Executive Director

Description

Overview:
Downtown Farmville, Inc., dba Farmville Downtown Partnership (FDP), seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual to provide executive leadership to assist the FDP Board of Directors, committees, and volunteers, as well as localities and other like-minded organizations in the achievement of the FDP Mission:
The mission of Farmville Downtown Partnership is to connect residents, merchants, property owners, visitors, and students in order to preserve and enhance downtown’s role as the hub of our unique historic community, and continue to invigorate Farmville as a fun and profitable place to live, learn, conduct business, invest, and visit.

The Executive Director shall be the on-site staff person responsible for coordinating all program activities including, but not limited to: the FDP Work Plan, budgeting and accounting, grant applications and compliance, fundraising, reporting to Main Street America (MSA) and Virginia Main Street (VMS) to maintain accreditation, coordinating all volunteer activities, gathering input from all constituencies and partners, and representing the organization on the local, regional, and national level. Some local telework is possible.

Job Duties

Primary Duties and Areas of Work:
• Develop strategies for preservation-based economic development in the core downtown Farmville historic district by identifying resources, partners, and organizations that can assist with revitalization and the implementation of the FDP Work Plan and other initiatives.
• Build capacity and cooperation among downtown businesses, institutions, and other organizations to carry out a variety of improvement activities, such as physical improvements, better business practices, promotional events, small business development, and more.
• Support FDP volunteers and other stakeholders with the implementation of FDP’s Work Plan, as well as manage recruitment, evaluation, and retention of the FDP Board of Directors (Board) members and volunteers.
• Aid the Board through the preparation and timely distribution of detailed board packets and other supporting materials necessary for the Board to effectively and efficiently conduct its regular meeting and achieve its governance duties set forth by the organization’s bylaws.
• Seek to develop strong working relationships and form a cooperative climate among key stakeholders and potential partner organizations, including the downtown businesses, property owners, municipal and county governments, Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce, Longwood University, state agencies, residents, civic organizations, schools, and others.
• Conduct ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to create awareness and appreciation of the FDP and the core downtown district and increasing understanding of the Main Street program goals and objectives through the use of speaking engagements, media, social media, the worldwide web, personal interviews and appearances, and other methods of communication.
• Manage the administrative aspects of the FDP and the Main Street program, including data collection and analysis, budget development and implementation, project facilitation, basic accounting, report preparation, and others as identified.
• Maintain database systems to track the progress of the Main Street program requirements and quantify downtown improvements through mechanisms such as quarterly reporting to Virginia Main Street on the physical and/or economic changes, building/property inventory, etc.
• Attend training and professional development activities and other meetings required by Virginia Main Street to fulfill the responsibilities specified through Letter of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with the state coordinating program.
• Assist individual property owners with property-related improvement projects by providing or coordinating professional design consultation and offering advice and guidelines for project financing.
• Assist with the development and implementation of downtown events and festivals, business recruitment and retention strategies, historic infrastructure rehabilitation, grant procurement and reporting, and other activities suitable towards achieving the FDP Mission.

Skills Required

Job Knowledge and Skills Required:
The Executive Director shall have education and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: commercial district management, economics, finance, public relations, planning, business administration, public administration, small business management, volunteer or non-profit management, architecture, historic preservation, small business development, or a complimentary field.

Work Schedule

While some level of “Office hours” are necessary, work from home is an available option when appropriate or needed.

Additional Info

The Executive Director shall:
• Maintain knowledge of best design and preservation practices, understanding issues confronting downtown businesses, property owners, et al.
• Function effectively within an independent environment while serving as an enthusiastic advocate for downtown revitalization among a broad range of stakeholders.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, computer skills especially proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and database creation and maintenance. Graphic design or publishing software experience is desired.
• Possess working knowledge of the use of social media and internet applications such as Facebook, Instagram, eMail marketing software, and website creation and maintenance.
• Be flexible and able to work varying evening and weekend activities where participation will be expected and/or required
• Possess a valid driver’s license shall be required due to occasional travel (day and overnight).

The Executive Director is a full-time, contract position (40 hours per week at $45-$60,000 total compensation). Benefits including, but not limited to, health insurance, part-time or full-time, and salary are negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.