ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Headquartered in Hershey, PA DHA is dedicated to the smart growth of the Downtown Core. DHA’s mission is to bring together government, residents, the Hershey entities, local businesses, and civic organizations to enhance the beauty of downtown, attract new businesses, and provide quality family programs for residents and visitors while respecting the unique heritage bequeathed to the Township by its founder, Milton Hershey.

The ED is the sole full-time DHA employee and reports to the DHA Board of Directors, a group of active volunteers representing the community, and local business, and government entities.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The ED manages the day-to-day operations of the DHA. Establishing and maintaining relationships with various entities is critical to DHA’s core mission of enhancing Downtown Hershey. Utilizing proven business acumen, the ED will serve as the “face” of DHA, interacting with local businesses, government entities, residents, and visitors. The ED works collaboratively with local and regional organizations to promote Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the downtown district as a regional destination.

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INCLUDE:

• Develop and implement strategic plans and operational projects.
• Facilitate, bi-monthly board meetings, and other committee meetings, as necessary. Ensure positive, productive communications between and among committees and the board.
• Manage all aspects of the organization’s administration and business processes, including record keeping, purchasing and, with the Board Treasurer all budget-related matters.
• Manage the Keystone Communities Main Street designation process with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and annual pursuit of Main Street National accreditation.
• Engage in a variety of development activities, including grant writing and fostering relationships with funding sources, in order to fund day-to-day operations as well as special projects.
• Make presentations to local and regional boards, commissions, foundations, civic groups, and the general public.
• Build and maintain relationships with both local community and civic organizations, and with corporate and small business partners.
• Identify opportunities to support existing Downtown Hershey businesses and cultivate and recruit new businesses and investors.
• Attend monthly Township Downtown Core Design Board (DCDB), Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors meetings to represent DHA when downtown-related topics or projects are being discussed.
• Work with property owners to ensure consistency in architectural and engineering planning for the development of downtown properties.
• Provide networking opportunities for local businesses throughout the year.
• Organize, coordinate, and oversee volunteer programs related to DHA’s committee work, as well as Downtown Hershey’s Life on Chocolate event series.
• Shape, manage and drive all traditional and social media marketing and communications with assistance from volunteers and interns from local educational institutions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in community development, urban planning, historic preservation, landscape architecture, nonprofit or public administration, marketing, or a related field
• Proven experience in identifying and securing sustainable funding sources (e.g. grants, sponsorships)
• Ability to manage day-to-day business operations
• Experience in developing and executing successful vibrant cultural programs and events
• Strong relationship building experience and skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to accommodate flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends, as necessary
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a diverse group of stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of basic accounting and standard office software packages, including the Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps, Adobe creative suite, Slack, ArcGIS software and QuickBooks
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., walk up and down stairs, and stand or sit for long periods of time

MINIMUM OF THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WORKING IN, OR WITH:

• Commercial Corridor, Business Improvement Districts, Main Street Programs, or similar neighborhood commercial districts
• Non-profit, community organization administration or management
• Non-profit accounting, record-keeping and state and federal reporting requirements for 501(c)(3)
• Business services and equipment suppliers/vendors, small business owners, and property investors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Successful candidate should have ability to work remotely within a reasonable distance of Downtown Hershey.
• Salary commensurate with experience, competitive benefits offered
• This is an exempt position, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Therefore, the ED is not entitled to overtime or compensatory pay
• Training and attendance at professional conferences and meetings is required for this position of state and nationally accredited programs

APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and three references, to the Search Committee at: admin@downtownhershey.com. Cover letter must include an answer to the question: “Tell us your favorite thing about Downtown Hershey”. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

DHA is an equal opportunity employer.