Position Objectives

The Washington State Main Street Coordinator will manage the Washington State Main Street Program which has been helping communities revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown commercial districts using the successful Main Street Four-Point Approach® since 1984. The Main Street Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and delivering services primarily to the Washington State Main Street Network members as well as build interest in downtown revitalization statewide. He or she will be responsible for promoting the program, aiding communities in forming local Main Street revitalization efforts, and documenting progress based on state and national standards.

Organizational Description

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is Washington’s statewide, nonprofit historic preservation organization with a mission to make local preservation work through advocacy, education, collaboration, and stewardship. Founded in 1976, the Washington Trust is a membership organization dedicated to preserving the places that matter to all Washingtonians and promoting sustainability, economic development, and community revitalization through adaptive reuse of historic properties. The Washington Trust owns and makes its headquarters in the historic Stimson-Green Mansion at 1204 Minor Avenue, in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle.

Position Funding & Location

Main Street is a program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) that is managed, on contract, by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Funding for the program is in the form of a grant from DAHP, based on a biannual allocation from the Washington State Legislature. The Main Street Coordinator will be hired by the Washington Trust as a full-time, salaried staff member. The Main Street Coordinator will report directly to the Washington Trust Executive Director and will work in close collaboration with the State Historic Preservation Officer and DAHP staff. The successful candidate must live in or move to the Seattle, Washington metropolitan region.

Position Responsibilities

In coordination with the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP), develop and manage the Washington State Main Street Network:

Work with each of 32 Washington State Main Street organizations (including Executive Director, staff, board of directors, volunteers) to provide hands-on support, guidance and expertise to help the organization be successful.
Work with 78 Affiliate communities and organizations to provide resources and technical assistance.

Monitor progress of each Main Street community, including oversight and tracking of all required reporting and statistical documentation.

Manage and oversee the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program, including coordinating with the Department of Revenue.

Administer annual National Main Street Accreditation program in conjunction with the National Main Street Center requirements.

Develop, implement and ensure adherence with the standard operating agreement for each Washington State Main Street Network Community.

Plan and execute three Main Street Leadership meetings across the state:

January/February in Olympia for Main Street Advocacy Day
July in a Network community
October/November annual retreat

Hire trainers and other expert consultants to deliver services that further enhance the resources of the Washington State Main Street Network.

Issue and manage the RFP process for communities interested in hosting the RevitalizeWA conference.

In coordination with DAHP staff, plan and execute the annual RevitalizeWA Preservation and Main Street conference.

Plan and execute the annual Excellence on Main Awards program and reception.

Coordinate a competitive application process to select new Washington State Main Street communities for participation in the statewide program.

Continue to identify, develop and publish needed Main Street program materials. This includes, but is not limited to:

Washington Main Street Program Guide & Handbook
Washington Main Street Program brochure
Main Street Tax Credit Incentive materials
Main Street 101 presentation and training materials

Represent Washington State Main Street and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation at a variety of events, conference, trainings and speaking engagements.

Create and distribute monthly reports outlining Main Street activities for DAHP.

Attend monthly DAHP staff meetings in Olympia.

Track and report performance measures (statistics) for Results DAHP. Report these performance measures at bi-annual Results DAHP sessions.

Advise boards of directors and city officials in Main Street communities on special projects and provide technical assistance on the Main Street Four Point Approach® to downtown revitalization to program manager, board members and others who are interested in downtown.

Development of audio/visual materials to be used in presentations illustrating the Main Street program and the Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization.

Coordinate technical assistance for local Main Street cities to assist, monitor and evaluate their progress in organization, board development, leadership development, and selection and hiring of staff.

Perform related responsibilities as required and assigned.

Qualifications:

Degree in a discipline related to downtown revitalization, such as architecture, historic preservation, economics, finance, marketing, public relations, design, planning, or public administration.
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in the administration of a downtown revitalization program or a related economic development or historic preservation program.
Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
Experience in board development, leadership training, strategic planning and public speaking.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Main Street Four Point Approach®, issues confronting business owners, property owners, public agencies, and community organizations.
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and database skills necessary.
Entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well organized, and capable of functioning effectively in an independent situation.
Familiarity and skills in using various forms of social media is a plus.
Excellent communication and supervisory skills are highly desirable.
Willingness to travel frequently within Washington. Some out-of-state travel will be necessary. A valid driver’s license is required.

Schedule & Travel

The schedule for this position is based on a 40-hour work week. It is flexible and at the discretion of the employee, in consultation with the Executive Director. The Main Street Coordinator must be available for frequent evening and weekend meetings and site visits. The position requires frequent travel statewide and occasional out-of-state travel.

Compensation

Compensation for this position is in the mid- to high-$50K range, depending on experience. Benefits are provided, including health, vision, dental and retirement. The Main Street Coordinator will also receive travel/mileage/parking reimbursements and a monthly cell phone stipend.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to info@preservewa.org with the subject line “WA Main Street Coordinator Application.”

Applications must be received by Friday, July 31, 2015.