Position Overview
The State Community Development Coordinator leads and advances the Missouri Main Street Connection’s (MMSC) statewide programming and community development efforts through the Main Street Approach™ by providing strategic leadership, oversight, and technical assistance to Main Street programs throughout Missouri. This role ensures high-quality field services, supports local program excellence and compliance, manages statewide initiatives, including the MMSC Urban Main Initiative, and advances preservation-based economic development aligned with Main Street America standards.
The Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between MMSC, local programs, partners, and Main Street America, supporting communities in implementing the Main Street Approach® and leveraging data, strategy, and local capacity to strengthen Missouri’s historic commercial districts. Depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, this position may be filled at a senior or leadership level, with an expanded scope of responsibilities."
Statewide Program Leadership & Division Coordination
- Coordinate and support MMSC’s programming division, providing strategic direction, workflow oversight, and leadership to the field services team.
- Ensure technical assistance, on-site organizational visits, training, and program support that meet or exceed National Main Street standards.
- Coordinate in delivering community assessments, strategic planning, and Main Street Approach® implementation.
Local Main Street Program Liaison
- Serve as contact for Missouri’s Main Street programs, offering guidance on organizational development, Main Street Approach® integration, volunteer development, and program sustainability.
- Support local program directors, boards, committees, and municipal partners through consistent communication and technical support.
- Support and coordinate with newer programs with the MMSC division team
Annual Assessments, Accreditation & Compliance
- Coordinate Missouri’s annual accreditation and evaluation process in partnership with Main Street America, ensuring local programs meet national performance standards.
- Manage the statewide annual agreement and compliance process, ensuring each program aligns with Missouri’s expectations for reporting, structure, and progress.
Missouri’s Urban Main Streets Initiative Oversight
- Direct and support the development, implementation, and reporting of the St. Louis Main Streets initiative and expansion of the program into additional urban settings.
- Provide hands-on assistance, strategic planning, and coordination with local stakeholders and key partners.
Reporting & Data Management
- Oversee the collection, review, and tabulation of quarterly reporting from local programs.
- Ensure data accuracy and completeness for statewide economic impact reporting.
- Produce summaries and briefs for the State Director and Main Street America, as required.
Training, Conferences & Professional Development
- Coordinate the development of session tracks, speakers, and content for statewide workshops and the Missouri Main Street Conference.
- Coordinate quarterly trainings and specialized workshops that align with the Main Street Approach® and local program needs.
- Represent MMSC at state conferences, workshops, and professional gatherings.
Community & Partner Engagement
- Build strong relationships with city leaders, economic development organizations, preservation partners, and statewide stakeholders.
- Serve as an advocate for downtown revitalization, preservation-based economic development, and district-level strategic investment.
- Engage with media and public audiences, as needed, to promote Main Street success and statewide impact.
Internal & Administrative Responsibilities
- Report regularly to the State Director on statewide program performance, local program needs, and strategic recommendations.
- Contribute to strategic planning, budget recommendations, and program evaluation.
- Support grant-related work, partnership development, and statewide initiatives as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Deep understanding of the Main Street Approach® and preservation-based economic development.
- Strong leadership and organizational management skills, including staff coordination and leadership.
- Expertise in community development, downtown revitalization, and local capacity building.
- Excellent public speaking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Ability to analyze data, evaluate program performance, and provide actionable recommendations.
- Strong writing, reporting, and program documentation skills.
- Ability to travel statewide regularly (mostly Tuesday – Thursday every other week), while maintaining a consistent presence during community service facilitation, training, and during state and national conferences. Must have a dependable licensed vehicle with current auto insurance.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
- Ability to move up to 50 pounds
- Occasionally ascending/descending stairs or a short ladder
- Operate office equipment, including but not limited to a computer, keyboard, copier/printer, and telephone
- Other physical demands as required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as an executive director or senior staff member of an accredited Main Street program or state coordinating program is strongly preferred and considered the ideal preparation for this role.
- Familiarity with Main Street America’s national accreditation standards, performance benchmarks, and state-local program structures.
- Experience managing or supporting multiple programs or communities simultaneously rather than a single organization.
- Demonstrated track record of organizational turnaround, capacity building, or leading a program through a significant transition.
- Experience presenting or training in a professional development context beyond the local program level.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: On the road
