Van Ness Main Streets awarded $200,000 grant, now seeking executive director

Van Ness Main Streets, Inc, (VNMS) just received word from Ana Harvey, the director the District Department of Small and Local Business Development, that it is receiving a $200,000 grant for the startup of its Main Street program and joining a national network of organizations committed to reviving neighborhood and small town commercial areas.

One of first actions of VNMS: hiring an executive director to take the reins and continue the work of the 12-member volunteer Board of Directors and its committees. This is an exciting and demanding position. Please see job description below:

Executive Director Opening for Van Ness Main Streets, Inc.

Van Ness Main Streets (VNMS) is accepting applications from November 17th through November 30th for an executive director (ED) to manage its start-up Main Street Program, part of a national Main Streets network, and one of ten in the District of Columbia, such as Barracks Row Main Street.

VNMS will work closely with and educate its community of residents, cultural institutions, businesses, property owners, brokers and developers with the goal of creating a vibrant Van Ness cultural and commercial corridor on Connecticut Avenue, NW between Van Ness and Albemarle Streets. VNMS will engage stakeholders to develop a cohesive brand and identity.

Duties:

The ED is responsible for starting up, leading and managing the VNMS organization under the strategic direction of the established 12-person volunteer Board of Directors (BoD). A major component of this position is fundraising. The ED will also work closely with the four established operating committees of the Board – Organization, Design, Economic Development, and Events and Promotion. S/he is expected to work collaboratively and with limited supervision. This will require a demanding and flexible schedule with evening and weekend hours for participation in meetings and special events. Specific responsibilities of the ED include:

• Refine and implement VNMS’ proposed annual work plan and budget in collaboration with BoD committees,
• Spearhead and organize fundraising activities throughout the year to support the funding of the ED position, as well as other organizational expenses,
• Work and communicate regularly with BoD and committees to cultivate positive working relationships,
• Establish and maintain working relationships with cultural institutions, businesses, property owners, ANC, and other government officials/agencies to identify and act on opportunities for design, economic and cultural enhancements to the corridor,
• Manage administration of the VNMS program, including purchasing, record keeping, budget development, accounting, preparation of reports required by the DC Main Streets Program and by the National Main Street Center, and supervising volunteers and consultants, and
• Initiate and maintain relationships with local print and online media to expand coverage of neighborhood events and businesses, as well as maintain the VNMS website.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Consideration will be given to:
  • Fundraising skills and experience organizing special events, and
  • Experience with DC and Van Ness cultural organizations, relevant DC agencies and other pertinent government officials, ANCs, and commercial stakeholders,

• Ability to juggle a variety of responsibilities and projects,
• Collaborative work style, and strong oral and written communication skills,
• Creative thinker and problem solver, entrepreneurial and energetic,
• Strong administrative, management, organizational and planning skills, and
• Required computer skills: Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, WordPress or comparable, and photo software.

FY16 Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation from $50-80,000 commensurate with experience
• Health and retirement benefits
• 10 paid days leave in addition to 5 holidays
• Flexible work hours

To Apply:

Send your resume with a cover letter demonstrating that you possess the above qualifications and explaining why you are applying for this position to [email protected] by November 30th. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Schedule for Interviews:

Interviews will be scheduled December 7-14, and a decision will be made by December 24 with a start date of employment by January 4, 2016.