Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive, community connector, and champion for downtown Danville. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role leads fundraising, strategy, partnerships, and day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance with Indiana Main Street accreditation requirements. The Executive Director works closely with volunteers, businesses, residents, local government, and regional partners to advance a shared vision for a strong, inclusive downtown.
This is a hybrid position, combining remote administrative work with a visible, on-the-ground presence in downtown Danville for meetings, events, business outreach, and community engagement.
Qualifications
Required
· Nonprofit management, public administration, business, marketing, planning, or related field, or equivalent experience.
· Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit, community development, downtown, or economic development work.
· Strong relationship building, facilitation, and communication skills.
· Experience managing budgets, grants, or fundraising efforts.
· Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to a dynamic community environment.
Preferred
· Familiarity with the Indiana Mainstreet Street program.
· Experience working with boards and volunteer-led organizations.
· Knowledge of small-town or rural community development.
· Grant writing and reporting experience.
· Connection to Hendricks County or willingness to build strong local ties.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommunity Leadership & Advocacy
· Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for Downtown Danville Partnership
· Build trust-based relationships with downtown businesses, property owners, residents, civic groups, and local government.
· Facilitate inclusive community engagement and ensure diverse voices are represented in downtown initiatives.
· Champion downtown Danville as a welcoming place to live, work, shop, and gather.
Organizational & Operational Leadership
· Manage daily operations of the nonprofit, including policies, procedures, and records.
· Lead and coordinate all program activities using the Indiana Main Street Approach - Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization - while ensuring full compliance with accreditation standards, including required quarterly and annual reporting.
· Serve as the primary liaison to Indiana Main Street, maintaining ongoing communication and participating in all required trainings, meetings, and evaluations.
· Recruit, support, and coordinate volunteers, committees, and project teams.
· Provide strong staff oversight if applicable (or manage contractors/partners.
· Foster a positive, mission-driven organizational culture.
Financial Management & Fundraising
· Prepare and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board.
· Oversee financial controls, reporting, and compliance.
· Lead fundraising efforts, including grants, sponsorships, donations, and events.
· Cultivate donors and community investors to ensure long-term sustainability.
Economic Vitality & Downtown Development
· Support existing downtown businesses through outreach, resources, and referrals.
· Collaborate with property owners, developers, and local officials to encourage appropriate reinvestment and redevelopment.
· Track, analyze, and report required performance metrics (business starts, jobs, investment, volunteers, etc.).
Marketing, Promotion & Communications
· Lead downtown branding and promotional strategies that reflect Danville’s character and community values.
· Develop and manage digital and print communications, including social media, website, newsletters, and press outreach.
· Coordinate signature events and placemaking activities that build community pride and bring people downtown.
Board Relations & Governance
· Support an engaged, effective Board of Directors through clear communication and collaboration.
· Prepare agendas, reports, and data for board and committee meetings.
· Assist with board recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development.
· Partner with the Board on strategic planning and performance evaluation.
Work Environment & Schedule
· Hybrid schedule with flexible hours
· Regular in-person presence is required in Downtown Danville.
· Some evening and weekend work are expected for meetings, events, and community activities.
Compensation
· Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
· Professional development assistance
Pay: $35,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Danville, IN (Hendricks County)
