This position serves as the Downtown Development Director (DDD). The DDD is an economic development position that administers the Main Street Program for the City of Dunn. The primary focus for this role is to advance downtown economic development through an asset-based strategic plan, implemented through a partnership-driven approach that leverages investment, business development, and job growth. The Director is also responsible for marketing and promoting the downtown business district through establishment and maintenance of partnerships with stakeholders and advisory groups including the Downtown Dunn Development Corporation, downtown merchants, other City Departments, the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce, Dunn Area Tourism Authority, and other civic groups, non-profits, and public officials. The DDD must know the availability, ownership, and/or rental status of the various downtown properties. The DDD is instrumental in coordinating the beautification and landscaping of the downtown district and must have knowledge of the infrastructure amenities available in the district. The position is also responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing internal and external communication strategies to effectively convey the City’s mission, values, initiatives, and newsworthy events, activities, and announcements related to downtown programs, activities, and events to the general public, elected officials, and other stakeholders.  In furtherance of this responsibility, the DDD writes and edits content, manages media relations, supports branding efforts, and coordinates City-wide communication across various information platforms. This position requires a high degree of personal tact and political awareness and is primarily characterized by a responsibility to provide accurate, comprehensive and timely information to the public.

Responsibilities:

·         Coordinates the activities of the Main Street Program and Committees, ensuring that communication among committees is well established and assists committee volunteers with implementation of work plan items.

·         Manages all administrative aspects of the Main Street Program including purchasing, record keeping, budget development, preparing all reports required by the National and State Main Street program.

·         Establishes and maintains routine contact with all business and/or property owners in the downtown district through a combination of regular personal visitation, email, and social media communication sufficient to ensure that at all times, they have input in and knowledge of plans for downtown events, activities, and direction.

·         Promotes, encourages,  and oversees downtown development and revitalization activities and projects. Works to retain existing businesses, assists with expansion plans of existing businesses, recruits new businesses and potential developers for the Municipal Service District.

·         Serves as a liaison between the downtown development community and the City’s Planning and Inspections Department to facilitate navigation of City regulatory, permitting, and inspection requirements.

·         Knows the inventory of downtown properties including ownership contact information, general availability for rental or purchase, and the scope of permitted uses.

·         Fosters innovative use of communication technology to create content promoting the downtown district and its businesses in a way that maximizes the information flow to and from those businesses.

·         Stays current on all relative grant opportunities available to the City, downtown stakeholders, and businesses and be able to offer assistance with applications and the monitoring of award status and implementation.

·         Builds cooperative working relationships with boards, property owners, businesses and community partners.

·         Monitors program performance and recommends and implements modifications to systems and procedures as needed.

·         Assist individual tenants or property owners with physical improvement projects through personal consultation or by obtaining and supervising professional design consultants.

·         Works in coordination with other City departments and committees to promote, oversee and implement physical improvements in the public and private realm within the district deemed necessary for improved pedestrian and traffic flow and visibility, such as façade improvements, wayfinding, streetscapes, banners, signage, etc.

·         Must attend Main Street Manager meetings as required by the Main Street Program.

·         Prepares and maintain program reports required by the North Carolina Main Street program for yearly program certification.

·         Creates and executes internal and external communication plans supporting the City’s goals and initiatives.

·         Liaisons with media outlets, prepares press releases, coordinates interviews, and manages media inquiries.

·         Manages social media accounts, develops content calendars, monitors engagement, and analyzes performance metrics.

·         Supports engagement through consistent and clear internal messaging, including announcements, policy updates, and leadership communications.

·         Ensures all communications align with brand standards and maintain a consistent tone and visual identity across platforms.

·         Assists in planning and promoting events and initiatives; develop promotional materials and coordinate logistics.

·         Tracks communication efforts and provides regular reports on effectiveness, reach, and engagement; recommend improvements based on data.

·         Works closely with departments to align messaging and support cross-departmental initiatives.

·         Supports the development and execution of crisis communication plans; respond to urgent communication needs with clarity and professionalism.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Must have excellent oral and written communication skills including an ability to speak in public forums and make presentations to City Council and other public and private boards, groups, and entities.

·         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers,  elected officials, contractors, public and private groups, general public, and the press.

·         Ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment.

·         A genuine, sincere enthusiasm for promoting the City of Dunn in general, and the downtown district in particular.

·         An approachable, pleasant personality that encourages and fosters the communication necessary to achieve mutual goals.

Anticipated hiring salary range $57,032.00 – $72,000.00 / DOQ