Executive Director Job Discription

Location: Downtown Athens, Tennessee Reports To: Main Street Athens Board of Directors Schedule: Flexible; evening and weekend availability required as needed

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the primary administrative and community representative of Main Street Athens and coordinates the organization's day-to-day activities. Working under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director helps implement Main Street Athens' goals and strategies while serving as a visible, accessible presence in Downtown Athens.

The Executive Director works closely with downtown businesses and property owners, Main Street committees and volunteers, the City of Athens, McMinn County, the Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Main Street, community organizations, and other partners. A central responsibility is building strong relationships and coordinating the people and resources necessary to advance Main Street Athens' mission.

• Manage the administrative functions and day-to-day activities of Main Street Athens.

• Work with the Board to develop and implement strategies for the continued growth and revitalization of Downtown Athens.

• Maintain organizational records, correspondence, reports, and systems to track Main Street programs and projects.

• Coordinate and support Main Street committees and volunteers and provide regular updates to the Board.

• Maintain and update the Main Street Athens website and other organizational communications.

• Maintain regular, direct communication with downtown businesses and property owners and serve as an accessible point of contact.

• Assist businesses, tenants, property owners, and prospective businesses with information and available resources when possible.

• Identify downtown concerns, opportunities, vacancies, projects, and needs and communicate relevant information to the Board.

• Build productive working relationships with the City of Athens, McMinn County, Chamber of Commerce, downtown businesses, community organizations, civic groups, and other partners.

• Encourage business participation in Main Street programs, events, promotions, and partnership opportunities.

TENNESSEE MAIN STREET & PROGRAM COMPLIANCE

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Tennessee Main Street Program and represent Main Street Athens at the local, state, and national levels as appropriate.

• Prepare and submit annual Tennessee and National Main Street renewal requirements.

• Maintain required reports, statistics, documentation, and other information necessary for continued participation in the Main Street program.

• Participate in appropriate training, conferences, workshops, and meetings and keep the Board informed of requirements, deadlines, and opportunities.

EVENTS, MARKETING & PROMOTION

• Work with coordinators and chairpersons of major festivals, events, and other Downtown Athens activities as needed.

• Assist committees, volunteers, businesses, community partners, and local government with event planning and coordination.

• Promote Main Street Athens, Downtown Athens, downtown businesses, events, and activities through social media, email, the website, and other appropriate channels.

• Maintain a professional and positive public presence for Main Street Athens.

FUNDING, GRANTS & PARTNERSHIPS

• Seek out grant opportunities and prepare, submit, administer, and report on grant applications and awards.

• Help develop and maintain funding sources within the constraints of the budget established by the Board.

• Support membership and partnership development, renewals, sponsorships, and other fundraising efforts.

• Work within financial parameters and policies established by the Board of Directors.

KITCHEN INCUBATOR PROGRAM

• Maintain and provide appropriate administrative oversight of the Kitchen Incubator Program.

• Work with tenants, users, partners, and the Board to support effective operation of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate should be organized, dependable, self-motivated, outgoing, and an effective relationship builder with strong written and verbal communication skills.

The Executive Director must be comfortable working with business and property owners, government officials, volunteers, community organizations, and the public; able to manage multiple projects and priorities independently; and accountable to the Board of Directors. Experience in nonprofit management, community or economic development, downtown revitalization, small business, marketing, event planning, fundraising, grant writing, or related work is preferred. Proficiency with email, social media, websites, and basic office technology is expected. Knowledge of Athens and McMinn County is highly desirable.

SCHEDULE & COMMUNITY PRESENCE

The Executive Director will maintain a flexible schedule based on organizational needs. The position requires a regular and visible presence in Downtown Athens, accessibility to downtown businesses and property owners, and availability for appropriate evening and weekend meetings, events, and activities.

ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director serves at the direction of the Main Street Athens Board of Directors. The Board may assign additional responsibilities as organizational needs arise. The Executive Director is not a substitute for the working committees, Board members, and volunteers within Main Street Athens. The Director serves as a facilitator - coordinating people, resources, and activities so committees and volunteers can work efficiently and productively toward the organization's goals.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].