Main Street Holly DDA Executive Director

The ideal candidate will use a strategic mindset to drive the future success of Main Street Holly DDA by developing and coordinating a plan to strengthen the economic vitality of the downtown district in consultation with the DDA board. With responsibility for all program areas, this candidate will execute all areas of need for the organization including management in the following areas: fiscal, operational, program development, community relations, and board relations.  The DDA uses the Main Street approach, a grass-roots downtown revitalization framework, focused on business development and retention, physical improvements and maintenance, marketing and events, and volunteer and organizational growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, communications, organizational and collaboration skills. Must be a self-starter, energetic, imaginative, and understand the dynamics of small businesses and traditional, historic downtowns. 

The Downtown Development Authority Executive Director is responsible for the development, execution, implementation and documentation of Downtown Development Authority (DDA) activities in the Village of Holly. The Executive Director is a full-time position and shall be the Chief Executive Administrator of the DDA responsible for the preparation of plans and the performance of all functions of the Authority. The Executive Director shall attend all meetings of the DDA Board and render to the Board regular reports concerning the activities of the DDA. The Director works at the direction of the DDA Board Chair in determining overall development objectives and action plans and has responsibility for project oversight and administration. The oversight activities are to be done with an emphasis on downtown revitalization within the context of historic preservation. Furthermore, the Executive Director shall furnish the DDA Board with any information and or reports the Board may require. Pursuant to Public Act 57, the Executive Director shall not be a civil servant and is not an employee of the Village of Holly, but may be afforded medical and retirement benefits.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct the DDA of the Village of Holly in accordance with state and federal regulations under the authority of the DDA Board of Directors. 
• Annually create a strategic organizational plan, annual budget, and provide financial reports to the Board
• Maintain a climate that attracts and retains talent, businesses and visitors
• Create and maintain relationships with individuals and organizations to facilitate success of organization's financial future
• Prepare agendas, reports, and materials for board meetings
• Develop annual work plans along with the committees which include Economic Vitality, Design, Promotions, and Organization 
• Along with the Organization Committee, actively seek partnerships and ways in which the DDA can collaborate with other stakeholders in Holly and the surrounding area
• Develop and maintain data systems to track the process and progress of projects and metrics and prepare necessary reports to the Board and other agencies as required.
• Administer all aspects of the DDA operations, such as preparing reports required by the Village, the DDA Board and funding agencies. This may involve working with the Village Clerk/Treasurer on the preparation of Board meeting agendas, taking of the minutes and posting notices in accordance with the Open Meetings Act of Michigan. 
• Working with the Economic Vitality Committee, recruit businesses, retain existing businesses and promote the success of the current businesses.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Proposals and Request for Quotes for projects, and then manage those projects through completion. 
• Along with the Design Committee, proactively assist individual tenants and/or property owners with physical improvement projects and funding sources 
• Work with the Promotions Committee to develop and conduct an on‐going, high profile, public image and education program, to expose the general public to the high quality and selection of businesses in the DDA District and advance its image as a great place to own a business, work, live and visit. 
• Assist the Promotions Committee in the coordination of joint promotional events, such as seasonal festivals, concerts, sidewalk sales, and parades.
• Work with the downtown business community, Chamber of Commerce, and all civic, church, and social groups with an interest in the downtown business district. Serve as a liaison to encourage a cooperative climate between downtown interests, local public officials, non‐profit groups and the general public.
• Develop and maintain a database of technical information on downtown development issues, programs, services and projects; maintain an inventory of buildings and sites in the downtown district and direct rental or development inquiries to the proper persons or agents for further discussions; maintain information on taxes, TIF funding, transportation, community services, financing tools, etc; respond to all requests for information regarding any downtown issue, prepare and distribute downtown promotional materials.
• Continually improve, maintain, and update the DDA website and applicable social media platforms.
• Monitor local, state, and federal legislation and regulations relating to and affecting downtown development issues for the DDA; regularly report to the DDA Board these legislative findings and how these changes will affect the downtown. 
• Represent the DDA at appropriate meetings and forums; effectively speak about the DDA, its programs, initiatives, upcoming projects, visions and accomplishments.
• Work with the appropriate public agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to obtain funding for private and public project funding through grants and other sources. These include but are not limited to design assistance, infrastructure improvements, promotions, building rehabilitation, parking, and other DDA District improvements. This will require grant writing, administration and management of projects. 
• Keep the DDA Board, City Council, local media, and other organizations informed on a regular basis, on the progress of programs and projects through the use of verbal and or written updates.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences on a regular basis to keep updated on current trends, industry tools, and new legislation offered by Main Street Oakland County and other organizations.
• Along with the Organization Committee, develop a volunteer management plan to work effectively with volunteers, understanding the importance of volunteer involvement. 
• Undertake other duties as may be determined by the DDA Board. 

Qualifications

• BA in urban planning, marketing, communications, historic preservation or related degree -OR- five years of previous management or board of director experience
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting and record keeping practices and principles 
• Skill in developing and fostering effective public relations and community promotion techniques 
• Ability to provide leadership to the DDA Board, businesses in the DDA District, Village Council and Village Staff 
• Capable of being an implementer, thriving on managing a variety of key projects simultaneously, under tight deadlines 
• Skill in communication, both orally and in writing with the ability to provide concise and articulate reports and presentations to a variety of audiences 
• Ability to self-start, work independently, and maintain an entrepreneurial spirit 
• Ability to coordinate all elements of events and meetings 
• Successful fundraising, grant writing and fund development experience a plus

Salary:  

Salary to be determined based upon qualifications and experience but will be in the range of $55,000 - $70,000 per year plus healthcare (medical, dental, vision), paid-time off, sick-time, life insurance and a retirement contribution.

Apply:

Send resume, cover letter and three references to ddadirector@hollyvillage.org. Applications will be accepted until May 14, 2025.