Research and Development Director jobs in Duluth, MN

About us

We are agile, professional, rewarding and our goal is to improve and grow Bessemer's Downtown.

Our work environment includes:

• Modern office setting
• Food provided
• Flexible working hours
• Casual work attire

Overview

Under the direction of the City of Bessemer Downtown Development Authority, the DDA Executive Director performs administrative, professional, and supervisory work to coordinate activities that support the DDA related to the TIF plan, as well as within a downtown revitalization program that utilizes historic preservation as an integral foundation for downtown economic development. This is a part-time, contracted position between the contractor and Bessemer Downtown Development Authority.

The Executive Director Job Requirements

1. Reports to and is supervised by the City Manager in all related DDA responsibilities with guidance and direction provided by the DDA Chair/Board.

2. Works closely and communicates with other City staff on:

• Advising of goals and objectives that could be worked on together; and
• Permits, applications, etc. required for event sign placement, street closures, and conducting downtown events, etc; and
• Other items as necessary.

3. Serves as facilitator, coordinator and manager of activities that are consistent with the DDA’s targeted goals and objectives and guides the organization as its objectives evolve.

4. Develop, maintain, and follow the Downtown Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan as directed by the DDA.

5. Administratively reports and adheres to all City policies, and accounting practices; all DDA mandates, goals and reporting requirements; and adherence with Michigan Open Meetings Act; etc.

6. Works independently and exercises judgment, integrity, and discretion in completion of duties.

7. Represents the community regionally and nationally as appropriate.

8. Verbal and written reporting and preparation of all materials for regular, monthly or special DDA Board meetings and verbal and/or written reporting of DDA status/activities to the City Council.

9. Establishes strong working relationships with community businesses through personal contact.

10. Creates and implements a program for regular contact with existing and new members of the DDA district businesses in order to foster relationships and provide information/communication as identified about applicable DDA planning, events, initiatives, grants, or incentives.

11. Facilitates strong and productive relationships with appropriate public agencies at the local and state levels as well as state and local associations and organizations.

12. Maintains Downtown Bessemer Facebook page and coordinates use and posting in order to communicate and promote DDA events, plans, program, initiatives, incentives, etc. as well as coordinates with City to post required information.

13. Implements capital-improvement projects that have been approved by the DDA Board; prepares and issues Requests for Proposals (RFPs); writes grant applications, and manages the project through completion.

14. Continues education and pursues training opportunities as available and appropriate.

There is minimal clerical support for the Executive Director in carrying out these responsibilities but is available as needed with more support expected in the first 3-6 months.

A computer is not provided as part of condition of employment. Executive Director must own a functional computer and use it for work as well as a functioning vehicle and valid driver's license for City travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensing & Certifications

• A valid Michigan driver’s license
• National Main Street Certification or MI Professional Downtown Management Program completion is preferred.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree (or equivalent in education); and
• Two (2) years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: commercial district management, economic and/or community development, public relations, land use planning, business administration, public administration, DDA management, Main Street experience, real estate development, volunteer or non-profit administration, small business development, other related areas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of what a TIF district is; and
• Ability to write grants; and
• Ability to work within budget and follow policy guidelines; and
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc; and
• Public-relations, marketing, and community-promotion skills; and
• Communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and verbal with the ability to provide clear, concise, and accurate reports and presentations to a variety of audiences; and
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, business owners, landlords, various professionals, community groups, and the general public; and
• Consensus-building skills, with the ability to influence others to work cooperatively for larger goals and the common good of the downtown and City; and
• Time-management skills, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.

Hours and Location

The Executive Director must devote enough part-time energies, abilities, and talents to this position and must be available by phone during established business hours. As a rule, the Executive Director should be present in City of Bessemer for promotional events, many of which may occur during evenings or weekends. Hours can be flexible and will be based on an agreement between the Director and the DDA. There is space within Bessemer City Hall to store files, hold formal and informal meetings, and conduct business if desired.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics in this job description represent what may be encountered performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the Executive Director works primarily in an office-type setting. Other settings include various business settings from retail to service to street-side. The noise level in the work environment is typically low but can range from moderate to high depending on location of work.

The Executive Director is:

• Routinely required to communicate with others, on the telephone and via email; and
• Frequently required to create and review computer documents and sit for long periods of time at a computer; and
• Frequently required to travel to other locations, drive a car, stand, walk, and climb stairs; and
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch and must occasionally lift or move items of light to moderate weight.

Please send cover letter and resume to: Chris.Frazer@cityofbessemer.org or in person to City Hall at 411 S Sophie St, Bessemer, MI 49911. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5 – 10 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Bessemer, MI 49911: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bessemer, MI 49911