Main Street Manager
Vision Together
Johnstown, PA
Full-time
Mathematics
Posted on November 8, 2024
Organization: Vision Together 2025
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Summary:
The Main Street Manager serves as a public-facing liaison between the City of Johnstown and the downtown business district, with a direct report to the Executive Director of Vision Together 2025. This role is essential to promoting economic development, revitalization, and community engagement in Johnstown’s downtown business district. The Main Street Manager works in coordination with City officials, government and elected leaders, tourism and commerce agencies, redevelopment authorities, and other stakeholders to champion the downtown area's growth and success.
Position Purpose:
The Main Street Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic approach to economic development and community activities, focusing on these core areas:
• Organization: Collaborate with downtown stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Design: Foster an attractive, welcoming downtown environment.
• Promotion: Organize activities to bring economic energy and community engagement.
• Economic Restructuring: Drive economic opportunities through adaptive reuse, new business development, and maximization of downtown spaces.
Key Responsibilities:
• Business Liaison
◦ Serve as the bridge between the City and downtown businesses.
◦ Facilitate regular communication with business owners, including event participation, donation requests, and feedback on city operations.
◦ Connect businesses with local resources and services.
• Stakeholder Engagement
◦ Build and nurture relationships with key downtown stakeholders, including business owners, nonprofit and community leaders, government officials, and elected representatives.
• Revitalization and Development
◦ Support City objectives by identifying and leveraging tools for downtown revitalization, such as rehabilitation programs, funding sources, grants, and legal resources.
◦ Assist with planning, designing, and implementing downtown events to enhance community involvement.
• Economic Strategy and Market Expansion
◦ Research and develop strategies to attract retail efforts, new visitors, and market opportunities.
◦ Maintain comprehensive records of downtown events, programs, and economic data for business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts.
• Public Relations and Communications
◦ Actively engage with media to promote the downtown business district.
◦ Update the website with timely information on funding, projects, events, and business offerings.
◦ Participate in relevant organizations and attend industry conferences to enhance knowledge in downtown revitalization and Main Street Management.
• Database and Volunteer Management
◦ Maintain a current database of building owners, business contacts, and stakeholders in the downtown district.
◦ Manage volunteer recruitment, evaluation, and retention, coordinating volunteers for downtown events and initiatives.
• Additional Duties
◦ Organize committees for various downtown needs, such as events, public relations, and business development.
◦ Undertake other responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and vision of Vision Together 2025.
Qualifications:
• Proven experience in economic development, business development, urban planning, or a related field.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and maintain a positive public image.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal funding and development tools is a plus.
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Robert Forcey at rob@johnstownvision.com .