Main Street Program Manager

The City of Valdosta is seeking an innovative, results-oriented leader to serve as its Main Street Program Manager, responsible for driving the revitalization, economic growth, and vibrancy of Downtown Valdosta. This position reports to the City of Valdosta and works closely with the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA) and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boards to strategically position downtown as a thriving hub for business, culture, and community engagement. 

Develops strategies for preservation-based economic development in collaboration with the Central Valdosta Development Authority.

• Lead Downtown Economic Development Initiatives
  Develop and execute preservation-based economic development strategies that attract investment, create jobs, and support existing businesses.
• Coordinate Revitalization Projects
  Identify and implement initiatives that enhance the built environment, promote adaptive reuse of historic properties, and improve downtown aesthetics and functionality.
• Promote Business Retention and Recruitment
  Support downtown business owners with strategic guidance, and actively recruit new businesses to fill gaps in the downtown economy. Develop strategies to increase economic development downtown and to attract new users to existing facilities; strategies include development and updating of business and property inventory listings; utilize market studies for business recruitment and retention.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation
  Create and manage an annual work plan aligned with Main Street America’s Four-Point Approach (Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Organization). Develop an action plan for implementing a downtown revitalization program based on the Main Street America’s Four Point Approach, the goals of the Central Valdosta Development Authority, DDA and Main Street Board, and through the development of an Annual Work Plan through Main Street Board involvement.
• Build Stakeholder and Community Partnerships
  Serve as a liaison among city officials, downtown stakeholders, property owners, merchants, civic groups, and economic development partners at the local and state levels.
• Marketing and Promotion
  Elevate the visibility and appeal of Downtown Valdosta through coordinated branding, marketing, and special events that enhance foot traffic and community pride.
• Data Collection and Reporting
  Maintain comprehensive data on business activity, vacancies, investment, and program impact to evaluate progress and inform decision-making. Develop and conduct ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to enhance appreciation of the downtown’s architecture and other assets and to foster an understanding of the downtown program’s goals and objectives. Through speaking engagements, media interviews and public appearances, keep the program highly visible in the community. 
• Grant Development and Resource Identification
  Research, write, and administer grants and funding opportunities to support revitalization efforts and community initiatives. Coordinate the development of grant funding applications to secure grant funding for downtown projects or programs
• Support Physical Improvement Projects
  Assist downtown property and business owners in planning and implementing improvements by providing design assistance and technical support.
• Facilitate Board and Committee Collaboration
  Coordinate efforts across the Main Street board, CVDA, DDA, and committees to ensure aligned goals and measurable outcomes.