Director St. Cloud Downtown Alliance
The St. Cloud Downtown Alliance seeks an experienced and visionary leader for its director. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage with community leaders, local businesses and property owners as well as city officials and department heads to help build a more lively and robust business, cultural and entertainment environment in downtown St. Cloud, MN for residents and visitors.
OVERVIEW
The St. Cloud Downtown Alliance is a re-imagining of the former St. Cloud Downtown Council, now under the auspices of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. The organization's purpose is to establish a welcoming residential, commercial, business owner and consumer environment for all, through efforts focused on occupancy, experience and safety. Primary work will be implemented through a committee structure emphasizing community development, business development and special events.
ROLE
The Downtown Alliance seeks a collaborative visionary and strong communicator to serve as its director. Under the guidance of the Board, the Director will serve as the catalyst for growth and engagement in building a strong and notable downtown.
As the primary face and voice of the organization, the Director will advance the Alliance vision and mission to strengthen Downtown St. Cloud and present it as the ultimate place for shopping, dining, entertainment and social connection. The Director is responsible for the overall management of the organization, providing strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of the organization operations.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The Director reports to the Chair of the Alliance Board of Directors and the President of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and has oversight and responsibility for motivating, leading and influencing additional staff, committee chairs and volunteers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees the development of a strategic plan and direction setting along with a team of volunteer committee chairs, the board of directors, and professional staff
- Builds and develops a team of volunteer committee chairs and ensures committees are appropriately resourced
- Assures that committees and their work are fully aligned with the goals of the Alliance
- Presents an annual plan including goals, tactics, key measurements, and a budget that supports the mission and vision of the Alliance
- Builds relationships with community stakeholders
- Provides support and assistance to the board of directors and executive committee
- Emphasis on growing revenue through membership, sponsorships, grant writing, events, and sales in excess of annual approved budget
- Works in partnership with the Chamber Director of Finance & Operations to ensure proper documentation and reporting of Alliance finance
- Oversees and orchestrates all public relations, communications and marketing efforts to enhance the Alliance’s reputation and ability to effectively reach target audiences
- Reviews and executes all Alliance RFPs and contracts on behalf of the board of directors
The ideal Director is a visionary collaborator with strong communication skills who can motivate, connect and inspire staff, volunteers and community stakeholders around the mission and vision of the Alliance. The Director will have financial and personnel management experience. Knowledge and passion for community development are highly valued. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following professional and personal abilities and attributes.
- Visionary Leader: one who possesses a strong and compelling vision for the future that builds on the success of the organization and can inspire others to pursue this shared vision. Additionally, a visionary leader can create a culture of innovation and creativity around Alliance work.
- Collaborator: one who is skilled at building and maintaining relationships both within the Alliance and external stakeholders throughout the city and region. The individual is empathetic and can listen actively, seeking to understand the perspectives of others. In addition, this person encourages and supports diversity of thought and is open to different ideas and approaches.
- Strong Communicator: one who can effectively convey a message to others in a clear, concise, and compelling way. The individual has the ability to inspire and motivate others through words and can build strong relationships and trust through communication.
- Motivator: one who can inspire and energize a team toward achieving their goals. A motivator sets clear goals and expectations and provides regular feedback and recognition to team members. The individual is skilled at identifying the strengths and weaknesses of team members and can create opportunities for them to grow and develop.
EDUCATION
Undergraduate degree required in public administration, business/finance, public relations,
communications, non-profit management or another related field
EXPERIENCE
Financial, personnel management, non-profit leadership, event planning, fundraising. To include some grant writing experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
General understanding and passion for developing community through the creation of a growing and thriving downtown that is recognized by all of Minnesota for helping to attract and retain businesses, talent, community services and amenities.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates will provide a cover letter, resume and list of references that includes at least (2) professional references.
