Executive Director

Overview: The Hopewell Downtown Partnership is seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive

Director to lead our nonprofit and Main Street revitalization efforts. This full-time position

requires a passionate and innovative individual dedicated to enhancing the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hopewell. The Executive Director will work closely with the

Hopewell Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, local businesses, community organizations,

and government agencies to achieve the strategic goals of the Virginia Main Street program and

the local community.

Responsibilities: The Executive Director will be responsible for leading and implementing the

Four-Point Approach in Design, Promotion, Economic Positioning, and Organization, ensuring

alignment with Virginia Main Street and National Main Street Center standards. This role

requires the development and execution of strategic plans and annual work plans for

preservation-based economic development, focusing on revitalizing the Main Street district and

guiding the organization as its objectives evolve to meet changing community needs and

economic conditions.

Community engagement is a key component of this position. The Executive Director

will collaborate with volunteers, local businesses, property owners, and government

agencies to foster a cooperative climate for downtown revitalization. Building strong

relationships with key stakeholders, including municipal and county government, local

and state agencies, nonprofit associations, civic groups, schools, and residents, is

essential. The Executive Director will represent the organization and community at local,

state, and national levels, effectively communicating the program’s goals and

Accomplishments.

Program management responsibilities include coordinating the daily operations of the

Main Street corporation and office, including budgeting, record-keeping, and reporting.

The Executive Director will manage the recruitment, evaluation, and retention of

volunteers, ensuring their effective involvement in downtown-related projects.

Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee administrative tasks such as purchasing,

accounting, and preparation of reports required by the coordinating Main Street program

and funding agencies.

Marketing/Strategic Communications requires that the Director develop and conduct ongoing public awareness campaigns and educational programs designed to create appreciation of the downtown district and foster understanding of Main Street goals. Utilizing various media channels, including speaking engagements, press releases, media interviews, and personal appearances, the Executive Director will promote the organization’s mission and activities as well as activities and initiatives throughout the district. Internal and external communications include website design, newsletters, social media page management, and graphic design skills for print materials including posters, flyers, postcards, annual reports, and professional materials including supporting documents for grant applications and request for proposals etc.

Economic development responsibilities include assisting and developing the capacity of downtown businesses, institutions, and organizations to undertake improvement activities,

such as physical enhancements, better business practices, promotional events, and

business development strategies. The Executive Director will support individual tenants

or property owners with property improvement projects by providing technical assistance

including professional design consultation and support with financing options.

Developing and implementing business recruitment and retention strategies, tourism

campaigns, historic infrastructure rehabilitation projects, revolving loans, and grant

procurement efforts are also key aspects of the role.

Fundraising and Resource Management is essential to the success of this organization

and this role. The Director is responsible for fundraising for the organization’s annual

budget (minimum of $180,000) and additional main street activities, programs, events,

and professional development i.e. conferences and travel with limited Board support. This

will involve budget advocacy to the City Council, exploring opportunities to solicit

private and public-sector support in the form of grants, gifts, donations, memberships,

and contracts and building relationships with diverse donors and donor groups like

foundations who work in areas related to the Hopewell Downtown Partnerships mission.

The Executive Director will maintain local Main Street donor and sponsor lists, tax

documents, and correspondence as well as program records and financial reports. In

conjunction with the Board Treasurer and accountant, the Executive Director will

manage the annual program budget, financial reviews, and financial records.

Event Planning A critical part of the role includes organizing and managing at least two

large-scale events each year that attract visitors from surrounding areas to downtown

Hopewell and engage entrepreneurs and small businesses as vendors. These events will

highlight both the downtown district and the scenic river, showcasing everything the area

has to offer, and serve as an opportunity to incubate small businesses. These events are

designed to boost local business sales, foster community pride, and draw attention to

Hopewell’s unique blend of urban and natural attractions.The Executive Director will

also assist with the development and implementation of other downtown events and

festivals that promote the downtown revitalization strategies and attract visitors to the

area. Coordination will require vendor recruitment and management skills in compliance

with the City of Hopewell, the Commissioner’s Office, the Health Department, and collaboration with local businesses and community organizations to plan and execute

successful events that enhance the vibrancy of downtown Hopewell.

Monitoring and evaluation are critical components of the position. The Executive

Director will develop and maintain systems to track the progress of the Main Street

organization, quantifying downtown improvements through required quarterly reports,

photos, property inventories, and other documentation. The Executive Director will attend

all required training, professional development activities, and planning meetings

mandated by Virginia Main Street to fulfill responsibilities under any agreements with the

state organization.

Supervisory responsibilities include managing any necessary temporary or permanent

employees, interns, volunteer committees as well as professional consultants, and

participating in personnel and project evaluations. Cultivating and retaining a diverse base

of volunteers and partner organizations to assist the organization in fulfilling its mission is

also essential. The Director will also provide support to the Board Chair with the

development of materials and reports for Board Meetings and with the management and

flow of Board Meetings.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or experience in commercial district management, economics, finance, public relations, planning, business administration, public administration, retailing, volunteer or non-profit administration, architecture, historic preservation, or small business development.
• Experience in non-profit fundraising, marketing, grant writing, and event planning is preferred.
• Sensitivity to design and preservation issues and an understanding of the challenges facing downtown business owners, property owners, and community organizations.
• Entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, and well-organized, with the ability to function effectively in an independent environment.
• Excellent computer, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Supervisory and volunteer development skills are desirable.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in a similar or complementary role.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local economic and community development tools available for downtown revitalization.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, database management, QuickBooks, and
• PowerPoint.
• Graphic design and social media skills are desirable.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and tools such as email marketing, website maintenance, and blog writing.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Physical requirements - the Director needs to regularly traverse the Main Street corridor to meet with business owners and other stakeholders and to coordinate or support events. Some projects will require entering blighted and/or dilapidated buildings. The Director will need to be able to move actively around the district in all four seasons, lift up to thirty pounds and set up event equipment including tents, and consistently operate office machinery.

Benefits: $50,000 - $70,000 per year in salary and benefits to be discussed and tailored during

the hiring process. Starting salary will be commensurate with education and/or experience.

Director is responsible for sourcing the overall organizational budget including their salary as

well as any raises, following approval by the Board of Directors. Salary growth is possible in

relation to fundraising. The Executive Director will receive fourteen days of paid leave, accruing

at 1.17 days per month, and five days of paid sick leave. Paid holidays include July 4th, Labor

Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, President’s Day,

Martin Luther King Day, and Memorial Day. Mileage reimbursement is provided at 57.5 cents

per mile for approved professional development travel, and travel expenses are reimbursed

subject to appropriate documentation. A health care stipend is included in the final salary

amount.