Historic Downtown Watertown, Wisconsin

Position: Executive Director
 

Position Summary: The Executive Director leads the effort to revitalize, improve and advocate for downtown Watertown. The Executive Director is the sole paid staff person for the organization and coordinates all event planning, marketing, and administrative functions with the help of committees and volunteers. The Executive Director must be involved and visible within the community. The Executive Director reports directly to the Watertown Main Street Program Board of Directors, an elected body comprised of local businesses owners, downtown property owners, and community leaders.

 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Community Development – Draw shoppers and visitors to the downtown through the execution and promotion of (multiple) quality events, support businesses in their individual promotional efforts, work with property owners to fill vacant commercial spaces, and raise funding for public art, streetscape improvements and façade enhancement projects.

Program Operation – Manage and execute all daily operational aspects of the Main Street Program that include, but are not limited to, bookkeeping, purchasing as needed, district-wide data recording, and Wisconsin Main Street reporting.

Program Oversight – Manage and execute design of all marketing materials (both for print and social media) draft press releases, recruit and coordinate volunteers, coordinate fundraising, provide link between downtown and local government.

Historic Preservation – Work in partnership with the Watertown Historic Preservation & Downtown Design Commission to improve the appearance and condition of existing downtown building stock, seeks ways to sensitively adapt buildings to modern uses, and raise awareness of the importance of historic preservation through marketing and education.

 

Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s Degree preferably in business, marketing, communications, or nonprofit management, or proven significant work experience in lieu of degree.

● minimum 2 years experience in economic and community development or related activity strongly desired

● Computer proficiency in Windows, Word, Excel, Canva and Quickbooks

● Self-starter with management experience and strong administrative skills

● Social media skills needed to create promotional material

 

The Executive Director must have the ability to:

● Manage multiple priorities, groups, and initiatives

● Write and submit state grant applications

● Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key community representatives

● Sensitively and professionally manage disagreeable situations with business or building owners, elected officials and/or the public

● Effectively delegate work to a diverse mix of volunteers while being held accountable for results

● Speak and present in public settings In his/her role, the Executive Director shall:

● Administer façade grant fund and provide technical design assistance to downtown merchants and building owners

● Serve as a point-of-contact for new downtown building and business owners

● Walk district/visit with all business owners on a regular basis

● Support the Building, Safety & Zoning Department in efforts to identify, enforce and mitigate building code violations downtown

● Advise property owners about permitting and approvals process for building renovation projects

● Fulfill requirements of Wisconsin State Main Street including attendance at Main Street workshops

● Maintain email communication list of downtown merchants and building owners

● Publish downtown newsletter and handbook for care and restoration of downtown buildings

● Support and advocate for small business growth and success

● Ensure merchants feel included as part of downtown family

● Promote downtown accomplishments through website and social media channels

● Host annual events and activities that draw critical mass to the downtown that include, but are not limited to, Beach Party Bingo, Main Street Morning Mixer, Art on Main, Sidewalk Sales, Downtown Watertown Craft Beer Walk, Women’s Only Weekend, and the programming of Santa House

● Assist in the management and oversee the Tuesday Watertown Farmers’ Market at Riverside

Park (May-October).

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Full-time flexible hours

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 

Simple IRA with Employer Match

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Resumes can be submitted by email to: watertownmainstreet@gmail.com