POSITION: SouthSide Arts District Downtown Manager
REPORTS TO: BEDCO Executive Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DATE: August 23, 2021
SALARY: Based on Qualifications
JOB PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO), the SouthSide Arts District Downtown Manager is responsible for the revitalization efforts of the SouthSide Bethlehem business district following the National Trust Main Street Center’s comprehensive commercial district revitalization approach. The four points of the Main Street approach are:
- Organization: involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program.
- Promotion: sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourage consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the Main Street district. Plans special event and retail promotional events that attract people to the Main Street district.
- Design: means getting Main Street into top physical shape, while capitalizing on its best assets.
- Economic Vitality: strengthens a community’s existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base.
JOB DUTIES:
- Recruit and guide volunteers to serve on four standing committees, each of whose mission is focused on one of the above points. Each committee is volunteer-driven, both in planning and implementing goals. During vacancies in committee leadership, manager serves as a committee chairperson.
- Implement a multi-year strategic plan focusing on the physical improvements, economic development, marketing & branding and organizational sustainability.
- Prepare and maintain committee annual work plans and corresponding budgets.
- Recruit episodic volunteers to participate in special events and projects.
- Participate in business recruitment efforts. Seek out and provide assistance to new business prospects.
- Interact with the Downtown merchants and property owners.
- Engage and work in collaboration with community groups on special events, festivals, and community projects and other promotional events.
- Oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of community presentations and electronic communications
- Work with business owners, community groups, residents and others to identify and resolve issues facing the SouthSide Bethlehem business district.
- Participate in regular communication with other BEDCO program managers (SouthSide Ambassadors, KIZ)
- Work in collaboration with other business assistance and development groups such as Downtown Bethlehem Association, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem and the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.
- Assist in fundraising efforts in support of program goals and objectives including securing of sponsorships and writing of small grants. Maintain donor data and prepare donor recognition letters.
- Facilitate partnerships and collaboration among businesses, community groups, residents and public officials.
- Assist with planning and development of new programs and initiatives.
- Serve on other community committees that provide ancillary support to the revitalization efforts of the SouthSide Bethlehem business district, as requested.
- Interface with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
- Work closely with the City of Bethlehem’s Department of Community and Economic Development to advocate for comprehensive SouthSide economic initiatives.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of three years’ experience in marketing, event planning program management, or community organization field.
- Program leadership experience in Main Street or similar community revitalization program, which requires a strong commitment to downtown community revitalization.
- Grassroots volunteer management experience.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at any given time.
- Excellent communication skills. Candidates must be experienced in speaking effectively including public speaking.
- Candidate should be outgoing, energetic, positive, self-motivated, creative and highly organized.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and access to personal transportation to attend training sessions and other meetings is required.
RESUMES DUE SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
TO: BEDCO
c/o City of Bethlehem
Department of Community & Economic Development 10 E. Church Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
For questions, please contact econdev@bethlehem-pa.gov
