Opelika Main Street - Executive Director Job Description

Work Objectives

The Executive Director is responsible for the development, conduct, execution, and documentation of the Opelika Main Street (OMS) program as set forth by the Opelika Main Street Board of Directors. The local program is based on Main Street America’s “Four Point” approach which focuses on Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. The Executive Director will champion this approach in the downtown Opelika historic and business districts through promoting small business, coordinating events, and facilitating grants and other resources.

The following is a summary of the Executive Director’s duties and responsibilities.

Office Administration and Upkeep

Open/Close the OMS office during posted hours. Receive OMS members and other visitors to the office. Monitor and respond accordingly to the OMS telephone line and email addresses. Maintain a clean and presentable office and facilitate any needed janitorial or maintenance services for the OMS building.

Maintain a Positive Community Presence and Awareness of City Affairs

Regularly attend and represent OMS’ interests at Opelika City Council Meetings as well as other relevant local, state, and national organizations. Develop strong and productive relationships with appropriate public agencies at the local and state levels. (Attendance in such functions will be included in the overall time commitment expectations and not in addition to other regular duties. Expenses related to obligations outside of the local area will be covered by OMS in keeping with our travel policies.)

Communications

Ensure the OMS Membership is kept informed of events, opportunities, and available resources relevant to the goals of the OMS organization. Ensure the OMS website, social media, print/advertising efforts are up to date, on brand, on budget, relevant to the targeted audience, and generating the desired results.

Property and Resource Management

Ensure the OMS building, physical property, and resources are inventoried, kept in good condition, and readily available for approved use.

Personnel and Volunteer Management

Manage OMS Interns, support staff, and volunteers in their daily or event-based activities. Recruit interns from Auburn University, Southern Union SCC, or other relevant organizations. Recruit program and event volunteers from the community, local groups, and by partnering with AO Tourism.

Development

Lead OMS’ funding efforts including membership recruiting and management, fundraising and sponsorships, grant writing, program applications, etc.

Membership and Local Business Support

Provide advice and guidance to our membership and commercial tenants within the OMS district as it relates to Main Street programs and available resources. With OMS Board approval, champion and promote matters that align with the strategic goals of the Main Streep program. Facilitate and lead OMS Membership meetings based off board approved schedules and agendas.

Historic Preservation and Economic Growth

Develop, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, downtown economic development strategies focused on historic preservation and targeted economic growth in line with the Main Street Program guidelines. Advise downtown merchants and help coordinate joint promotional events designed to both increase commerce and establish the downtown area as a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Foster positive relationships with merchants and property owners and establish a vision for economic development with the full use of the local property inventory, incorporating the goals of design and historic preservation.

Program Committees

Coordinate the activities and monitor the effectiveness of OMS strategic committees (Design, Economic Vitality, Programs, and Membership).

Project and Event Management

With the assistance of the Board, lead the planning and execution of OMS events. (Currently our core events are On the Tracks, Christmas in a Railroad Town, Main Street On Tap, and Touch-a-Truck)

Oversight and the OMS Board of Directors

The Executive Director is an employee of the OMS organization and reports to the President of the Board and the Board of Directors. The Director shall:

• Ensure the Board is kept up to date and aware of matters requiring their attention or time.

• Work with the Board President to establish the agenda for the monthly board meetings.

• Assist the Board of Directors in developing and adhering to the organization’s annual budget.

• Coordinate purchasing, record keeping, budget development, accounting, and reporting as required by the Main Street program, City of Opelika, and other entities.

• Coordinate with and report to the Board Treasurer on all expenses.

• Assist the Board Secretary in recording accurate minutes for all Board meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field of study + Two (2) years of relevant experience with a focus on public relations and general office operations*

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to include public speaking

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, primarily Word and Excel

• Working knowledge of social media platforms and marketing strategies

• Valid driver's license/liability insurance and the ability to travel for OMS obligations. (Car, Air Travel, Etc.) Ability to rent and operate non-CDL rated vehicles and equipment. (“U-Haul” truck, golf cart, etc.)

• Ability to lift 30 pounds (i.e., folding chairs and tables, tailgate tents, etc.)

*In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, five (5) years’ relevant experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing, event planning, or administration may be accepted.

Desired Qualifications to Include

• 5+ years in nonprofit/organizational leadership, development, Project Management, PR/Marketing, to include event planning and budgeting, fundraising, commercial district management, economics, finance, public relations, municipal planning, business administration, public administration, retail, volunteer or non-profit administration, architecture, historic preservation, and/or small business development

• Skilled and engaging public speaker

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Maestro DB system

• Experience in Marketing campaigns (traditional and digital)

• Grant and proposal writing experience

• Ability to create marketing, promotional, and instructional pieces for print, social media, and web use. (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, etc.)

Conflicts of Interest, Public Perception, and Confidentiality

The Executive Director is the primary public representative of Opelika Main Street. Through serving our members and coordinating with our various constituencies, the Executive Director will have advanced knowledge of upcoming events, businesses/properties going up for sale, non-public insight into local businesses, etc. Employment shall be contingent on the candidate agreeing to the following:

• The Executive Director may not engage in any business activity outside of their stated Opelika Main Street duties without the express approval of the Opelika Main Street Board of Directors.

• The Executive Director must disclose ALL personal business endeavors to the OMS Board. At the discretion of the Board, any business venture that presents an overt or potential conflict with the public perception or goals of the Opelika Main Street organization may disqualify a candidate from consideration.

• The Executive Director is prohibited from using their position, influence, or Opelika Main Street resources for personal financial gain. This includes the exchange or withholding of any gifts, goods, or services.

• The Executive Director is expressly prohibited from disclosing any non-public or confidential information learned because of their position or duties. The selected candidate will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

• The Executive Director role is a public facing position that represents the Opelika Main Street organization. The Executive Director is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on OMS, its membership, and the City of Opelika, as determined by the Board of Directors

Time Commitment, Travel, and Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position involving work in and out of the office. It is expected that the Executive Director will maintain appropriate weekly office hours during the work week based on the needs of the organization when not attending offsite meetings, training, or event related activities. Given that this position requires occasional night and weekend meetings or events, corresponding time off will be allotted. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Other benefits include potential bonus opportunities, a health insurance stipend, company cellphone for Opelika Main Street business, paid holidays, paid time off, and paid job training.

Please send applications to board@opelikamainstreet.org