SALARY RANGE: $50,000 - $59,000

THE POSITION. Under the general direction of the Planning & Community Development Director the Executive Director reports to an Operating Committee composed of the Chairperson of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the President of the Midland Downtown Business Association (MDBA), and the Director of Planning & Community Development. The Executive Director is responsible for the initiation and promotion of projects and programs to improve, preserve, and enhance the quality of goods and services provided in the downtown, as well as promoting the improvement of the overall appearance and economic viability of the area.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Maintains a highly visible presence in the downtown area while providing information and services to district business and property owners in a very responsive manner. Identify and become familiar with the persons and forces that influence the downtown district. Encourage a cooperative climate between downtown interests, community interests, and local public officials. Employ a full range of economic development and public relations techniques to further the goals of the DDA and the MDBA; Study and analyze economic changes in the community, County, and Tri-City area and assess their impact on Downtown Midland; devise strategies and plans for appropriate responses.

Work with property owners, tenants, developers and other real estate professionals in facilitating new commercial, residential and mixed use development projects. Develop and implement a marketing and promotion strategy for Downtown Midland under the direction of the DDA and MDBA. Assist individual tenants and property owners with physical improvement projects by personal consultation, by obtaining professional consultants, or by locating appropriate contractors and materials. Assist other organizations with an interest in downtown and, in general, foster a spirit of cooperation and joint venture. Become familiar with public and private agencies, which provide direct or indirect assistance to downtown development or to the tenants and property owners of downtown; Represent Downtown Midland at professional conferences and before important constituencies. Prepare the agenda for and coordinate the activities of the board that oversees the Executive Director's position and the committees that work with the Executive Director. Manage the administrative aspect of the board that oversees the Executive Director, including purchasing, record keeping, and accounting, and assist in preparing an annual budget. Prepare reports as requested by the board. Provide staff liaison support to the MDBA including maintaining administrative procedures of the organization, processing of payments and receipts, and providing guidance and information to the MDBA and its committees. Develop and conduct ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to enhance appreciation of the Downtown's assets and to foster an understanding of the goals and objectives for Downtown through speaking engagements, with regional media, and public appearances that keep Downtown highly visible in the community and the region. Maintain a database for Downtown Midland that includes a list of all property owners and tenants, and pertinent information on buildings, current vacancies, and rents. Work with appropriate public agencies at the local and State level to obtain necessary funding for critical elements of the downtown revitalization program. Develop and conduct surveys. Provide direct supervision of support staff. Other duties as assigned;

Michigan Main Street monthly reporting and other activities, including overnight travel required on a minimum of quarterly basis for Michigan Main Street conferences, as well as one national conference, in accordance with the Michigan Main Street program.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and Training: Requires Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Community Planning, or Public Administration with three years experience in downtown & community revitalization, commercial business attraction, or related field. Experience in economic development, grant writing / administration, historic preservation, and pubic relations desirable. Must possess excellent communication and public relation skills, tact, and ability to interact effectively with consumers, developers, business owners, property owners, and other employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must possess excellent communication and public relation skills, tact, and ability to interact effectively with consumers, developers, business owners, property owners, and other employees. Experience and knowledge of Tax Increment Financing, Brownfield Redevelopment and general economic and community development principles desired.

Additional Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan.

APPOINTMENT: This position is within the unclassified service of the City, as identified in Section 2-67 of the Code of Ordinances. Employment status is "at will"; the incumbent serves at the City Manager's discretion. APPOINTMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE CITY MANAGER

OFFICIAL APPLICATION FORMS and further information may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, City Hall, 333 W. Ellsworth, Midland, MI 48640. Phone (989) 837-3357. Fax (989) 837-5718. Website: www.midland-mi.org E-mail: cityhr@midland-mi.org

The City of Midland (City) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with federal law. In addition, the City complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it maintains facilities. The City also provides "reasonable accommodation" to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (posted 1/2/08)