Careers

Staunton Downtown Development Association

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Job Description

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Executive Director will promote downtown activities, educate businesses, serve as a listener, collaborator, clearinghouse, visionary, facilitator and coordinator based on the four points (Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality) of the Main Street Program. The Executive Director will encourage public awareness of the program activities and serve as the chief representative and advocate of the organization. The Executive Director will also strengthen organizational systems, compliance practices, and internal operations to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuity of work.

REPORTING LINES

The Executive Director is appointed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and is the principal executive officer of the Corporation charged with carrying out the business of the Corporation within the authority granted by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is subject to the control of the Board and reports to the President. The Executive Director exercises supervision over any other employees of the Corporation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Board, Committees & Volunteer Coordination

    • Coordinate activity of the Board and the Main Street program

    • Assist with implementation of annual work plans and City Contract

    • Promote ongoing volunteer support of the SDDA

  • Administration & Operations:

    • Management of regular staff and contractual employees

    • Development and monitoring of budget and purchasing

    • Prepare Work Plans, Annual and Virginia Main Street reports

    • Maintain organized records to support timely responses to FOIA requests and compliance with Virginia FOIA requirements

  • Compliance & Accreditation Management:

    • Manage Virginia Main Street and Main Street accreditation standards

    • Develop internal tools (calendars, checklists, trackers) to ensure continuity of Main Street accreditation

    • Advise the Board of reporting requirements, upcoming deadlines, and risks of non-compliance

  • Downtown Strategies & Transformation:

    • Develop a work plan focusing on Main Street Program areas

    • Implement programs and initiatives that promote economic vitality, design improvements, small-business support, and overall downtown vibrancy

  • Public Awareness & Communications:

    • Serve as primary spokesperson for the SDDA

    • Maintain SDDA website; manage social media posts

    • Foster public relations and public understanding of SDDA goals and accomplishments

  • Business & Property Owner Support:

    • Discover and communicate benefits and opportunities as well as issues and concerns to service district building and business owners

    • Maintain database of available downtown commercial properties

    • Track economic investment, job creation, and business retention

  • Partnerships & Community Relations:

    • Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and city departments

    • Act as a liaison to other Virginia Main Street and Main Street America communities

  • Grant Writing & Fundraising:

    • Find and apply for grants to support our programming and mission

    • Manage awarded grants, including use of funds reporting and compliance

    • Cultivate sponsor, donor and partner relationships to generate support

  • Advocacy:

    • Demonstrate familiarity with concerns and issues among stakeholders

    • Speak effectively on the SDDA’s goals, issues, and results

    • Improve public policy relating to Downtown business and property owners

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The Executive Director must be entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well organized and capable of functioning in an independent situation. The Executive Director should have education and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: architecture, historic preservation, economics, finance, public relations, public administration, grant writing, volunteer or nonprofit administration and/or small business development. Candidates must be sensitive to design and historic preservation issues.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience

  • 2+ years nonprofit or community-development management

  • Experience with compliance or accreditation processes (Virginia Main Street, Main Street America, or similar standards are a strong plus)

  • Strong grant writing and grant award management experience

  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, and sponsorship development

  • Ability to build relationships with local stakeholders, partner organizations, and city officials

  • Practical experience in website maintenance, social media, and general digital outreach

  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to lead and engage groups effectively

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands for the position of Executive Director are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed primarily in an office setting. Some outdoor work is required. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is often required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

SALARY AND COMPENSATION

We offer a base salary plus a flexible benefits stipend that allows our director to choose a benefits plan that best fits your needs.

Salary range is $55,000-75,000.