Listing Summary

Downtown Development Director                                                                

APPOINTMENT: Full-Time Exempt

SALARY: $57,517.17

BENEFITS:

• Employer-provided medical, dental, and vision insurance; 75% premium covered by city
• 9 paid city holidays
• Accrued vacation & sick leave
• Accrued comp time
• After one year, eligible for 3% match to 457(b) tax deferred compensation retirement plan
• City-paid life insurance benefits: $50,000 employee, $10,000 spouse, and $5,000 per child
• City-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing the city’s Downtown Development program.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Manages all administrative operations; performs general office duties, including creating and maintaining files, typing correspondence, and meeting regularly with Downtown business owners, partners, and prospects.

• Develops and implements strategies and programs to retain and recruit businesses for the purposes of economic restructuring.

• Develops marketing materials and programs to promote Downtown businesses, entertainment opportunities, etc.

• Attends Downtown and city events.

• Plans and coordinates special programs and events focusing on Downtown usage, commerce and development, the recruitment of volunteers, preparing press releases, and ordering supplies and materials.

• Establishes and maintains relationships with business leaders, community groups, and Downtown partners.

• Conducts monthly meetings with the Downtown Development Authority; supports the implementation of strategies from these meetings and keeps Board members informed on progress of special projects.

• Assists with historic preservation efforts.

• Coordinates efforts to increase tourism within the Downtown area.

• Participates in required training.

• Plans, promotes, implements, develops, and evaluates policies, projects, and programs that spur Downtown growth and enhance economic development.

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the downtown area for economic development purposes.

• Attends City Council meetings and makes regular reports.

• Researches, prepares, and writes grant applications.

• Procures grants, donations, and other funding necessary to successfully accomplish Downtown goals and objectives.

• Develops and conducts public awareness programs.

• Assists property owners with the leasing and/or redevelopment of available commercial and residential space in the Downtown District.

• Creates and supports city codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations vital to the success and growth of Downtown.

• Organizes public/private partnerships to enhance Downtown Development program success.

• Coordinates the work of contractors and/or volunteers.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of community development principles and practices.

• Knowledge of business recruitment and retention principles.

• Knowledge of marketing principles and practices.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include grant requirements, program policies and procedures, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied program management and community development duties. The need to coordinate with varied stakeholders contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to direct the city’s Downtown Development program. Successful performance contributes to the positive growth and development to the city’s Downtown area.

CONTACTS                                                                  

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, elected and appointed officials, business owners, representatives of other community groups, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in business administration, urban planning, marketing, public administration, or a similar field.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for two to three years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.