Location: Garner,NC, USA
The Town of Garner is seeking a Downtown and Economic Development Administrator to promote and support the creation and retention of small businesses throughout the Garner community and the development of the Downtown/North Garner area as a vibrant business, residential, entertainment, and cultural center through appropriate revitalization, redevelopment and preservation activities in partnership with government and private organizations.The ideal candidate values community and relationship building with stakeholders, thrives as an enthusiastic cheerleader for Garners small businesses, and can turn an ambitious vision for Garners future into practical action plans.Work is performed under the general supervision of the Economic Development Director. Some weekend and evening work is required.Example of Duties:Serves as liaison to the Downtown Garner Association (DGA) and administers the Main Street program; develops strategies to increase revitalization of downtown and promote existing businesses; plans and executes monthly meetings, agendas, budgets, and reports on activities; serves as liaison to the public and non-profit groups; researches and recommends grants, policies, and strategies to Board, Town, and others.Coordinates and manages the Main Street program; coordinates with the State regarding Main Street program requirements and reporting; attends meetings and training; works to maintain Main Street Program national and state designation; researches and follows historic preservation program guidelines.Manages the Downtown Social District to ensure participation requests and regulations are met.Serves as staff to the DGA; prepares and administers budget; oversees fundraising; recruits and manages relationships with board members and volunteers; leads development and implementation of annual plan of work; plans and coordinates downtown special events.Establishes and maintains relationships with community leaders, organizations, and representatives of businesses and industry; visits businesses regularly to stay abreast of their status, any potential for expansion, and assists with problems; works to resolve issues that impact downtown property owners and businesses; follows up on requests; recruits and trains volunteers for various programs.Plans, organizes, coordinates and implements various plans and projects including promotional events, cultural and tourist events, and related activities; coordinates the design and construction of enhancement and beautification projects in concert with appropriate boards, stakeholders, merchants, partners, and citizens; tracks various project and grant budgets and makes purchasing and progress payment decisions.Coordinates business recruitment with the Economic Development Director; serves as initial contact for potential businesses considering new location or expansion; shows sites and arranges meetings with local officials; researches land and coordinates contacts for the property.Supports entrepreneurship programs with internal Town programs and external partner programs.Administers any business grant programs designed to encourage investment opportunities by Downtown businesses.Plans and administers marketing and public relations programs for the downtown area; prepares and coordinates press releases; prepares newsletters and brochures and makes presentations; establishes and maintains list serves; utilizes Facebook and other social media for various marketing and communications; regarding economic development activities.Plans and coordinates special events such as holiday events, markets, food truck rodeos, national night out, and additional promotions, concerts, etc.; speaks to various community and civic groups to promote the downtown district.Prepares and maintains current records on sites and buildings and statistics on demographics, economic base, maps, profiles, retail sales, building p rmits, finances, and schools; reports on growth announcements and statistics on various agencies, and related records.Performs related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications:Applicants must:have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, marketing, planning, public administration, communications or a related fieldpossess a valid driver's license and good driving recordPreference will be given to applicants with experience in community/economic development, downtown revitalization, small business advising, and/or marketing; a working knowledge of QuickBooks Accounting Software; project management experience; and/or experience with the Main Street program.