Executive Director - Main Street Lorain
Location: Lorain, Ohio
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, In-Person
Position Summary
Main Street Lorain is seeking an energetic, strategic, and relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the continued revitalization of Downtown Lorain. This is an opportunity to shape the future of one of Ohio's most unique waterfront downtowns while working alongside passionate volunteers, business owners, elected officials, and community partners.
If you thrive on bringing people together, solving complex challenges, securing resources, and creating vibrant places where businesses and communities flourish, we'd love to meet you.
Main Street Lorain is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Downtown Lorain through economic development, beautification, placemaking, small business support, and community events.
What You'll Do
As Executive Director, you will serve as the organization's chief executive and primary community ambassador. Working closely with the Board of Directors, volunteers, businesses, and government partners, you will:
Strategic Leadership
- Lead implementation of Main Street Lorain's Transformation Strategy
- Develop annual organizational priorities and measurable work plans
- Guide long-term revitalization initiatives that strengthen Downtown Lorain
Community Leadership
- Build strong relationships with business owners, property owners, investors, elected officials, neighborhood organizations, and community partners
- Serve as the public face of Main Street Lorain
- Advocate for policies and investments that benefit downtown
Organizational Leadership
- Manage daily operations of the organization including supervision of two part-time staff and seasonal interns
- Support and coordinate the four Main Street committees:
o Promotions
o Design
o Economic Vitality
o Organization
- Recruit, develop, and retain volunteers
Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
- Develop and manage annual operating and project budgets
- Identify and secure grants, sponsorships, memberships, and partnerships
- Work closely with the Board Treasurer and bookkeepers to ensure financial sustainability
Economic Development
- Support business recruitment, retention, and expansion
- Assist property owners with preservation resources and financial incentives
- Track economic impact metrics and organizational performance
Marketing & Public Relations
- Promote Downtown Lorain through marketing, storytelling, media relations, and public speaking
- Oversee digital communications including website and social media
Reporting & Accountability
- Prepare reports for the Board of Directors
- Maintain accreditation requirements with Main Street America and Heritage Ohio
- Measure organizational outcomes and continuously improve performance
Knowledge Of: nonprofit management; strategic planning; organizational leadership; community and economic development; budget development and financial management; fundraising; grant writing; sponsorship development; volunteer management; board governance; committee coordination; marketing and public relations; local government and public policy processes; performance measurement and evaluation; Lorain, and the Main Street America Four-Point Approach and accreditation standards.
Skills: leadership; relationship-building and partnership development; written and verbal communication; public speaking and presentation; project management; volunteer recruitment and supervision; consensus-building; data collection and analysis; event planning and coordination; and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other common business; database; and communication software.
Abilities: visionary leadership; build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders; manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously; work independently while maintaining accountability; supervise and motivate staff, volunteers, and committees; analyze challenges and develop practical solutions; communicate effectively with business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and the public; represent the organization professionally in public settings and the media; interpret financial and performance data to support sound decision-making; adapt to changing organizational and community priorities; maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment; and work a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekends to support meetings, events, and community activities.
Qualifications
All candidates with an appropriate combination of experiences that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered, including those with experiences from volunteering, training, coursework, and work history.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field
- Three or more years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, neighborhood development, economic development, community development, or a related field
- Experience supervising/managing volunteers, employees, committees, or cross-functional teams
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common digital communication platforms
- Valid driver's license
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: 52,000-62,000
Benefits include:
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work environment
- Opportunity to attend statewide and national Main Street conferences and training
Schedule
- Full-time (40 hours+/week) in-person
- Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, with evening and weekend attendance required for meetings, community events, and special programs.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three Professional References
Main Street Lorain is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $52,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
