Executive Director - Gardiner Main Street

Job Posting: Executive Director, Gardiner Main Street

Do you believe that community development IS economic development? Gardiner Main Street, an accredited Main Street America program in Gardiner, Maine, is searching for its next dynamic leader who has interest in continuing and nurturing a culture of success in a highly collaborative environment.

Work Objectives and Background
Gardiner Main Street “the organization” is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation and accredited National Main Street program, led by a board of directors. The organization relies on annual funding from the City of Gardiner, and fundraising events notably the annual Swine & Stein event, receiving the rest of its operating budget from business and personal donations and foundation support. The Gardiner Main Street program Executive Director “Director” coordinates activities within a program that utilizes community development and relationships as an integral foundation for downtown economic development. He/she is responsible for the execution and documentation of the Main Street program. The director is the principal on-site staff responsible for coordinating all program activities and volunteers, as well as representing the community regionally and nationally as appropriate. In addition, the executive director should help guide the organization’s and its committees annual work plans. The Director is expected to take a personal stake in the success of the organization.

Compensation, Performance Review, and Schedule
The Director is a full-time salaried, exempt position. Due to the heavy involvement with volunteers, expect frequent evening meetings, and some weekend work, especially during special events.

Base salary and benefits will be negotiated at time of hire. There will be an initial review six months from the date of hire. Thereafter, there will be annual performance reviews. All performance reviews will be completed by the Chair of the Board of Directors, with input from other board members. Part of the annual performance review will be a salary review. The Board and the Director may agree on certain performance goals and related bonuses.  The Director’s ability to enhance his or her pay will only be limited by his or her ability to run a sustainable, successful organization, and advancement of skills and performance. The Director reports solely to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

The Director will begin with 15 days of paid vacation/sick/personal time, along with the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Friday, and Christmas. Additional combined leave may be considered as part of the Director’s annual review/compensation package.

The Director will be eligible to receive contributions through a health reimbursement arrangement for certain qualifying health care expenses, including but not limited to health insurance premiums.

Duties to be Performed
Duties of the Director shall include but are not limited to the following tasks:

• Coordinate the activity of the organization and committees, ensuring that communication is well established. Assist committee volunteers with implementation of work plan items.
• Manage all administrative aspects of the organization, including purchasing, record keeping, budget development, accounting, legal/regulatory compliance, insurance, preparing all reports required by the Maine Downtown Center, assisting with the preparation of grant and funding agency reports, and supervising employees or consultants.
• Assist the organization’s board of directors and committees in developing an annual action plan for implementing a downtown revitalization program focused on four areas: design, historic preservation; promotion and marketing; organization/management; and economic restructuring/development in collaboration with downtown businesses and the City.
• Develop on-going public awareness of the Gardiner Main Street program.
• Coordinate staff, volunteers along with other local entities in planning and executing promotional events, such as festivals or business promotions. This includes leading the planning and coordination of the annual Gardiner Swine & Stein Brewfest event, the organization's preeminent annual event.
• Promote and market downtown Gardiner through social media, newsletters, email campaigns and other promotional avenues.
• Be the voice and face of the organization. Represent the community to important constituencies at the local, state, and national levels. Speak effectively on the program’s directions and work, mindful of the need to improve state and national economic development policies as they relate to commercial districts. Build and maintain relationships with a wide variety of downtown stakeholders.
• Ensure that the Board of Directors is aware of local issues and trends, best practices within the National Main Street model, and is connected to the day-to-day work of staff.  Provide continuous feedback and vision to support Board and Committee work.
• Support annual fundraising efforts, and support a year-round cycle of philanthropy. Help maintain donor relations and develop materials for fundraising.
• Manage employees and consultants as funding allows.

Essential Knowledge and Skills 

Knowledge

• An understanding or experience with community and economic development.
• Familiarity with historic preservation in a downtown setting.
• An understanding of the needs of downtown businesses, residents, property owners, real estate developers, public agencies and community organizations.

Skills

• Ability to manage volunteers, boards and projects.
• Event planning experience is necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent with technology (Google and/or Microsoft suite, social media platforms, email marketing, Quickbooks, website management, etc.).
• Grant writing experience is a plus.

A bachelor's degree in a related field or commensurate work experience is required.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and references to: Gardiner Main Street, PO Box 194, Gardiner, ME 04345, or via email (preferred) to board@gardinermainstreet.org.

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.