Downtown Design Manager

Downtown Design Manager
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Senior Director of Downtown Development

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin’s future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

The Downtown Design Manager helps Wisconsin communities revitalize downtowns and historic commercial districts through design expertise, technical assistance, and strategic community development support. This role collaborates with local leaders, property owners, and partner organizations to advance redevelopment projects, strengthen district identity, and support sustainable economic growth across the state. In this role, you will:

• Provide technical assistance and design expertise to communities pursuing downtown and commercial district revitalization initiatives
• Support redevelopment projects through design guidance, schematic renderings, and assistance navigating local review and permitting processes
• Serve as a subject matter expert on building design, historic preservation, downtown development best practices, and related incentive programs
• Develop and deliver workshops, training programs, and educational resources for communities and stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities, partner organizations, and economic development stakeholders
• Represent WEDC at conferences, meetings, and public events that support downtown and community development efforts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, community development, architecture, real estate, business administration, or a related field
• Five or more years of experience in community development, planning, architecture, commercial real estate, or a related field
• Knowledge of downtown revitalization, redevelopment, design review, and historic preservation principles
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities
• Frequent statewide travel, including occasional overnight travel (more than 30%)

Benefits

WEDC is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our team. We offer a remote-first work environment that promotes work-life balance, supported by generous paid time off (PTO) and a culture that values flexibility. Professional development is a priority at WEDC, and we invest in our employees through dedicated training resources, internal learning opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and support for professional certifications. In addition to these development-focused offerings, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System; a hybrid work allowance; and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.