Executive Director/Economic Development Director

Downtown Development Authority/ Main Street

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPER

Job Description

Date Adopted / Revised : October 4th, 2017

Reports to: Board of Directors

FLSA Classification: Exempt

SUMMARY OF POSITION :

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors (the Board).

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Economic Development:

• Develop and coordinate a detailed economic development plan and strategy for the DDA/Main Street district by partnering with public and private entities in the community and the region to support, retain and expand existing businesses and attract new business.
• Promote new development and re-development of downtown buildings to enhance the economic future of the DDA/Main Street district with emphasis on historic preservation.
• Prepare and execute programs focused on business retention, recruitment and real estate development.

Leadership :

• Participate with the Board in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization.
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the organization’s activities
• Foster effective team work between the Board and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Staff.
• In addition to the President of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate.
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile.

Operational planning and management:

• Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization.
• Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its Board and stakeholders.
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.

Program planning and management:

• Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board.

Human resources planning and management:

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
• Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices.
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all regulations.
• Recruit, interview and select staff who have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission.
• Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided.
• Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis, conducting an annual performance review, implementing disciplinary measures as needed, and terminating staff when necessary using appropriate legal procedures.
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance.

Financial planning and management

• Work with staff and the Board to prepare a comprehensive budget.
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization.
• Research funding sources, oversee the development and implementation of revenue increase plans to include grant writing, mil levy elections every four years, and TIF allocations.
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
• Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization.
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization.
• Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.

Community relations/advocacy:

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization.
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with the City of Cheyenne, community groups, stakeholders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.

Risk management:

• Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (staff, management, board volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Skills:

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/ voluntary organizations.
• Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, etc.
• Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization.
• Knowledge of human resources management.
• Knowledge of financial management.
• Knowledge of project management.
• Proficient in the use of Word, Excel, QuickBooks, e-mail and the internet.

Competencies:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Focus on Stakeholders Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Real Estate, Public Administration, Finance, or related fields
• Certifications such as CAE-Certified Association Exec, CCP-Certified Community Planner, or other related national or state certifications are preferred

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in public relations, organizational and project management.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in planning, real estate development, economic development and implementation.
• Experience with preservation of historic buildings.
• Experience in working with local government; familiar with public meetings law, public records law, state and federal grant programs.
• Experience with organizations that receive their main funding through taxes such as mill levies.

High level administration experience at Director or similar level is preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

The Executive Director will be responsible for the supervision and management of the DDA staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit and talk in an office setting, often for long periods of time.
• Operate computers, keyboards and other peripheral equipment, as well as telephone equipment and headsets.
• Stand, bend or stoop as needed for certain activities.
• Lift up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as a computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, phones, filing cabinets and photocopiers. While performing the duties of this job, the Executive Director is also occasionally exposed to a variety of other factors, including varying weather conditions and noise levels outside of the regular office environment.

TRAVEL:

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the area and overnight travel may be expected.

WORK HOURS:

Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

The duties listed above are not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change, with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $65,000.00 to $100,000.00 /year

Required education:

• Bachelor’s

Required experience:

• Economic Development: 3 years