marketing and Communications

• Oversee, update and maintain WDI’s website wilmingtondowntown.com and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube), with support from marketing and economic development interns.
• Manage daily inbound website inquiries and social media engagement, ensuring prompt and professional responses.
• Develop and distribute a weekly e-newsletter to WDI stakeholders and subscribers, in addition to special newsletters as needed.
• Create promotional content and event materials to highlight WDI initiatives and downtown Wilmington attractions.
• Write news releases in coordination with the President and CEO.
• Assist with annual MSD Surveys and mailers.

Event Coordination and Public Engagement

• Track and provide updates on public and private events (festivals, concerts, races, conventions) that may impact downtown businesses, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders.
• Organize and coordinate downtown ribbon-cutting events, including securing city officials and board attendance, managing logistics, and issuing press releases.
• Represent WDI at downtown events, engaging with business owners, visitors, and community partners to promote downtown initiatives.
• Assist in organizing all WDI events and board meetings.

Administrative Support

• Assist in documenting WDI Board and Committee meeting minutes, sending meeting reminders, agendas, and packets.
• Manage WDI’s mail and office email.
• Send calendar invites for WDI events and manage scheduling logistics.
• Deliver invoices or checks as needed.
• Support additional projects and initiatives as directed by the President and CEO.

Programs Support

• Assist in organizing WDI programming, including promotion of the WDI Microloan and Grants programming.
• Receive applications and process information for committee review.

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, communications, or a related field required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a business environment, preferably in marketing, communications, economic development, or business outreach.
• Experience working with small businesses, community engagement, or nonprofit organizations is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of downtown Wilmington, including its businesses, attractions, and geography.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with business owners and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) required; CRM database experience is a plus.
• Experience working with online platforms such as WordPress, Canva and Constant Contact is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, demonstrating innovative approaches to problem solving and community engagement.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects.
• Passion for economic development and community engagement in downtown Wilmington.
• Experience with writing, photography or videography is a plus.
• Familiarity with local government and nonprofit operations is a plus.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Highly visible, public-facing role that involves both outdoor and office work.
• Fast-paced business environment requiring strong adaptability and multitasking skills.
• Full-time position with core office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Flexibility required for evening and weekend work to accommodate business meetings and events.
• Light lifting (up to 15 lbs.) may occasionally be required. The ability to walk multiple blocks is essential.
• Reports directly to the President and CEO of Wilmington Downtown, Inc.

How to apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via email to office@wilmingtondowntown.com. No phone calls, please.