Executive Director
JOB TITLE: Downtown Development Authority Executive Director
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Community Recreation and Events (Downtown Development Authority)
SUPERVISOR: Community Recreation and Events Director
SALARY: $86,778 to $130,167 annually
The DDA Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive and strategic leader of the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority (DDA), responsible for advancing the Board’s vision for a vibrant and resilient downtown Cheyenne. Under the direction of the DDA Board of Directors and in partnership with the City of Cheyenne, the Executive Director provides leadership in downtown revitalization, organizational strategy, economic development coordination, public-private partnerships, strategic communications, and implementation of the Downtown Plan of Development. 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.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide overall leadership and management of the Downtown Development Authority, including supervision of staff and coordination of contracted services; establish workloads, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships;; and identify and implement improvements to programs, service methods, and procedures..
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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 annual 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.
- Facilitate redevelopment initiatives by developing and maintaining trusted executive-level relationships with downtown property and business owners, developers, investors, and public partners with available resources, incentives, and technical assistance.
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Direct and oversee complex planning efforts, development initiatives, catalyst projects, and grant-funded projects (including public-private partnership initiatives) ensuring progress aligns with adopted plans, funding requirements, and organizational goals.
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Maintain accountability for organizational performance, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including preparation and submission of required special district reports and transparent reporting to the Board and community.
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Serve as the organization's primary spokesperson, representing the DDA to media, elected officials, businesses, property owners, community organizations, and the public to communicate organizational priorities, accomplishments, and project outcomes, and maintaining productive relationships across all stakeholder groups.
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Execute the Comprehensive Communications Strategy, overseeing initiatives that promote the Downtown District, encourage visitation, promote investment opportunities, and support sponsored public events.
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Advise the Board on emerging trends, best practices, and research in downtown revitalization, urban planning, placemaking, economic development, and district management.
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Coordinate closely with the City, County, state, federal, and partner agencies on interagency efforts to support business recruitment, redevelopment opportunities, and private investment within downtown..
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Plan, attend, and support all DDA Board meetings, including prepare agendas, packets, public notices, and executive-level reports; advise the Board on policy, strategy, and organizational performance.
SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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.
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Identify and execute appropriate partnerships, contracts, and other operational agreements to carry out strategic operations and activities of the organization.
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Identify and prepare grant applications and other revenue sources to fund DDA projects and initiatives; coordinate preparation of related operational, grant, and program reports, supporting documentation, and data collection to ensure compliance and performance tracking..
- Establish measurable organizational objectives and key performance indicators to evaluate the health, growth, and economic vitality of downtown.
- Support planning and development initiatives related to the Community Recreation and Events Department and other City departments whose programs affect the DDA District.
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Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
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Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of downtown development and district management
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Knowledge of economic development principles and organizational collaboration
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Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
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Knowledge of budgeting and financial management.
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Ability to work independently, self-motivated and organized.
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Experienced in project management.
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Experienced in nonprofit/municipal board governance, public sector administration, and/or organizational management.
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Knowledge of marketing strategies and social media and digital marketing applications including but not limited to email, website management, Facebook, and Instagram.
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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.
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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.
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Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, employees, business owners, residents, boards, commissions, and the public.
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Ability to provide sound fiscal leadership based on an understanding of public financing and indebtedness supported by taxes or assessments.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
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
