DDA Project Manager
Department: Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Supervised By: DDA Executive Director
Supervises: No supervisory responsibility
Part-time position working 20-25 hours per week. Pay dependent on qualifications.
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the DDA Executive Director, provides administrative and marketing support to assist the DDA in meeting its goals and objectives. Assists DDA projects and programs, participates in promotional events, and develops marketing and promotional materials. Supports DDA-related committees and promotes and encourages economic development of the downtown.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
1. Serves as a liaison between the public and the department. Provides general information regarding department operations and policies. Resolves issues independently and coordinates more complex issues with the department director or other staff as needed.
2. Provides standard administrative support for the DDA. Prepares correspondence, records, documents, reports, and other related information. Types, copies, enters data, schedules appointments, and completes other projects as assigned.
3. Assists in the planning, publicity, coordination, and implementation of a variety of promotional events such as seasonal festivals, concerts, sidewalk sales, and parades with the goal of improving the quality and excitement of events to attract people to the downtown area. Attends events and participates in set-up, on-site logistics, and tear-down activities.
4. Creates and develops a variety of marketing and promotional materials promoting the City’s DDA initiatives. Prepares program materials, brochures, publications, flyers, press releases, newsletters, and other marketing materials.
5. Assists in maintaining and updating the DDA’s website, social media sites, and other digital outlets to foster an appreciation of the City’s downtown including its physical assets, commercial development, and cultural charm and offerings.
6. Prepares invoices for the Finance Department.
7. Takes meeting minutes for Board meetings and Main Street committee meetings.
8. Interacts with downtown merchants, property owners, public officials, and the general public in order to implement DDA goals and objectives.
9. May travel outside of the office to purchase event materials, pick up supplies, and complete other administrative errands.
10. Maintains all necessary records in accordance with administrative rules, contract language, and legal requirements including State and Federal legislation and local ordinances and regulations.
11. Attends meetings, conducts research, prepares and submits reports, and completes special projects as assigned.
12. Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
13. Performs other related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, urban planning, economic development, communications, or related field is required.
• Three years of experience in marketing, economic development, event planning, or related field is required.
• State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License, a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to maintain one throughout employment.
• Knowledge of effective marketing, promotions, and public relations strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices related to farmer’s market operations and facilities management.
• Excellent customer service skills, including responding diplomatically to customer questions and complaints.
• Skill in maintaining detailed and organized records and generating related reports.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and other related software, and the ability to master modern technologies.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, City officials, professional contacts, community leaders, the media, and the public.
• Ability to multi-task, problem-solve, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines and changes in work priorities.
• Ability to attend meetings, work outside of normal business hours (including nights and weekends), travel to other locations, and work extended hours during special events.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting with a controlled climate where they sit and work on a computer, communicate by telephone, email, or in person, and move around the office. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of moderate to heavy weight. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a farmer’s market setting and is occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours and during special community events. The employee occasionally travels outside of the office by vehicle or on foot to attend, set up, and tear down events. The employee may be required to exert moderate physical activity setting up for the farmer’s market and events including standing or walking for extended periods, lifting, kneeling, bending, and other related activities. The employee is occasionally exposed to adverse weather conditions and loud noises. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet and may be loud in field situations.
To Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to, Jessica Westendorf at jwestendorf@farmgov.com