Program Background

Some of the “heavy lifting” has already been accomplished. Our downtown district has been designated an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. We were recently awarded a Community Development Block Grant for the purpose of rehabilitating thirteen historic building facades in the district – the construction of which is already underway. The restoration of our historic train depot is almost finished, as well. When this multi-million dollar project is completed in 2013, it will operate as both a railroad museum and a passenger train station serving our two daily Amtrak trains. Our gorgeous riverfront features a replica of “Old Fort Madison”, our community’s namesake, which was a frontier military outpost on the Mississippi River from 1808-13. Also, two of the district’s restaurants have received accolades from publications including Time Magazine, Midwest Living, Chicago Tribune, and USA Today.

Description

Fort Madison Main Street is seeking an experienced, self-motivated person to lead and maintain a strong and aggressive downtown revitalization program for Fort Madison, Iowa. This Executive Director position offers diverse experience, and is housed within the Fort Madison Partners office (home to the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission and Main Street). This is a full-time, high-profile position within the community and requires creative and technological skills, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Duties

Responsibilities Include but not limited to:

• -The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and Fort Madison Partners affiliates to assist define, maintain or enhance the program’s mission, goals and policies as according to national and state guidelines as according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center and Main Street Iowa (Iowa Economic Development Authority). Management of annual reviews at the state and federal level will be conducted to ensure accreditation.

• -Represent and market the program at the local, state and national levels.
• -Manage the administrative aspects of the program including record keeping, budget development and management; accounting; and assistance in fundraising.
• -Manage volunteers and coordinate activities of the four Main Street Committees: Business Improvement, Design, Organization and Promotion.
  -The Director will be responsible for managing nearly $800,000 worth of existing local, state and federal grants, as well as seeking future funding opportunities for the program and stakeholders alike.
• -Knowledge of existing local, state and federal funding opportunities such as grants, loans and tax incentives. This includes knowledge and willingness to lead small and large re-development/adaptive re-use projects as it relates to revitalization efforts.
• -Act as a liaison between business owners and existing business resources.
• -Create, coordinate and enhance events, promotions, advertising, marketing and tourism strategies with existing businesses, organizations, community groups, etc., to maximize the community’s image and retail opportunities.

Qualifications

• -Ability to multi-task and work in a positive, team environment is required.
• -Strong computer skills using Microsoft’s Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc), is mandatory. The ideal candidate will have experience with graphic design software and website/social media management and maintenance.
• -Experience in grant management is required, and in grant writing is preferred.
• -Strong writing skills will be a necessity, as it relates to grants, monthly reports, press releases, newsletters, etc.
• -Excellent public speaking, interpersonal, time management, organizational, consensus-building and media relations skills.
• -Education and/or demonstrated work experience in one or more of the following areas – community/economic development, public policy, marketing, retail, historic preservation, or a related field. Backgrounds in Main Street, retail or working with small business owners is highly preferred, as is experience working in a non-profit environment.
• -Some travel (day/overnight) and/or extended hours (morning, night or during weekends) will be required, as necessary, for special trainings, conferences, events, etc.

Salary

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.