JOB
Main Street Fort Dodge is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Executive Director to spearhead downtown development and revitalization efforts. This pivotal role serves as a catalyst for economic growth within the traditional historic business district, leveraging the National Main Street Center’s Main Street America™ Four Point Approach. As the leading advocate and coordinator for the Main Street program, the Executive Director will facilitate the work of program committees and volunteers, manage daily operations, and act as a prominent community figurehead. 

Resume and cover letter required for consideration.  Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead and coordinate the efforts of the Main Street program’s committees and volunteers to ensure the successful implementation of development strategies.
• Represent Main Street Fort Dodge at local, state, and national levels, establishing strong relationships with relevant agencies and organizations.
• Serve as a visible and engaged presence in the community, fostering support for the revitalization effort.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for economic development within the context of the historic business district, following the Main Street America™ Four Point Approach.
• Organize district interests to work towards unified objectives.
• Address design issues to enhance or preserve the district’s appeal.
• Coordinate promotional activities to invigorate the community economically.
• Keep a current inventory of buildings to promote and market underutilized spaces.
• Analyze the downtown area to devise revitalization strategies, consulting with officials and advisory bodies to make informed recommendations.
• Lead fundraising efforts, volunteer recruitment, and public engagement initiatives to support project goals.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Provides strategic direction and leadership to achieve Main Street Fort Dodge’s mission, including the development of short-term goals, objectives and long-term strategic plans.
• Recognizes situations that warrant initiative and reasonably acts to seize opportunities, resolve issues, problems and achieve positive results.
• Assembles, analyzes and makes recommendations independently based on information relevant to the project or concern to promote downtown economic growth.
• Develops and manages an annual budget and monthly financial reports in accordance with the financial procedures approved by the Main Street Fort Dodge Board of Directors, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.
• Partners with board members and volunteers for fundraising efforts. 
• Recruits and coordinates committee members and volunteers to do the work of the program. Researches, composes, and submits grant applications with respect to the Main Street Program.
• Familiarizes public officials, retailers, community groups, and the general public with the nature and orientation of the Main Street effort. 
• Acts as a data and information source for the Fort Dodge community.
• Interprets past studies and reports that analyze community resources and develop a strategy for achieving revitalization goals.
• Works cooperatively with the local community, including public and private entities, to develop and implement a local action plan and timetable.
• Collaborates with key partners to implement local objectives by developing revitalization tools such as rehabilitation programs, existing state and federal funding sources, grant opportunities, administration procedures, political mechanisms, legal tools, etc., as appropriate.
• Conducts formal business owner visits to the Main Street Merchants and other downtown businesses.
• Conducts site visits with the Main Street Iowa Design Assistance team to assist individual merchants and property owners with the design and construction of physical restoration projects.
• Coordinates downtown promotional events/activities through the planning, design, and implementation stages.
• Partners with other agencies to increase retail downtown, attract new users to existing facilities, and expand market opportunities. 
• Prepares and maintains program records; submits Main Street Iowa monthly reports.
• Develops and maintains contacts with media sources to publicize promotional events and share information about projects and other downtown happenings.
• Represents Main Street Fort Dodge program at regional and statewide training and conferences. Out of town and some overnight travel is required.
• Guides the City and Main Street/SSMID Board of Directors toward implementation of the purposes of the Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), as established by Fort Dodge City Ordinance 1594, to help revitalize and redevelop the district.
• Assists the City and Main Street/SSMID Board of Directors with the renewal of the National Main Street Accreditation and SSMID District per Iowa Code Chapter 386 (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement Districts).
• Posts and facilitates all Main Street/SSMID Board of Director meetings per Iowa Code Chapter 386 (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement Districts).
• Performs work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Understands the City’s goals and objectives and assures that all work performed meets the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality and efficiency; supports continuous process improvement initiatives. 

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