Downtown Development Authority Administrator

Downtown Development Authority Administrator

JOB TITLE:                 Downtown Development Authority Administrator

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt

DEPARTMENT:        Planning and Development

SUPERVISOR:          Planning and Development Director

SALARY:                    $67,601 to $101,400 annually

The Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Administrator is responsible for the planning, marketing, development, implementation, and documentation of downtown development activities within the DDA District of the City of Cheyenne. Under supervision of the Planning and Development Director (DDA Executive Director), the Administrator, as a city employee, works with the DDA Board of Directors and governing body to determine the strategic objectives of the organization and is responsible for the oversight and administration of DDA projects and programming. The Administrator enthusiastically and consistently promotes downtown through various marketing and public relations initiatives; works cooperatively with community partners and downtown stakeholders; and performs all administrative functions associated with DDA activities.

• Under supervision of the Planning and Development Director, management responsibility for personnel, and services and activities of the Downtown Development Authority.
• Works in close cooperation with City of Cheyenne departments and DDA Board to develop budget recommendation, short- and long-range strategic objectives, programming, policies, and priorities of the organization.
• Manages complex planning studies and projects and development and grant applications. 
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans and projects in the Downtown Development District.
• Carries out annual budget approval process with the City of Cheyenne, Laramie County Government, and other public agencies; works with assigned staff to monitor expenditures to ensure operations remain within approved budget.
• Prepares and submits any local, state and federal special district reporting necessary to maintain compliance.
• Coordinates and monitors progress of all DDA activities, ongoing projects, programs and partnerships in relation to approved plans and organization goals.
• Plans and attends all DDA board meetings; prepares public notices, meeting agendas, board packets and other appropriate documents and reports as necessary.
• Represents DDA to a variety of boards, community partners, business community, and public; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary information to communicate the project activities and operations of the organization.
• Acts as liaison for organizational partners by attending partner meetings, when necessary, when appropriate (i.e. meetings of the governing Body, downtown business organization board/committee meetings, Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board (LCEDJPB) meetings, etc.) Prepares materials in support of downtown/DDA specific agenda items when appropriate.

• Encourages a cooperative climate among downtown interests and local public officials; builds strong, productive working relationships with community leaders, organizations and members of the public directly and indirectly involved in downtown Cheyenne.
• Identifies and executes appropriate partnerships, contracts, and other operational agreements to carry out strategic operations and activities of the organization.
• Identifies and prepares appropriate grant applications and/or additional revenue sources to fund DDA projects and initiatives.
• Develops and maintains appropriate data and record keeping systems to track, compile and analyze downtown data and economic key performance indicators to prepare a variety of reports for the City and DDA Board, community partners and downtown stakeholders.
• Provides support to planning initiatives related to the Planning and Development Department and other City departments.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management.
• Ability to work independently, self-motivated and organized.
• Experienced in project management.
• Experienced in nonprofit and/or organizational management.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and social media and digital marketing applications including but not limited to email, list-serves, website management, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to make effective presentations at public speaking events, media interviews, and represent the DDA in public relations matters.
• Strong technical writing skills are required for grant writing and tracking, preparation of Board meeting packets, meeting minutes, etc. Creative writing skills for content on promotional materials, newsletters, press releases and other online presence sources.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, employees, business owners, residents, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Ability to provide sound fiscal leadership based on an understanding of public financing and indebtedness supported by taxes or assessments.

Required:

College or University coursework in business management, public administration, public relations, business, communications, marketing, urban planning, urban renewal or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above.

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community development, marketing, finance, business, economic development, grant writing, historic preservation, urban planning, public relations, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS                                                                                          

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain the physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 30 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Working Environment:

Generally, works closely with others in an office environment utilizing a computer and other office equipment and sometimes works in a field environment working with downtown business and property owners, working closely with others, exposure to noise customary with public-oriented events, and exposure to typical risks with traversing and urban environment on foot.

I have access and receive via email the City of Cheyenne Employee Handbook and revised Rules & Regulations that became effective May 2, 2022.  These documents are located on the city website under the Human Resources Tab for employee access 24/7.

The City of Cheyenne offers the following benefits to Full Time Employees.

Health

Dental

Vision

Life

Pension