General Manager of Seldan Market

About the position

The overall mission of the General Manager (GM) of Selden Market is to orchestrate the smooth operation and strategic advancement of our retail marketplace and incubator. They oversee all day-to-day operations of the market, manage facilities, tenant communication, tenant move-in/out, and market calendars. Through effective leadership and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, they oversee and assist with marketing strategies, events, and promotions to drive foot traffic and elevate the market's visibility within the community. By staying attuned to market trends and consumer preferences, the GM will continuously innovate and adapt the market's offerings to meet evolving demands. Ultimately, as the GM of the retail vendor market, you will play a pivotal role in curating a dynamic marketplace that fosters entrepreneurship, supports local businesses, and delivers exceptional shopping experiences to our valued customers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the public face and primary point of contact for Selden Market
• Cultivate an inclusive environment that ensures all tenants, customers, vendors, and contractors feel welcomed, respected, and valued
• Lead customer service efforts and resolve issues to maintain a positive experience for all visitors
• Report regularly on market operations to the Director of Economic Vitality, DNC leadership, and the Economic Vitality Committee
• Support the Director of Economic Vitality with budgeting, strategic planning, public relations, and supervision of Selden Market staff
• Identify and pursue sponsorships, grants, and funding opportunities to support market growth and programming
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners, City departments, and community stakeholders
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Downtown Norfolk Council initiatives
• Oversee day-to-day operations, maintenance and security efforts to ensure smooth market operations and a high-quality customer experience
• Create policies, procedures and systems to support smooth and efficient operations
• Coordinate and manage all maintenance requests, work orders and facility issues
• Oversee shared kitchen operations and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Manage all tenant communications and scheduling, including building calendars, office hours, meetings, and Slack coordination
• Foster a positive and collaborative tenant environment by supporting relationship-building, resolving conflicts, and boosting morale
• Oversee leasing, buildouts, onboarding, and offboarding for storefront and pop-up tenants
• Lead recruitment efforts to attract a diverse mix of retail and food businesses that align with Selden's mission
• Support the development of leasing strategy and manage a dynamic pop-up vendor program
• Develop and implement regular educational programming and mentorship opportunities for incubator businesses
• Provide hands-on support, guidance, and resources to help tenants navigate challenges and grow sustainably
• Monitor business performance, track sales data, and proactively address operational concerns
• Connect tenants with grant opportunities, financial incentives, technical assistance, and partner-led programming
• Oversee and support the execution of monthly and annual marketing and event plans led by the Marketing & Events Manager
• Provide strategic input, ensure alignment with Selden Market's goals, and help facilitate tenant participation and vendor coordination
• Encourage and support regular tenant-led activations and ensure proper use of shared spaces
• Ensure all events comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Help maintain consistency and accuracy across all brand platforms and public-facing materials

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economic Development, Property Management, or related field preferred
• At least 3 years of experience in tenant, property, and facilities management, as well as team supervision
• Strong background in marketing and event production, including vendor and security coordination
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Proven track record of reliability, initiative, and a positive team-oriented mindset
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take quick, effective action
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Slack. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or Canva a plus

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k
• Vacation pay
• Sick pay
• Parking