Executive Director Search
CLASSIFICATION & STATUS
Exempt/Salaried; regular full-time.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reports to the Downtown Pullman Association Board of Directors, through the board president.
OVERVIEW OF POSITION
The Executive Director will initiate and promote a program that cultivates a more active, sustainable, accepting, and vibrant downtown. The Executive Director will coordinate, organize, and direct the day-to-day activities of Downtown Pullman Association, a Main Street program utilizing historic preservation as the foundation for Economic Vitality, Promotions, Design, and Outreach. The Executive Director will work to encourage public awareness of the program activities and act as a liaison to all committees and partner organizations. The successful candidate will support the Board of Directors as advocates for the downtown and be a source for information, resources, and activities related to the revitalization initiative.
ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION
Downtown Pullman Association (DPA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization following the Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization since 2018. The Downtown Pullman Association is a non-profit corporation with the mission to lead and advocate for the vitality of Downtown Pullman. The DPA was formed by and is supported through the City of Pullman, Washington State University, the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, and downtown merchants. The Executive Director will be accountable to the President of the Board of Directors and reports weekly to the Executive Committee and monthly to the Board of Directors.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS WILL INCLUDE
Support the Board to develop, implement, and carry out strategies to accomplish priorities, goals, and objectives.
Support the Board to develop and implement plans for sustainable funding, including execution of the annual campaign.
Expand and maintain strong community support of the Downtown Pullman Association as well as commerce in the downtown corridor.
Develop and cultivate DPA events, programs, and projects.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Board and Committees:
Attend board meetings.
Work with board and committees to develop and enhance business and community partnerships.
Submit monthly reports to the board; provide the board with timely notification of significant developments potentially affecting the organization and its operations, along with recommendations to meet changing needs.
Attend committee meetings and meet regularly with committee chairs; recruit, educate, train, and continually guide committees to accomplish their goals and motivate members to contribute to the organization’s work.
Communication:
Serve as the DPA’s primary point of contact; manage and disseminate inbound and outbound communication for the organization.
Support the Board and Committee Chairs to promote a positive organizational image and maintain availability to the public.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholder groups including founding partners WSU, Pullman Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Pullman, as well as build solid working relationships with peers in other Main Street communities and at the state and national levels.
Community Engagement:
Support Volunteer involvement towards the DPA’s goals and objectives. Foster teamwork and collaboration among all downtown stakeholders, including business and property owners.
Analyze community resources and help the Board to develop strategies to achieve agreed-to goals.
Maintain cooperative relationships with the City Council and other commissions, committees, and boards as needed.
Develop and maintain the DPA’s event calendar, website, and social media.
Listen to key stakeholders and foster an environment that is inclusive and collaborative.
Financial:
In collaboration with the President and Treasurer, and the board, prepare annual budgets and fundraising plans.
In collaboration with the President, Treasurer, and Board, prepare an annual report highlighting key objectives and report our financial results.
Manage daily operating budgets, ensuring that funds are expended to the best advantage possible and that all grant reporting requirements are met.
Assist the board to identify and assess potential sources of new funding, collect information to support grant requests, write and submit grant applications, and support raising operational and event funds.
Represent the DPA in approved business negotiations; enter into approved business agreements or contracts.
Program Development and Administration:
Support the Board to develop and oversee DPA’s volunteer-based, locally driven projects in downtown Pullman.
Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with the DPA’s operations and volunteer administration policies and procedures, plus federal, state, and local requirements; maintain official records and documents.
Manage the DPA’s day-to-day operations, guided by the Board’s annual goals and Board and Committee work plans.
Serve the Board as administrative support for each of the four standing committees to develop and implement both short- and long-term work items as directed by the Board.
Oversee data related to the organization’s efforts, including membership, contact lists, photo documentation, etc.
Ensure accurate record-keeping including the use of QuickBooks and Maestro as appropriate.
Attend approved conferences, seminars, workshops, and training to maintain up-to-date knowledge and apply best practices across the DPA.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position supports committee volunteers and will supervise any other DPA employees and interns.
QUALIFICATIONS
3-5+ years of overall relevant work experience that includes program administration and fundraising.
Prefer 2+ years of non-profit management or leadership experience with a focus on community revitalization, economic development, or similar initiative(s).
Experience fostering and maintaining strong relationships with civic leaders and a variety of community stakeholders.
Demonstrated proficiency with business/economic development, marketing, historic preservation, community organizing, or volunteer management.
Preferred familiarity with the Main Street American and the Washington Main Street approach to historic preservation.
Outstanding verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills for a variety of audiences and purposes.
BA/BS in a related field preferred (equivalent combination of education/certification and work experience may be substituted).
Proficiency with MS Office applications, Google Drive, social media, and website content management, plus the ability to troubleshoot basic IT issues.
Availability for occasional local, regional, and/or national travel (including overnight stays) as well as evening and weekend work.
SOFT SKILLS
Ideal candidate is detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills. We are seeking a team player who is comfortable supporting and collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
Adaptable, inclusive, proven ability to listen and create “win-win situations,” conflict de-escalation, and resolution.
Ideal candidate understands the local business culture and can work within its interconnected nature.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that are typical of this job. While work will be performed typically during a regular Monday – Friday workweek, occasional weekend and evening work will be required.
Frequent talking and listening; regular walking, standing, and sitting (sometimes for extended periods of time); hand and finger dexterity to frequently use desktop or laptop computers and mobile phones; occasional reaching, lifting, and carrying using hands and arms.
A significant “on the street” presence downtown, meeting with businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders.
On-site supervision of event set-up, operation, and clean-up.
Occasional local, regional, and/or national travel (including overnight stays) may be required.
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $67,725 – $75,000, Commensurate with qualifications.
Relocation assistance may be available.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and a brief writing sample to President Judy Kolde, Downtown Pullman Association President at President@DowntownPullman.org with the subject line “Downtown Pullman Association ED Application”.
Application review will begin immediately, and posting will remain open until filled.
The Downtown Pullman Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all groups.