Downtown Development Manager

Available with the City of Lafayette Indiana Economic Development Department:

POSITION: Downtown Development Manager

LOCATION: 515 Columbia St., Lafayette, IN 47901

HOURS: Full-time; 8am-4:30pm M-F (37.5 Hour workweek)

SALARY RANGE: PAT IV ($2,694.92 - $3,102.69/ bi-weekly)

DUTIES

The Economic Development Department is seeking a Downtown Development Manager focusing on relationships between downtown businesses, property owners, community organizations and the City. This position is responsible for strengthening relationships, supporting downtown business vitality, coordinating placemaking and quality of life initiatives, facilitating communication across City departments and assisting with downtown events/marketing, beautification, public spaces/art, historic preservation, transportation/parking policy and economic development efforts that enhance the downtown experience for residents, visitors and businesses. The incumbent works collaboratively with City departments, downtown stakeholders, neighborhood groups and community partners to support a vibrant, welcoming and economically strong downtown district.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Incumbent performs duties which are broad in scope and impact and require consideration of complex variables and their potential interrelationships in the assessment, design and implementation of programs for the community. Guidelines are not always clearly applicable to particular situations, calling for individual judgment in selection and modification of standard strategies and procedures to best meet the job and needs of the community.

Incumbent manages operations according to department goals and objectives, with majority of work performed according to general instructions or in conjunction with department policies and guidelines, or both, with work periodically reviewed for overall soundness in practices and compliance with general goals and policies of the department.

Incumbent reports directly to the Economic Development Director.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Economic Development, Marketing and Communication or related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Work involves frequent coordination among multiple stakeholders and City departments, balancing operational needs, economic developmental goals and community interests to support a vibrant and accessible downtown environment.

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare and submit detailed reports as required. Working knowledge of and demonstrated ability to manage computer operations and applications. Working knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications. Computers skills in web-based software, related programs and software, and basic word processing and programs. Perform a wide variety of technical duties using personal computers, portable computers, and smartphones or similar devices. Must be proficient using Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of graphic design, marketing and related software programs including, but not limited to, Canva, Photoshop, InDesign. Must be able to prepare professional documents using Word. Must be able to use Outlook to professionally correspond with City staff and the public, maintain current contact lists, and maintain appointments using calendars and track projects using tasks in Outlook. Must quickly learn and use department software and know how to troubleshoot and analyze software or hardware issues as they arise.

Ability to work independently and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision, often under time pressure. Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.

Ability to prepare and administer budgets. Working knowledge of standard grant writing practices with ability to locate funding sources and prepare and submit applications.

Ability to occasionally work extended, evening and weekend hours, and travel for meetings/conferences, sometimes overnight.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

The City of Lafayette is an Equal Opportunity Employer