Executive Director

RIDGEFIELD MAIN STREET; Ridgefield (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ridgefield Main Street seeks a collaborative, organized Executive Director to coordinate programs, activities and partnerships supporting downtown Ridgefield. You will work with the Board, volunteers and stakeholders to execute plans, manage resources and represent RMS regionally and nationally as appropriate.

The role emphasizes leadership, budgeting, fundraising and strong communication to advance a vibrant Main Street initiative in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating programs, projects or organizational initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop downtown revitalization strategies in partnership with the Board of Directors and committees.
• Manage annual work plan across Design, Economic Vitality, Organization/Outreach and Promotions.
• Prepare monthly Board reports and assist with meeting preparation and follow-through.

Skills

Program coordination

Project management

Communication skills

Relationship building

Budgeting

Fundraising

Administrative systems

Job description

Salary: $65,000-$75,000 annually, depending on experience

Position: Full-time, non-exempt

Workplace: Hybrid, with regular presence in downtown Ridgefield

Schedule: Regular daytime hours with periodic evening and weekend meetings, programs and events

About Ridgefield Main Street

Ridgefield Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has used the Main Street Approach® to support downtown revitalization since 2014.

Our mission is to create a sustainable, vibrant downtown that is the heart and soul of our city by showcasing our unique destination and history and nurturing our sense of community.

About the Position

The Executive Director is the principal staff person responsible for coordinating and documenting Ridgefield Main Street programs and activities. The Executive Director serves as a full-time advocate for downtown and as a source of information, resources and support related to the revitalization initiative.

Working with the Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, businesses, property owners, public agencies and community partners, the Executive Director coordinates program activities locally and represents Ridgefield Main Street regionally and nationally as appropriate.

The Executive Director reports to the Board Chair and is accountable to the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Board Partnership

• Develop downtown revitalization strategies in partnership with the Board of Directors, grounded in historic preservation and the community's human and economic resources.
• Assist the Board and committees in developing and implementing the annual work plan across the Main Street areas of Design, Economic Vitality, Organization/Outreach and Promotions.
• Prepare monthly reports for the Board and assist the Board Chair with meeting preparation, communication and follow-through on Board-approved direction.
• Hire and manage staff, contractors and consultants within approved plans and budgets.

Programs, Committees and Volunteers

• Coordinate RMS committee activities and support clear communication and collaboration across committees.
• Work with committee chairs and members as a strategist and planner, helping them develop and complete work plan projects.
• Provide technical information, advice and coordination support for committees, events and projects.
• Coordinate the recruitment, support, retention and recognition of an active volunteer base.

Downtown Economic Vitality and Stakeholder Support

• Build and maintain strong relationships with downtown businesses, property owners, residents, community organizations, public officials and other stakeholders.
• Assess the needs and capacity of downtown stakeholder groups and encourage participation in promotions, events, business recruitment and other district priorities.
• Connect businesses and property owners with design assistance, façade enhancement opportunities, business resources and property improvement support.
• Encourage cooperation among downtown interests, community organizations and local public officials.

Administration, Finance and Program Accountability

• Manage RMS administrative operations, including purchasing, record keeping, contracts, calendars, organizational systems and internal communications.
• Develop and manage the annual budget in partnership with the Board and oversee expenditures within the approved budget and established financial controls.
• Prepare reports required by the Washington State Main Street Program, Main Street America, funding agencies and other partners.
• Maintain systems that track program progress, economic indicators, physical improvements, job creation and business retention.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Coordinate fundraising campaigns, including sponsorships, grants, donor engagement, events and the Washington Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program.
• Provide Board and committee members with the information, materials and support needed to participate in fundraising.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, sponsors and community partners.

Communications, Promotion and Public Engagement

• Develop public awareness and education efforts that build appreciation for downtown Ridgefield and understanding of RMS goals and activities.
• Maintain the organization’s visibility through public presentations, media relations, newsletters, social media, advertising and other communications.
• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries and communicate consistent, Board-approved messaging.
• Coordinate and support promotional events and activities that attract people downtown, strengthen participating businesses and advance a high-quality image for downtown Ridgefield.

Partnerships and Advocacy

• Build productive relationships with local and state public agencies, Main Street partners, civic organizations and regional economic and community-development organizations.
• Advise downtown stakeholders and community organizations on RMS activities, goals and opportunities for collaboration.
• Represent downtown Ridgefield and RMS at the local, state and national levels as appropriate.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, organized and community-minded leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. They will bring:

• Experience coordinating programs, projects or organizational initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to establish priorities, manage competing deadlines and follow through with a high degree of independence.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and work effectively with boards, committees, volunteers, businesses, public agencies and community partners.
• Experience with organizational operations, including budgeting, reporting, fundraising or administrative systems.
• Proficiency with standard workplace technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, shared files and digital communication platforms.

Familiarity with the Main Street Approach® or experience in downtown revitalization, community or economic development, small-business support, nonprofit leadership, marketing, public relations, fundraising, placemaking or historic preservation is beneficial.

Ridgefield Main Street is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants and are committed to building an inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment process.