JOB TITLE: MAIN STREET WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Director is the principal on-site person who coordinates Main Street Washington activities that recognize historic preservation as an integral foundation for downtown economic development. The Director is responsible for the development, conduct, coordination and documentation of the Main Street Washington program. The director will perform the essential job functions within the community as well as representing the community statewide. The Director works without direct day-to-day supervision and works at the direction of the Main Street Washington Board of Directors.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Manages the Main Street Washington program, and provides support to the Main Street district businesses and residents.
2. Manages grant applications and grant administration for related projects.
3. Coordinates activities of the Main Street Washington program, ensuring that communication between committees is well established; assist the committees with implementation of work plan items. Facilitates and teaches volunteers self-help to empower the volunteer base.
4. Assists in developing strategies for downtown economic development through historic preservation. Develops positive relationships with all persons and groups directly or indirectly involved in the Main Street Washington district. Mindful of the roles of various downtown interest groups, assists with developing an annual action plan for implementing a downtown revitalization program focused on four areas: design/historic preservation, promotion, organization/management, and economic restructuring/development.
5. Manages all administrative aspects of the Main Street Washington program, including purchasing, record keeping, file maintenance, budget development and accounting, preparing all reports required by the State Main Street Program and by the National Main Street Center. Manages Main Street Washington program in accordance with its policies and procedures.
6. Assists and coordinates the ongoing public awareness and education program designed to enhance appreciation of the district’s architecture and other assets and to foster an understanding of the Main Street Washington program's goals and objectives. Keeps the Main Street Washington Program highly visible in the community through speaking engagements, media interviews, appearances, and electronic communication.
7. Assists individual tenants or property owners with physical improvement projects by obtaining and coordinating professional design consultants; assisting with locating appropriate contractors and materials; providing guidance on necessary financial mechanisms for physical improvements.
8. Advises downtown merchants' organizations and/or Chamber of Commerce retail committees on Main Street Washington program activities and goals and assists in the coordination of joint promotional events, such as seasonal festivals or cooperative retail promotional events. Works closely with local media to ensure maximum event coverage in order to improve the quality and success of events to attract people to downtown.
9. Treats the public and volunteers in a respectful and courteous manner, crediting volunteers for the success of the program.
10. Adheres to and enforces safe work practices and follows safety policies and rules.
11. Complies with all Personnel Policies and regulations.
12. Available to work flexible hours and occasional overnight travel. Attendance at all board, committee meetings, and Main Street Iowa sponsored events is required.
13. Advances an image of quality for the Main Street district in order to encourage excellence in all aspects of the program.
14. Performs other duties as assigned by the Main Street Washington Board.
RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of governmental practices and services and the principles and practices of public information.
- Knowledge of historic preservation.
- Knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing, presentation and other computer software.
- Knowledge of issues frequently confronting downtown business people.
- Knowledge of grant administration.
- Ability to write clear and concise reports, memoranda, press releases and letters.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with businesses and the general public.
- Ability to effectively address sensitive issues diplomatically.
- Ability to make effective verbal presentations.
- Ability to think analytically.
- Ability to listen effectively.
- Demonstrate effective organizational skills with an attention to detail.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:
Valid Iowa driver’s license
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
§ Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
§ Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
§ Works inside in a second floor office environment.
§ Works outdoors occasionally.
(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)
Mail, email or fax a cover letter and resume with references by April 14th, 2008 to:
Mr. Craig Swift, President
Main Street Washington
205 West Main Street
Washington, IA 52353
washcofc@iowatelecom.net
Fax: 319-653-5805