The Downtown Coordinator is a three-year contracted position that is responsible for acting as the City liaison to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DEGA) boards. The purpose of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DEGA) is to halt property value deterioration, promote economic growth, increase property value creation, and implement development plans. Your role as a liaison is to facilitate communication and collaboration between the board of directors, the City of Kalamazoo, and community partners. This position will be the bridge between connecting and coordinating Downtown efforts that spur development, drive investment, and generate excitement about Downtown Kalamazoo.

• Manage the administrative responsibilities of the boards and committees, including preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, providing updates, and other important communications.
• Act as a liaison between the boards and City staff, including responsible for DDA/DEGA oversight including bookkeeping, vendor coordination, contract management, bidding and RFP production, communications, and planning.
• Support implementing the DDA/DEGA strategic plan to spur downtown development, drive investment, generate excitement, and ensure sustainable practices to improve Downtown Kalamazoo and fulfill the City’s Master Plan.
• Oversee Downtown work plans, contracts, events, and initiatives alongside City staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to support downtown initiatives, events, and small businesses, and expand capacity for marketing initiatives.
• Assist in implementing a communications and marketing strategy to promote Downtown events, businesses, tourism, and opportunities; assist with website and social media accounts.
• Support new and existing Downtown businesses through the city’s development process including applications, incentives, resources, site plan, etc.
• Conduct frequent outreach to Downtown stakeholders and businesses, foster relationships, and develop partnerships with local entrepreneurs, developers, property owners, and organizations to attract and retain businesses within the Downtown.
• Coordinate with City staff to provide the board with information regarding parcels, buildings, or public facilities within the DDA/DEGA districts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align strategies with the community's vision for the Downtown and coordinate efforts to improve the Downtown.
• Track impact, analyze data, and prepare annual reports on the DDA/DEGA initiatives and their impact of economic growth and changes in the City’s downtown area.
• Stay informed about grant opportunities and legislative changes that may impact downtown revitalization efforts.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Urban/City Planning, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in business, marketing, community engagement, urban development, municipal planning, or related field.
• Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively and positively communicate with the board members, committee members, local businesses, and the public and all levels within the organization.
• Ability to present facts, negotiate/persuade others, and be attentive to details.
• Demonstrates a sense of excellence, prioritizes well, shows engagement, responds to opportunities, instills positivity in others, and meets deadlines.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged. Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.