Executive Director, Hopewell Downtown Partnership

Overview:

The Hopewell Downtown Partnership is seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead our nonprofit and Main Street revitalization efforts. This full-time position requires a passionate and innovative individual dedicated to enhancing the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hopewell. The Executive Director will work closely with the Hopewell Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to achieve the strategic goals of the Virginia Main Street program and the local community.

Responsibilities:

• The Executive Director will be responsible for leading and implementing the Four-Point Approach in Design, Promotion, Economic Positioning, and Organization, ensuring alignment with Virginia Main Street and National Main Street Center standards.
  • This role requires the development and execution of strategic plans and annual work plans for preservation-based economic development, focusing on revitalizing the Main Street district and guiding the organization as its objectives evolve to meet changing community needs and economic conditions.
• Community engagement is a key component of this position.
  • The Executive Director will collaborate with volunteers, local businesses, property owners, and government agencies to foster a cooperative climate for downtown revitalization.
  • Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including municipal and county government, local and state agencies, nonprofit associations, civic groups, schools, and residents, is essential.
  • The Executive Director will represent the organization and community at local, state, and national levels, effectively communicating the program’s goals and Accomplishments.
• Program management responsibilities include coordinating the daily operations of the Main Street corporation and office, including budgeting, record-keeping, and reporting.
  • The Executive Director will manage the recruitment, evaluation, and retention of volunteers, ensuring their effective involvement in downtown-related projects.
  • Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee administrative tasks such as purchasing, accounting, and preparation of reports required by the coordinating Main Street program and funding agencies.
• Marketing/Strategic Communications requires that the Director develop and conduct ongoing public awareness campaigns and educational programs designed to create appreciation of the downtown district and foster understanding of Main Street goals.
  • Utilizing various media channels, including speaking engagements, press releases, media interviews, and personal appearances, the Executive Director will promote the organization’s mission and activities as well as activities and initiatives throughout the district.
  • Internal and external communications include website design, newsletters, social media page management, and graphic design skills for print materials including posters, flyers, postcards, annual reports, and professional materials including supporting documents for grant applications and request for proposals etc.
• Economic development responsibilities include assisting and developing the capacity of downtown businesses, institutions, and organizations to undertake improvement activities, such as physical enhancements, better business practices, promotional events, and business development strategies.
  • The Executive Director will support individual tenants or property owners with property improvement projects by providing technical assistance including professional design consultation and support with financing options.
  • Developing and implementing business recruitment and retention strategies, tourism campaigns, historic infrastructure rehabilitation projects, revolving loans, and grant procurement efforts are also key aspects of the role.
• Fundraising and Resource Management is essential to the success of this organization and this role.
  • The Director is responsible for fundraising for the organization’s annual budget (minimum of $180,000) and additional main street activities, programs, events, and professional development i.e. conferences and travel with limited Board support.
  • This will involve budget advocacy to the City Council, exploring opportunities to solicit private and public-sector support in the form of grants, gifts, donations, memberships, and contracts and building relationships with diverse donors and donor groups like foundations who work in areas related to the Hopewell Downtown Partnerships mission.
• The Executive Director will maintain local Main Street donor and sponsor lists, tax documents, and correspondence as well as program records and financial reports.
  • In conjunction with the Board Treasurer and accountant, the Executive Director will manage the annual program budget, financial reviews, and financial records.
• Event Planning is a critical part of the role includes organizing and managing at least two large-scale events each year that attract visitors from surrounding areas to downtown Hopewell and engage entrepreneurs and small businesses as vendors.
  • These events will highlight both the downtown district and the scenic river, showcasing everything the area has to offer, and serve as an opportunity to incubate small businesses.
  • These events are designed to boost local business sales, foster community pride, and draw attention to Hopewell’s unique blend of urban and natural attractions.
  • The Executive Director will also assist with the development and implementation of other downtown events and festivals that promote the downtown revitalization strategies and attract visitors to the area.
  • Coordination will require vendor recruitment and management skills in compliance with the City of Hopewell, the Commissioner’s Office, the Health Department, and collaboration with local businesses and community organizations to plan and execute successful events that enhance the vibrancy of downtown Hopewell.
• Monitoring and evaluation are critical components of the position.
  • The Executive Director will develop and maintain systems to track the progress of the Main Street organization, quantifying downtown improvements through required quarterly reports, photos, property inventories, and other documentation.
  • The Executive Director will attend all required training, professional development activities, and planning meetings mandated by Virginia Main Street to fulfill responsibilities under any agreements with the state organization.
• Supervisory responsibilities include managing any necessary temporary or permanent employees, interns, volunteer committees as well as professional consultants, and participating in personnel and project evaluations.
  • Cultivating and retaining a diverse base of volunteers and partner organizations to assist the organization in fulfilling its mission is also essential.
  • The Director will also provide support to the Board Chair with the development of materials and reports for Board Meetings and with the management and flow of Board Meetings.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or experience in commercial district management, economics, finance, public relations, planning, business administration, public administration, retailing, volunteer or non-profit administration, architecture, historic preservation, or small business development.
• Experience in non-profit fundraising, marketing, grant writing, and event planning is preferred.
• Sensitivity to design and preservation issues and an understanding of the challenges facing downtown business owners, property owners, and community organizations.
• Entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, and well-organized, with the ability to function effectively in an independent environment.
• Excellent computer, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Supervisory and volunteer development skills are desirable.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in a similar or complementary role.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local economic and community development tools available for downtown revitalization.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, database management, QuickBooks, and PowerPoint.
• Graphic design and social media skills are desirable.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and tools such as email marketing, website maintenance, and blog writing.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical requirements

The Director needs to regularly traverse the Main Street corridor to meet with business owners and other stakeholders and to coordinate or support events. Some projects will require entering blighted and/or dilapidated buildings. The Director will need to be able to move actively around the district in all four seasons, lift up to thirty pounds and set up event equipment including tents, and consistently operate office machinery.

Benefits:

$50,000 - $70,000 per year in salary and benefits to be discussed and tailored during the hiring process. Starting salary will be commensurate with education and/or experience.

Director is responsible for sourcing the overall organizational budget including their salary as well as any raises, following approval by the Board of Directors. Salary growth is possible in relation to fundraising.

The Executive Director will receive fourteen days of paid leave, accruing at 1.17 days per month, and five days of paid sick leave. Paid holidays include July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, and Memorial Day.

Mileage reimbursement is provided at 57.5 cents per mile for approved professional development travel, and travel expenses are reimbursed subject to appropriate documentation.

A health care stipend is included in the final salary amount.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join us in making Downtown Hopewell a thriving and vibrant community hub!

Apply today to become a part of our dedicated team.