Executive Director

Description

Tappahannock Main Street Executive Director—Position Opening The Tappahannock Main Street organization is recruiting a full time, paid Executive Director. The Executive Director leads the activities of the Downtown Tappahannock Main Street Program to promote the vitality of Downtown Tappahannock as the social, cultural, and economic heart of the community.  The Director is responsible for development and implementation of the Main Street Four Point Approach®. The Director coordinates programs activities, and volunteers, and represents the community regionally and nationally. The Director works with the Tappahannock Main Street Board of Directors to implement the vision and mission statements and strategic goals and objectives of the organization, and reports directly to the Tappahannock Main Street Board of Directors.  The Director coordinates with Essex County and the Town of Tappahannock on economic activities occurring within the County.   

Job Duties

• Oversees the execution of the vision and mission, engaging the Board and committees in the development and implementation of supporting goals and objectives. Regularly reports progress on goals to Board;
• Understands and implements the Main Street Four Point Approach® program;
• Coordinates the activities of the Tappahannock Main Street committees, ensuring effective communication between committees and with the Board of Directors and assisting committee chairs in setting priorities and developing work plans;
• Supervises volunteers on committees and special projects;
• Conceives ideas for improved public/private funding, including grant opportunities, for distribution to Main Street and community economic activities, and to maintain the organization as an ongoing entity;
• Develops and conducts ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to:
  • enhance appreciation of Tappahannock Main Street district’s assets; and
  • foster an understanding of Tappahannock Main Street’s program goals and objectives;
• Improves public awareness of the Tappahannock Main Street program in the public eye using community and business forums, speaking engagements, media interviews, and appearances at local and regional events;
• Develops relationships with existing businesses in order to retain and expand existing businesses;
• Pursues recruitment of new businesses to the Main Street district;
• Recommends design changes to downtown including the management of parking, visitor experiences, and tourism activities in order to advance a consistent quality brand for the downtown;
• Provides guidance to the Tappahannock Main Street community to carry out joint activities such as promotional and special events, advertising, and appropriate store hours;
• Encourages a cooperative climate in the Tappahannock Main Street district and the greater community, through positive collaboration with local public officials;
• Liaison between the Tappahannock Main Street district business community and the Town of Tappahannock, the Economic Development Authority, and Essex County; in certain instances acting as a leader to coordinate economic efforts of these stakeholders;
• Advises community stakeholders on Tappahannock Main Street program activities and goals;
• Communicates with local media to ensure maximum coverage of promotional activities;
• Builds strong and productive relationships with public officials at the local, state, and national level, including the Town of Tappahannock, Essex County, surrounding Towns and Counties and the Virginia Main Street Program;
• Represents the Tappahannock Main Street community to important constituencies at the local, state, and national levels;
• Ensures that all required financial, administrative, and reporting responsibilities of Tappahannock Main Street are completed on a monthly basis or as otherwise directed by the Board of Directors;
• Performs other assigned duties as required by the Board of Directors.

Skills Required

Education, Experience and Skills:

• BS or BA degree from an accredited four-year college or university; (Master’s degree preferred, but not required);
• Entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, organized, and independent while a team player;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and collaborative approach;
• Three to five years’ professional experience with responsibility in one or more of the following areas: historic preservation, economic development, finance, public relations, design, planning, business management, public administration, retail, program management, volunteer management or nonprofit administration and/or small business development;
• Experience with non-profit initiatives, including self-sustaining funding, in a professional or volunteer capacity;
• Knowledgeable of the Main Street Program Four Point Approach®, asset-based development, and how to implement it;
• Understanding of community design, history, and preservation issues;

 

Work Schedule

9-5 Monday-Friday and additional hours as needed for special events