Downtown Development Specialist

State Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

412d • $61,110 - $94,806

About The Position

The Downtown Development Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting downtown development and businesses, spurring economic growth throughout the state of Iowa. This position provides hands-on technical assistance and individualized support to local business owners to breathe new life into towns. It is a dynamic and engaging role that offers the chance to see measurable impacts within communities.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, journalism, or marketing.
• Experience equal to two years of full-time work that involved responsibility for interpreting laws, rules, and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or compiling and evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial, or technical related or program data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in business development or economic development.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the Main Street program.
• Passion for community engagement and downtown revitalization.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person and virtual technical assistance to Main Street Communities and other downtown development groups in Iowa communities.
• Travel to communities to conduct on-site visits and provide comprehensive downtown economic development assistance with an emphasis on specific downtown issues such as business development, merchandising, promotion, organizational planning, fundraising, and marketing.
• Conduct presentations and written reports summarizing technical assistance visits.
• Serve as liaison with new Main Street Executive Directors and provide training/mentoring to assist with role orientation.
• Lead outreach efforts to educate the public on the Iowa Downtown Resource Center (IDRC) and Main Street Iowa, including presenting at state and national conferences.
• Assist in the planning and execution of IDRC conferences and events.
• Collaborate with IDRC team members to provide specific team services for Main Street communities.
• Review applications for IDRC economic development grant programs.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree