MAIN STREET FAIRMONT SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Main Street Fairmont Seeks Executive Director

Do you have what it takes to lead a dynamic organization and create change in your community? If so, we have the job for you!

Executive Director – Main Street Fairmont 

Main Street Fairmont seeks a part-time Executive Director to lead the revitalization and economic development of downtown Fairmont, a designated West Virginia Main Street community and 2010 Great American Main Street Award winner. Fairmont is enjoying an exciting renaissance of its small downtown, although much work remains. Potential candidates must be entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well organized and capable of functioning effectively in an independent environment while coordinating multiple public and private interests. Excellent communication, fundraising and collaboration skills are essential. Strong leadership is required. A bachelor’s degree and professional experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: economic development, urban planning, historic preservation, and/or non-profit leadership. Candidate will be familiar with the Main Street Four Point Approach.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
Duties

•Raise the profile of downtown Fairmont in order to reach new audiences and build its reputation as a business friendly environment that will thrive with the emergence of new commerce and the resulting increase of foot traffic. Serving as the lead advocate for Main Street Fairmont (MSF), the Executive Director utilizes a high level of knowledge and enthusiasm in fundraising, non-profit management, and communications in order to ensure that the downtown continues to flourish. The Executive Director is expected to establish good relationships with existing and potential sponsors, and will build a strong fundraising operation for the organization.
 
•The Executive Director oversees the development of a balanced annual budget and strategic operating plans; plans and implements fundraising and business activities to secure adequate operating and capital monies; utilizes reserve funds effectively; all through sponsorship, applying for grants, and identifying and implementing new business ventures and revenue streams. In consultation with the board of directors, the Executive Director prepares and monitors the annual budget, provides excellent fiscal oversight, controlling receipts and expenditures, meeting budgeted financial obligations while working within the MSF by-laws.

•Articulate a clear vision and set of strategic priorities for the organization, with defined goals and objectives for achievement: The Executive Director is charged with reviewing the mission, vision, strategic priorities and objectives of MSF and, in collaboration with board of directors and co-partners, will continue to develop and implement a strategic plan consistent with the goals of the organization.

•Become familiar with all persons and groups directly or indirectly involved in the downtown commercial district. Assist Main Street Fairmont’s board and committees in developing an annual action plan for implementing a downtown revitalization program focused on four areas; design/historic preservation, marketing, operations/management, and business enhancement/development.

•Coordinate activity of Main Street committees, ensure that communication between committees is well established; assist committees with implementation of work plan items.

•Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the City of Fairmont and Marion County to ensure that all aspects of the downtown revitalization efforts are compatible with the goals and objectives of the City and County.

•Coordinate and participate in ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to enhance appreciation of the downtown’s architecture and other assets and to foster an understanding of Main Street Fairmont’s goals and objectives. Through speaking engagements, media interviews and appearances, keep Main Street Fairmont highly visible in the community.

•Assist individual tenants or property owners with physical improvement projects through personal consultation or by obtaining and supervising professional design consultants; assist in locating appropriate contractors and materials; provide advice and guidance on necessary financial mechanisms for physical improvements.

•Assess the management capacity of downtown businesses and encourage improvements in the downtown community’s ability to undertake joint activities such as promotional events, advertising, special events, and business recruitment. Encourage cooperation between downtown interests and local public officials.

•Work closely with local media to ensure maximum event coverage; encourage design excellence in all aspects of promotion in order to advance an image of quality for the downtown.

•Represent the community at the local, state, and national levels to important constituencies. Speak effectively on Main Street Fairmont’s directions and findings. Help build strong and productive working relationships with appropriate public agencies at the local and state levels.

•Oversees operations of the Citizens Building, located on Adams Street.

Qualifications

Job Knowledge and Skills Required
The Director should have a bachelor’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: public relations, marketing, volunteer recruitment/management, event planning and management, commercial district management, small business development, non-profit administration, fundraising, architecture, and/or retailing. The Director must be sensitive to design and preservation issues. The Director must understand the issues confronting downtown business people, property owners, public agencies, and community organizations. The Director must be entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well organized, and capable of functioning effectively in a very independent situation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Supervisory skills are desirable.


How to Apply
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following: a resume, cover letter, three work-related references and salary history by October 7th. To apply, send materials to [email protected].