About South of 6 Iowa City Business District
Founded in the spring of 2022, South of 6 is a dynamic 501(c)6 nonprofit driven by the collective vision of South District businesses, commercial property owners, and the local community. Together, we’re igniting a business renaissance on Iowa City’s south side—enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.
As a self-supported municipal improvement district (SSMID), So.6 provides leadership, resources, and funding to fuel progress.
- Vision: South of 6 is a multicultural ecosystem that celebrates diversity and innovation to incubate a business renaissance that enhances the Iowa City experience as a whole.
- Mission: To enhance economic development, wayfinding, and placemaking in the South District that supports a diverse, welcoming community.
- Values: South of 6 leads and operates through its core values that inform and drive action within the business district, community and throughout the region.
Job Overview
The South of 6 Business District is seeking an Executive Director with demonstrated competencies in urban planning, leadership, project management, grant administration, strategic thinking, and economic development. The successful candidate will build healthy and sustainable relationships across sectors.
The Executive Director must be an innovative and decisive leader who works collaboratively with businesses, property owners, community partners, service agencies, and stakeholder communities throughout the district. This role requires an authentic communicator who is highly approachable and skilled in grant writing, financial management, business development, and marketing.
The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations of the nonprofit organization and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Core responsibilities include research and development of business improvement opportunities, community outreach, planning and organizing, and management of staff, volunteers, and fiscal resources.
This position will also lead the renewal of the SSMID petition and the collaborative, technical, and process work required for its success. A key component of the role includes administering a contracted grant program in partnership with community and economic development partners to directly support underestimated business owners within and beyond the SSMID boundaries.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $70,000/year
- Health Stipend: $5,000/year (annual stipend toward health insurance)
- Retirement Match: Up to 3% match on base salary (~$2,100/year at full contribution)
- Total Package: ~$77,100/year at full retirement contribution
- Paid Time Off: 80 Hours of Paid Time Off to be accrued. Eligible for redemption after six months of employment.
- Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried, ~40 hours/week
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, standard business hours; some evenings and weekend required; travel for conferences as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated experience in leadership, financial management and budget development
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Duties & Responsiblities
Organizational Leadership
- Develop and oversee board-directed improvement programs and initiatives
- Create strategies to sustain and continuously improve baseline services in alignment with the SSMID mission
- Develop budgets and revenue plans; track financial progress across fiscal years
- Oversee development of a multi-year Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plan
- Conduct program evaluation to measure and communicate success to the Board, City of Iowa City, and stakeholders
- Administer local economic development and district improvement programs in full regulatory compliance; ensure successful fiscal audits
Economic Development
- Address the needs of businesses and industry within the district to support stability and growth
- Shape South of 6 SSMID strategy to respond to the evolving needs of businesses and residents
- Raise the visibility of district improvements as an essential component of citywide economic development
- Build criteria for evaluating the efficacy of South of 6 SSMID programs and measure performance of existing and proposed activities
- Report on significant developments and trends in district improvement and economic development to the Board
Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Proactively engage local stakeholders including board members, businesses, emerging business leaders, local/state/federal agencies and officials, community leaders, committees, partnering organizations, and funders
- Develop and oversee marketing and promotion of the South of Six Business District.
- Organize partners within the local area including other SSMIDs, economic development agencies, educational institutions, and community-based organizations
- Maintain proactive working relationships with the City Manager and city officials; cultivate relationships with local legislators and relevant elected officials
- Establish partnerships with relevant funders, businesses, and political and community leaders
- Improve communication between district businesses, city staff, and policymakers
Grants & Compliance
- Draft grant applications for federal, state, and local opportunities; manage all grants after award
- Manage fiscal and reporting processes for all grants in accordance with applicable regulations
- Conduct monitoring and oversight of levy funds and grants received by the SSMID
- Monitor federal, state, and local legislation and regulations; ensure SSMID compliance
- Develop and recommend modifications to policies and standard operating procedures to assure regulatory compliance
Essential Operations
- Serve as primary liaison between SSMID operations staff and the Board; work closely with the Executive Committee
- Organize and manage meetings for the Board and Committees; provide regular status reports
- Develop and implement policies and procedures as approved by the Board
- Manage all contracts and other agreements with the South of 6 SSMID
- Ensure sufficient development of baseline services, economic development initiatives, and proper allocation of resources
- Build partnerships with private sector leaders to gather information about current and projected business trends
- Maintain a full-time office for the organization utilizing volunteer and board support
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Location:
- Iowa City, IA 52240 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Iowa City, IA 52240 (Required)
Work Location: In person
