Downtown Growth Strategist

City-of-Jacksonville,-N; Jacksonville (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Jacksonville is seeking a Downtown Coordinator to advance the vitality and sustainability of the downtown district, overseeing business recruitment, retention, events, marketing, and stakeholder engagement under the City Manager’s Office.

The role requires budgeting, policy research, liaison work with boards, and collaboration with the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and JOED to leverage regional resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in economic development, business administration, urban planning, or nonprofit management.
• At least one year of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of downtown revitalization, small business support, and municipal operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Recruit new businesses and assist in retention and expansion of downtown establishments.
• Coordinate downtown events, including festivals, holiday celebrations, and retail promotions.
• Manage downtown-specific social media, websites, and promotional materials to attract visitors and investment.
• Develop and monitor the downtown program budget, prepare reports for City Council, and track economic data.
• Conduct regular visits to downtown merchants and property owners to identify challenges and gather feedback on City Council initiatives.
• Serve as the liaison for City advisory boards and committees to ensure board recommendations align with the Downtown Master Plan.
• Cultivate formal partnerships with organizations like the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce and JOED to leverage regional resources for local business growth.
• Research and recommend policy changes regarding downtown specific issues like parking management, zoning overlays, or outdoor dining ordinances.
• Manage private contractors to provide consulting and planning services for downtown development initiatives.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Event planning

Marketing & communications

Policy research

Budgeting

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in economic development, business administration, urban planning, or nonprofit management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Social media platforms

GIS

Job description

The City of Jacksonville is seeking a Downtown Coordinator to advance the vitality and sustainability of the downtown district, overseeing business recruitment, retention, events, marketing, and stakeholder engagement under the City Manager’s Office.

The role requires budgeting, policy research, liaison work with boards, and collaboration with the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and JOED to leverage regional resources.