Petoskey, MI – Downtown Manager

Responsible for programs and projects related to activities in the Petoskey Central Business District. Facets of job include economic development, grant writing, historic district programming (potential local historic district and/or CLG designation), public art coordination, community relations, beautification/maintenance coordination. The Downtown Manager provides staff support for the City of Petoskey Downtown Management Board (DMB), supervises the Downtown Parking, Mobility, and Accessibility (PMA) Director and the Marketing and Promotions Director and oversees operations of their offices.

Identify and become familiar with the persons and forces that influence the downtown district. Encourage a cooperative climate between downtown retailers, property owners, other business owners, local public officials, and community organizations (in particular the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau).

Develop long and short-range plans in cooperation with the members of the DMB and the City of Petoskey.

In coordination with the PMA Director, oversee management and development of all aspects of the Downtown parking system including:
1. Maintenance of lots and meters
2. Enforcement
3. Coin collection
4. Hiring and supervising staff
5. Monthly reports to DMB
6. Parking Permit system
7. Management of Parking/Executive Committee
8. Customer service techniques

Implement specific economic development and redevelopment plans within the Central Business District as set forth in the current Downtown Petoskey Strategic Plan. Support development efforts by assisting with leasing, working with developers, maintaining relations with existing building owners, assisting in the recruitment of appropriate retailers/businesses, and helping to retain existing businesses in the Downtown. Develop and maintain communication with City staff to be informed and involved with all new projects in the City in order to represent the best interests of the CBD.

Seek and procure federal and state grants as well as sponsorships and other funding opportunities to support Downtown events, projects, and initiatives.

Oversee and supervise the Downtown Marketing and Promotions Director to organize and promote Downtown promotional events and implementation and continued development of the Downtown Marketing plan as prescribed by the strategic and marketing plans adopted by the DMB.

Coordinate/beautification services including flower planting and installation of holiday decorations, etc. with contractors and city departments.

Develop and maintain a complete database for the Downtown that includes a list of all property owners and tenants, square footage of all buildings, current vacancies, and rents.

Prepare the annual Parking and Programs & Services budgets in cooperation with the Downtown Marketing and Promotions Director, the PMA Director, and the DMB; work within the parameters of those budgets to manage Downtown programs and services and operations expenses. Approve all expenses made by the Downtown Office before sending to the City for payment and prepare monthly financial reports for approval of the DMB.

Represent Downtown Petoskey at professional conferences and before important constituencies.

Prepare the DMB meeting agendas and minutes.

Manage and prepare agendas and minutes for the Downtown Design Committee, as well as oversee the committee’s Façade Improvement Grant Program.

Maintain strong communication lines for downtown merchants and property owners through newsletters, networking meetings, annual reports, possible creation of additional committees, etc., to advise them and seek their input on proposed Central Business District programs, events, development, and parking related projects.

Function as administrator and advisor for the DMB.

Strong leadership qualities, in particular strong written and oral communication skills and an ability to handle difficult situations and work well with others.

Needs well developed organization skills, creative thinking, general computer skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, and the ability to recruit and motivate volunteers.

Must have confidence to make decisions based on best practices.

General knowledge of the area.

Four year degree in a field related to marketing, economic development, historic preservation, public administration, municipal planning, or a minimum of a ten year career in Downtown Development.

Experience in field of community relations

Full-time
Salary Minimum: $60,000 Negotiable, DOQ depending on experience
Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, ICMA-RC

For more information, contact:

Sarah Bek
sbek@petoskey.us
231-347-2500