Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director will lead and manage the Thibodaux Main Street program, focusing on economic development and revitalization of our downtown area. This role requires a leader who can collaborate with the Board of Directors and various stakeholders (including the City of Thibodaux, Chamber of Commerce, Lafourche Parish, The Historic District Commission, and others) to design, implement, and evaluate strategies that promote community development and the vitality of the district. The Executive Director will serve as a facilitator, coordinator, and advocate to ensure the successful implementation of the Main Street approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the board of directors to create strategies for economic development focused on preservation. Identify key resources, partners, and interest groups to support the revitalization efforts of the downtown district. Support the board and committees in developing and executing a work plan aligned with program goals, objectives, and the Main Street approach.

I. Leadership & Organizational Management

• Serve as the program ambassador, acting as the public face of Thibodaux Main Street.
• Maintain the status of our organization as a 501c3 non-profit through adherence to laws, regulations, and reporting requirements set forth.
• Work with the Board of Directors to implement an annual work plan that aligns with Main Street America principles.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee the administrative and organizational functions including purchasing, record-keeping, budget planning and management, and report preparation.
• Serve as the representative of Thibodaux Main Street at local, state, and national levels, effectively communicating its direction, activities, and accomplishments.

II. Economic Development & Business Support

• Identify key resources, partners, and interest groups to support downtown revitalization.
• Create relationships with those partners or interest groups and maintain them for the betterment of our city and program area as we all work together to create a more vibrant and active downtown.
• Assist in the retention, expansion, and recruitment of businesses in the Main Street district.
• Maintain an updated listing of businesses and properties (vacant or otherwise) for the Main Street District.
• Maintain positive relationships with all businesses in our district and provide support when and where possible to each of them to promote their success within the district.
• Provide business owners with resources such as technical support, funding opportunities, and market research.
• Track and report economic impact data, including job creation, investment statistics, and business growth.
• Evaluate and strengthen the capacity of district businesses, institutions, and organizations to collaboratively undertake improvement initiatives, including physical upgrades, enhanced business practices, promotional events, advertising efforts, parking management, and business recruitment.
• Establish and manage systems to monitor the progress of the Main Street program. Maintain detailed records of rental rates, investments made by property owners and the city, as well as the number of jobs and businesses created to demonstrate the program's economic and intangible impact.

III. Marketing & Public Relations

• Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase awareness of Thibodaux Main Street.
• Manage public communications, including website content, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Organize public awareness initiatives that educate the community on the program’s goals and impact.
• Represent the program at the local, state, and national levels, advocating for historic preservation and economic development.

IV. Event Planning & Community Engagement

• Plan and execute community events, festivals, and promotional activities to enhance downtown vibrancy.
• Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations to foster collaboration.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers to support Thibodaux Main Street initiatives and events.
• Support each Thibodaux Main Street committee in implementing its work plan in conjunction with the Committee Chair, its volunteers, and to a greater extent the Board of Directors.
• It is the director's responsibility to build and develop volunteer capacity and ensure that committee activities run smoothly. The director acts as a facilitator, coordinating people and resources to enable committee volunteers to work efficiently and achieve productivity.

V. Fundraising & Grant Management

• Secure funding through sponsorships, grants, and event revenue.
• Research and apply for grant opportunities to support the organization and it’s ability to further impact the district it serves.
• Manage donor relationships and maintain financial transparency.

VI. Advocacy & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between downtown businesses, property owners, and city officials.
• Foster strong and effective partnerships by cultivating productive relationships with local and state agencies, business associations, schools, nonprofits, civic groups, media outlets, and other stakeholders
• Create and implement ongoing public awareness and educational initiatives to promote appreciation for the Main Street district and enhance understanding of the program's goals, objectives, and accomplishments.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Reporting Relationship

The Executive Director is accountable to the TMS Board of Directors for all organizational decisions and program changes that extend beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business, economic development, historic preservation, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in program management, economic development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Strong project management, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Profienciency with Canva or other social media design platforms.
• Familiarity with social media and website management.

DESIRED

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and sponsorship development.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends for events and community meetings.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Character traits, managerial skills, and Other Characteristics

• Enthusiasm for commercial district revitalization
• Diplomatic when working with a variety of people
• Energetic, Entrepreneurial, Imaginative
• Well organized
• Capable of functioning independently
• Able to work well with people
• Skilled at one-on-one communications
• Sensitivity to design and preservation issues
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Adaptable and flexible attitude
• Self-starter who takes initiatives

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in this position?

Ability to Relocate:

• Thibodaux, LA 70301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000