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Downtown Development Authority Executive Director

JOB TITLE:                 Downtown Development Authority Executive Director

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt

DEPARTMENT:        Planning and Development (Downtown Development Authority)

SUPERVISOR:          Planning and Development Director

SALARY:                    $84,250 to $126,376 annually

The Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Executive Director is responsible for the leadership, planning, marketing, development, implementation, and documentation of downtown development and revitalization activities within the DDA District of the City of Cheyenne. Under the direction of the DDA Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the primary point of contact for downtown development efforts and is responsible for overseeing all DDA projects, programs, and operations. The position leads the development and execution of strategic goals, manages staff and contractors, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Board directives.

As a visible and proactive advocate for downtown, the Executive Director builds strong relationships with local businesses, property owners, community organizations, government entities, and the general public. The position also manages the organization's public relations, marketing, and communications efforts to promote downtown Cheyenne as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. The Executive Director performs all administrative and operational duties necessary for the effective functioning of the DDA.

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Downtown Development Authority, including supervision of staff and coordination of contracted services. Establish priorities, performance expectations, and work plans; delegate responsibilities; monitor performance; and ensure effective coordination of programs and activities.
• Lead the development and implementation of short- and long-range plans, goals, objectives, and priorities for the Downtown Development District, aligning programs with Board direction and community needs.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Downtown Development Authority budget. Coordinate the annual budget approval process with the City of Cheyenne, the DDA Board, and other public agencies as required; oversee expenditure monitoring to ensure operations remain within approved budgets; and recommend adjustments as necessary, with detailed financial tracking provided by contracted services.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of programs, service methods and procedures; assess and monitor workloads, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; and implement necessary improvements.
• Direct and oversee complex planning efforts, development initiatives, and grant-funded projects; ensure progress aligns with approved plans, funding requirements, and organizational goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the DDA and City, County, state, federal, and partner agencies; coordinate interagency efforts and resolve significant or sensitive issues.
• Plan, attend, and support all DDA Board meetings; prepare agendas, packets, public notices, and executive-level reports; advise the Board on policy, strategy, and organizational performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements; oversee preparation and submission of required special district reports and documentation.
• Represent the DDA to boards, community partners, downtown businesses, economic development organizations, and the public; communicate organizational priorities, project status, and outcomes.

• Encourage a cooperative climate among downtown interests and local public officials; builds strong, productive working relationships with community leaders, organizations and members of the public directly and indirectly involved in downtown Cheyenne.
• Identify and execute appropriate partnerships, contracts, and other operational agreements to carry out strategic operations and activities of the organization.
• Coordinate or assist in the preparation of routine operational, grant, and program reports; supporting documentation; and data collection activities, as needed, to ensure organizational compliance and performance tracking.
• Identify and prepare appropriate grant applications and/or additional revenue sources to fund DDA projects and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain appropriate data and record keeping systems to track, compile and analyze downtown data and economic key performance indicators to prepare a variety of reports for the City and DDA Board, community partners and downtown stakeholders.
• Provides support to planning and development initiatives related to the Planning and Development Department and other City departments related to programs that affect the DDA District.
• Provide limited support to staff in the execution of marketing, promotional, and communication activities, including review of content, participation in campaigns, or interim assistance when necessary.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management.
• Ability to work independently, self-motivated and organized.
• Experienced in project management.
• Experienced in nonprofit and/or organizational management.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and social media and digital marketing applications including but not limited to email, LISTSERV, website management, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to make effective presentations at public speaking events, media interviews, and represent the DDA in public relations matters.
• Strong technical writing skills are required for grant writing and tracking, preparation of Board meeting packets, meeting minutes, etc. Creative writing skills for content on promotional materials, newsletters, press releases and other online presence sources.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, employees, business owners, residents, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Ability to provide sound fiscal leadership based on an understanding of public financing and indebtedness supported by taxes or assessments.

Required:

College or University coursework in business management, public administration, public relations, business, communications, marketing, urban planning, urban renewal or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above.

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community development, marketing, finance, business, economic development, grant writing, historic preservation, urban planning, public relations, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS                                                                                          

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain the physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 30 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Working Environment:

Generally, works closely with others in an office environment utilizing a computer and other office equipment and sometimes works in a field environment working with downtown business and property owners, working closely with others, exposure to noise customary with public-oriented events, and exposure to typical risks with traversing and urban environment on foot.

The City of Cheyenne offers the following benefits to Full Time Employees.

Health

Dental

Vision

Life

Pension