General Statement of Duties
Performs difficult promotional, consultative, and administrative work in developing and directing the Main Street program and downtown economic development initiatives for the City.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the North Carolina Main Street Program and developing strategies to improve and promote downtown business economic development through the expansion, enhancement, and retention of existing development and the attraction of new business into the City. The employee supervises and administers downtown revitalization strategies, events, and public relations programs for the City’s downtown historic business district. The employee also serves as the Main Street Manager responsible for consulting with property owners, local businesses, and community leaders to promote and improve downtown business development. Work involves developing and maintaining relationships with property owners, merchants, and community leaders and assisting with the issues that impact downtown businesses; promoting and overseeing staff coordinating special events and programs in the downtown business district; administering development and improvement programs; coordinating marketing efforts for the downtown district; assisting tenants and property owners with grant opportunities and physical improvement projects; researching, writing, and administering grants; supervising staff; assisting and collaborating with various agencies and non-profits for programs and sponsorships; and managing all administrative aspects of the Main Street program including the preparation of several required records and reports. Work also includes participation in multiple committee meetings and managing the non-profit checking account. Work involves significant public contact and coordination with City departments, business owners, and non-profit organizations requiring skill in facilitating public and intergovernmental processes. Work also requires strong creativity, marketing skills, entrepreneurial, and the ability to organize and execute work plans independently. Work is performed under general direction and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and results.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks
Coordinates and manages the City’s North Carolina Main Street program; coordinates with the State regarding Main Street program requirements and reporting; works to maintain Main Street Program national and state designation; manages all administrative aspects of the Main Street program including the preparation of several required records and reports.
Establishes and maintains relationships with community leaders and representatives of businesses and industry; conducts business site visits 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.
Oversees, plans, and implements special events such as holiday events, concerts, cultural and tourist events, and related activities to promote the downtown area and attract people to the historic downtown business district; solicits sponsorships for events; supervises staff involved in scheduling and coordinating vendors, food, entertainment, and the promotion of the events.
Assists in efforts to expand, enhance, and retain existing development and attract new business into downtown and the City; coordinates work with various non-profits, Chamber of Commerce, and other civic organizations to promote economic development initiatives.
Assists downtown businesses with grant applications for restoring and repairing downtown buildings, businesses, and storefronts; coordinates the design and construction of enhancement and beautification projects in concert with appropriate boards, stakeholders, merchants, partners, and citizens; assists with building rehabilitation efforts and other downtown improvements.
Serves as liaison to, or member of, several public non-profit groups and committees such as the Downtown Belmont Development Association Board, Downtown Merchants Association, Chamber of Commerce organizations, and various committees; attends meetings to develop strategies to increase opportunities downtown, promote existing businesses, attract patrons to existing facilities, and expand market opportunities; plans and executes meeting agendas, budgets, and reports on activities; maintains the checking account and finances for the downtown non-profit organization.
Researches and identifies grants and available financing opportunities, prepares grant applications, oversees and administers grant programs, tracks various project and grant budgets, and makes purchasing and progress payment decisions.
Plans and coordinates marketing and public relations efforts and programs for the historic downtown district; coordinates with marketing professionals to prepare flyers, press releases, social media marketing, and brochures for promotional and economic development initiatives.
May coordinate the design and construction of enhancement and beautification projects in concert with appropriate boards, stakeholders, merchants, partners and citizens.
Prepares and maintains records on sites and buildings and statistics on demographics, economic base, maps, profiles, retail sales, building permits, finances, and related records for the Main Street Program.
Supervises staff involved in community development and events; hires, trains, coaches and evaluates staff performance; approves staff leave requests and timesheets.
Prepares and administers department budget; approves purchasing; develops and maintains annual department work plan, goals and strategies; researches and recommends grants, policies and strategies to City Council, Town Management and others.
Additional Job Duties
Performs related duties as required.
Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of principles, practices and processes involved in economic development, marketing, and public relations.
Considerable knowledge of the assets of the community and federal, state, and local laws pertaining to economic development and planning.
Considerable knowledge of the Main Street program, related regulations, and grants.
Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to data research and office technology.
Considerable knowledge of commercial and residential revitalization programs, and federal and state historic tax credit programs
Knowledge of political, social and economic implications of economic development.
Knowledge of public and private financing options, municipal budgeting, purchasing laws, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of architectural design issues, streetscaping, and related beautification and enhancement approaches.
Skill in data collection and analysis, and establishment of databases about pertinent City statistics and demographics.
Skill in marketing and event coordination.
Ability to plan, organize, and effectively develop commercial leads for the City including building consensus among diverse groups.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners or representatives, public officials at the local and state levels, contractors, community leaders and organizations, other department heads, and other employees.
Ability to organize, multi-task, set and follow effective work priorities, and meet established deadlines.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and make correct recommendations for each business contact.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment as needed.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently; 10 pounds of force occasionally; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures; examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials; operate a computer; perform accounting tasks; read extensively; and to review the thoroughness and accuracy of the work.
Desired Education and Experience
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, urban or regional planning, economics, or related field supplemented by training in economic or downtown development and considerable professional experience in planning or economic development or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirement
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.