Main Street Manager

Job Description: MAIN STREET MANAGER

CLASS NO. 119                                           EEOC CATEGORY: Officials and Administrators

PAY GROUP: 8                                                      FLSA: Exempt

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Main Street Manager is a key member of the Marketing and Communications Team. This position will plan, organize and direct activities to promote, preserve, and revitalize the downtown area of the City of Navasota; enhance and promote tourism and event planning in the City to support downtown development; work in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and downtown merchants to plan and promote events related to tourism that support downtown businesses and foster recognition of the quality of life Navasota offers; and coordinate with the work of local organizations to focus on downtown economic development, including a focus on historic preservation and revitalization.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports to: Marketing and Communications Manager

2. Directs: This is a non-supervisory position.

3. Other: Has frequent contact with department heads, City employees, local, state, and federal agencies, downtown merchants, the Chamber of Commerce, and the general public. Works closely with Development Services, Economic Development, and Marketing & Communications Departments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Essential Duties

• Primary duties of the Main Street Manager involve planning, developing, implementing and managing Downtown projects/events; tourism projects and public art initiatives; downtown business development; and complying with all requirements needed once designated as a National Main Street City – including, but not limited to, completion of required reporting and data assimilation for the Texas Main Street Office and serving as staff liaison for the Main Street Board. Directs no other employees. Has frequent contact with downtown businesses and community leaders as well as the general public and City staff.

• Oversee the Main Street/Downtown activities for the City of Navasota while adhering to the guidelines mandated by the state and national Main Street Program with responsibility for managing the implementation of local goals that relate to downtown development.

• Develop and oversee economic revitalization strategies through design/historic preservation, promotion, organization, and economic restructuring/development.

• Coordinate and oversee city-sponsored downtown events including, but not limited to, Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Navasota Freedom Festival, and Home for the Holidays.

• Serve as the administrative officer of the Main Street Program and oversee all administrative functions associated with the Main Street Program.

• Responsible for the development, implementation, execution and documentation of the Main Street program including preparation of board packets and completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports required by the State Main Street Office.

• Serve as the principal on-site staff person responsible for coordinating all program activities and volunteers, as well as representing the community regionally and nationally as appropriate.

• Write agenda briefings, propose and write resolutions, proclamations, ordinances, reports and other official documents as required to be presented to Navasota City Council as related to the downtown revitalization and development and the Main Street Program.

• Plan, organize, and direct activities to promote, assist, and enhance economic development within the designated Central Business District (CBD) area.

• Coordinate activities within the downtown Navasota area that utilizes historic preservation as an integral foundation for downtown economic development.

• Host and participate in special business and community events to promote business development and vitality in the downtown area.

• Enhance and promote tourism within the designated Central Business District (CBD) area in the city to support downtown development.

• Maintain and promote the City’s Visitors Center; maintain and replenish visitor and tourism informational racks; promote local and regional events with focus on enhancing Downtown Navasota.

• Coordinate the activity of the Main Street program, board and committees, ensuring that communication between and among committees is well established; assist committee volunteers with implementation of work plan items; network and develop contacts with other Main Street Managers.

• Create, coordinate, oversee and review promotional material and/or confer on the development of marketing and promotional pieces showcasing Downtown Navasota.

• Establish relationships and partnerships with downtown business and property owners and work together to create innovative programs to market Downtown Navasota and educate the owners regarding available grants to encourage economic development through historic preservation and renovation of buildings.

• Maintain information on the City of Navasota and Visit Navasota websites about new businesses and upcoming attractions and events related to the downtown area.

• Identify, recommend, enhance and implement fundraising opportunities and events to support downtown revitalization and development efforts.

• Collaborate with the Navasota/Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, Two Rivers Heritage Foundation, the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, Navasota Public Library, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and other organizations to draw visitors to the community as a way of supporting downtown business.

• Collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to maintain an events calendar to help promote downtown events.

• Install and implement Downtown Navasota wayfinding signage in collaboration with City personnel.

• Stay apprised of requirements governing City participation in the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street Program.

• Assist in the preparation of departmental budgets; ensure financial accountability; appropriate time and record keeping and related internal controls.

• Serve as liaison to the downtown business community, Chamber of Commerce, planning advisory boards or agencies and other governmental agencies in furthering the City’s overall downtown revitalization efforts.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Marketing and Communications Manager or City Management Staff in support of downtown development.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Excellent public relations; planning; downtown revitalization/historic preservation; project management; municipal zoning and infrastructure; telephone/customer service etiquette; computers; and standard office practices and procedures.

Skill/Ability to: Operate computers, and software including Microsoft 365; understand city ordinances and state laws, demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, commissions and boards, state and local governmental agencies, contractors, downtown merchants, and the general public; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications.

This person must possess an ability to resolve conflict through effective means of communication and be able to build relationships with people in the community to establish trust for downtown beautification and property maintenance initiatives.  Individual must demonstrate an ability to relate to individuals of diverse backgrounds and cultures.  Individual is a self-starter, independent thinker and has the ability to critically evaluate complex issues and successfully implement strategies to affect positive change.  Individual should possess a positive, empathetic demeanor, and be willing to try new ideas and implement evaluation measures to ensure successes of initiatives.  A successful candidate will possess the ability to prioritize work tasks in a strategic manner.  

OTHER IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of modern principles and practices of tourism and marketing, event planning, and economic development.
   
• Knowledge of principles and practices regarding the development and preservation of downtown and central business districts.
   
• Knowledge of the structure and operation of municipal government principles, practices, procedures and legal requirements.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Preferred bachelor's degree in related field of study from an accredited college or university required, plus three (3) or more years of experience in historic preservation, tourism and marketing, event planning, economic development, retailing, marketing, non-profit association management, design, or another related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Class "C" Texas driver's license.

JOB PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND/OR EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The City will comply with the American with Disabilities Act, including the American Disabilities Act Amendment Act, and all other Federal, State and Local legislative requirements.  The Facility will ensure that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of that position.