Executive Director

Downtown Walla Walla Foundation

Executive Director

This position is open until filled, with a priority deadline of June 14, 2024 for first review of applications.

Salary range:  $75,000-$85,000 annually, DOQ

OVERVIEW

The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation (DWWF) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization following the Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization since 1984. Its mission is to promote the history, culture, and commerce of the downtown. The Executive Director will be accountable to the Board of Directors and report activities and initiatives monthly to Board of Directors.

The Executive Director leads the activities of the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, a Main Street program utilizing historic preservation as an integral foundation for downtown economic development. The Executive Director encourages public awareness of program activities, engages stakeholders and officials, and acts as a liaison to all committees and partner organizations. The Executive Director will serve as a full-time advocate for Downtown Walla Walla and as an authority and source of information, resources and activities that support building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

DWWF is committed to creating an equitable organization that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. We recognize that our diversity is our strength, and it is critical to advancing our mission and enhancing the well-being of participants, staff, volunteers, and the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES         

Organizational Strategy and Outreach

• Develop, in conjunction with the board, appropriate downtown economic development strategies.
• Assist business and property owners with business and property improvement opportunities and projects.
• Encourage a cooperative and productive environment with other community organizations, businesses, and appropriate public/government entities.
• Serve as an advocate for downtown issues at local and state level.
• Attend City Council work sessions and regular meetings as appropriate for Downtown-related deliberations and decisions.
• Be active in state Main Street organization, including attending quarterly program manager meetings and annual PLACES conference.
• Build productive relationships with the individuals and organizations that are directly or indirectly involved in the downtown commercial district.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with city officials and staff to ensure that all aspects of downtown economic development efforts are compatible with the goals and objectives of the city’s comprehensive plan.

Budget & Finance / Fundraising

• In conjunction with the board, develop, manage, and maintain a balanced operating budget, including tracking expenses and meeting revenue goals.
• Ensure that monthly and annual financial reports are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure public funding options (Including the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program and Lodging Tax) are maximized to provide a sound financial footing.
• In conjunction with board and staff, ensure program and operational fundraising goals are met.

Administration

• Supervise 1-5 staff and independent contractors, including hiring and terminating, to ensure that programs, events, and stakeholder services are accomplished.
• Manage the administration of a small office.
• Coordinate, recruit, and retain an active volunteer force to accomplish committee and other activities.
• Track and report program statistics to key stakeholders.
• Attend and manage events relevant to DWWF interests outside of regular business hours.

Marketing & Public Relations

• Develop and manage a communication/public relations plan to ensure that the downtown community and other stakeholders are aware and engaged.
• Develop and conduct on-going public awareness and education programs designed to

enhance appreciation of the downtown’s assets and to foster an understanding of the

DWWF’s goals and objectives.

• Use speaking engagements, media interviews, and personal appearances to keep the program in the public eye.
• Ensure robust social media presence and updated informative website.

Other duties as assigned by Board of Directors

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 8 years of professional level experience, including at least 5 years of experience in a leadership capacity. Prior work in the nonprofit is preferred.
• Demonstrated success budgeting, staffing, supervising professionals, and leading teams to generate high quality results.
• Effective combination of work experience and studies, training, and/or certifications in fields related to business and non-profit management.
• Innovative spirit with a track record of problem solving through creative solutions.
• Energetic, imaginative, well organized, and capable of functioning effectively in an independent situation
• Ability to manage key internal and external stakeholders and relationships.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization. Advanced project management and team-management. Ability to achieve results with limited supervision.
• Personable style with effective presentation skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to articulate the DWWF’s mission to a wide range of audiences in a variety of ways.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments to implement processes and achieve results. Track record of building and maintaining productive relationships with multiple stakeholders. Regular and reliable on-site attendance required. When working off site, the ability to work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.
• Proven ability to use technology and communications best practices. Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required. Familiarity with other software, including databases, a plus.
• Demonstrated success in marketing to and engaging diverse audiences and partners.
• Bi-lingual language skills a plus.
• Some travel required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is generally performed in an office environment. Involves frequent local travel for meetings. Some domestic travel, typically by auto or air, may be required to attend meetings and seminars. Scheduling flexibility is required to accommodate occasional evenings and weekends and unanticipated needs. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions. 

Mainly sedentary work: able to remain in a stationary position, moving throughout the building and downtown neighborhood, occasional moving up to 50lbs, frequent near-vision use for reading and computer tasks.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This career opportunity offers a strong salary base ($75,000 to $85,000 DOQ) per year, plus a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-and-long term disability, a SIMPLE IRA plan, along with vacation and sick time.

How to apply:

Please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirement to dwwfsearch2024@gmail.com

DWWF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity and equity in all facets of the organization’s work.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.