Job Description:

The City of Oxford a designated NC Main Street Community since 2018, is currently seeking a highly motivated professional to lead its Downtown revitalization efforts to include the Main Street Program. This person will perform promotional and consultative work in developing and directing an economic development program for the Downtown district in the city. Duties will include initiating and implementing efforts to maintain and increase vitality of the Downtown commercial district by advising existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, marketing the Downtown area and working to improve the physical appearance of Downtown. The director will also seek grant funding, manage the economic development section of the website and social media venues, plan, implement and execute special event development and provide small business assistance.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range is $58,041 - $84,161 annually and dependent on qualifications and experience. 

Job Duties:

Serves as coordinator of the Downtown Economic Development Board; plans and executes monthly meetings, reports on activities; serves as liaison between public and committees; researches and recommends policies and strategies to Downtown Board, City Board and others.

Manage all administrative aspects of the Main Street program, preparing all reports required by the state Main Street program and by the National Main Street Center.

Assist with the preparation of reports to funding agencies.

Assist the Main Street programs board of directors and committees in developing an annual action plan for implementing a downtown revitalization program focused on 4 areas. Plans or works to support other groups in the planning and delivery of new programs, events and initiatives.

Works through a variety of means to develop and maintain downtown businesses including maintaining informal, personal and written contact with businesses, making presentations before groups, and communicating with the media about downtown activities.

Maintains contact with community leaders, and representatives of businesses and industry, visits downtown businesses regularly to stay abreast of their status, any potential for expansion, and assists with problems; follows up on requests; prepares newsletters, brochures, and makes presentations regarding downtown activities.

Coordinates with other agencies and organizations on historic, museum, tourism, arts and other activities and programs which support downtown activities and businesses; serves on boards and committees or supports their programs.

Encourage and facilitate improvements in the downtown community's ability to carry out joint activities such as promotional events, advertising, special events, business assistance, business recruitment, parking management and so on.

Serves as initial contact for potential businesses considering downtown location and expansion; works with County Economic Development staff as needed.

Supervise part time Event Programming & Promotional Coordinator to facilitate joint promotional events, such as festivals or business promotions, to improve the quality and success of events and attract people to downtown.

Work closely with local media to ensure maximum coverage of promotional activities.

Makes presentations to City Council and other groups about downtown activities and tax district.

Provides content to update website.

Develops grants and funding sources to support economic development, infrastructure improvements, etc.; researches, writes and contracts for grants procurement and administration.

Desired Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business, planning, economics, or related field supplemented by training in economic development and 5-7 years of professional experience in industrial or economic development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

Valid NC Driver's License

Certified Economic Developer preferred