Position: Executive Director
Job Summary: The Marquette Downtown Development Authority (MDDA) Executive Director shall report directly to the Board of Directors and upon the approval of the Board shall supervise and be responsible for all functions of the Authority in the manner authorized by Public Act 197, as amended by Public Act 57. The Executive Director shall act as the chief executive officer of the Authority as defined in the Act. The Executive Director shall act to accomplish the objectives of the Board and promote the interest of downtown to public officials, property owners, business owners, perspective investors, and the public at large.
Supervision: Supervises all DDA staff
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain and direct the continued revitalization of Downtown Marquette in conjunction with the TIF Development Plan and its amendments
- Work to encourage a comprehensive approach to downtown activities, which will focus on historic preservation, design, promotion, management, business recruitment, organization, and economic development
- Disseminate information to the Board with regards to legislation, regulations, and opportunities which may affect the Marquette Downtown Development Authority and its related activities
- Work closely with City administrative staff with regard to issues surrounding or affecting Downtown Marquette
- Encourage open communications and a team approach between the MDDA and other City Boards and Commissions, whose actions may have a direct impact on downtown activities
- Maintain a positive relationship between downtown property owners, business, and other parties with vested interests in the downtown
- Provide a leadership role in downtown promotion, including marketing, special events, sponsorships, beautification, etc.
- Be responsible for management of the downtown parking system, including collection of all parking revenues and maintenance of all related lease contracts
- Work with individual property owners and the proper agencies to ensure that downtown is maintained in a clean and attractive manner
- Monitor and administer all contracts entered into by the Authority and act as the principal on-site person responsible for facilitating all downtown projects
- Manage the business and financial affairs of the Authority, including development and control of the fiscal budget. The Executive Director shall provide the Board monthly reports covering the activities and financial position of the Authority
- Manage a comprehensive business retention and recruitment program
- Maintain a listing of downtown vacancies and provide such information to prospective tenants or investors
- Facilitate DDA Board member involvement through effective committee processes and regular communication with DDA Board members
- Work with appropriate public or private agencies at local, state, and federal levels to obtain necessary funding for programs, including grant applications, design assistance, promotion, building rehabilitation, parking, and public improvements
- Manage and supervise the office, employees, and other operations of the Authority
- Other duties as assigned by the MDDA Board of Directors
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a track record of effectively working with staff and community partners with the highest level of transparency and trust. The successful candidate will be an innovative leader with exceptional communication skills who has a pro-active approach to downtown development. Individuals who think strategically and have a passion for downtown are encouraged to apply.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Required education and training includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, or other related field. Masters Degree preferred. Significant experience may be substituted for educational attainment
- A minimum of five years of management and supervisory experience
- Understanding of a downtown environment
- Understanding and/or experience with a downtown parking environment
- Familiarity with budget preparation and management practices
- Knowledge of accounting and/or bookkeeping principles
- Human relations and customer service skills in interacting with the public
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, business owners, property owners, and the general public
- Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices, filing and record-keeping systems and common clerical procedures.
- Knowledge of computer operations, particularly Quickbooks, word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, Internet, and email.
- Skill in operating standard office equipment
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
- Proficiency in spelling, grammar, and letter composition
- Ability to work in a busy, high-energy environment
- Experience in successfully meeting deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments
- Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
- Must possess a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one
Materials and Equipment Used:
- Various computer software including Microsoft Power Point, Publisher, and Excel, Quickbooks, Internet, email, website, virtual meeting platforms, and parking management software
- Computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, 10-digit calculator, credit card machine, conference phone
Physical Demands:
- Work is performed mostly in an office setting
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in outside weather
- The employee may be exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions, or
- airborne particles
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantlyrequired to speak, hear and see
- Frequent standing, walking, and sitting
- Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, climbing
- Occasional driving
- Ability to distinguish sounds at various frequencies and volumes
- Ability to distinguish people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions
- Ability to withstand noise changes in the work environment
- Lifting 40 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 lbs.
Compensation:
Salary range is commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package provided.
This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this job description.
The DDA is an equal opportunity employer
