The job of the executive director or manager of a Main Street program is diverse and fast-moving. The position requires someone who can shift quickly from one task to another, because on Main Street the category of jobs that fall under “other duties as assigned” happens every day.
- To efficiently manage your manager, you first need to know what it is they should be doing. Here’s a list of typical duties:
- Guide Development Strategies. The ongoing task of identifying steps to take to revitalize your district, including resources, partners, and groups that can lend a hand.
- Administer the Organization’s Daily Functions. Running an office takes time and effort. This includes developing a budget, accounting, and supervising any employees, in addition to providing the board and community with reports and information.
- Initiate Improvement Strategies. The process of making change only begins when the board comes up with an idea. Implementing business recruitment campaigns involves a lot of hustle!
- Help Business and Property Owners. Keeping stakeholders happy keeps even the best managers on their toes, answering questions and handling concerns.
- Track Progress. Proving a program’s worth through reinvestment statistics takes time and energy, including tracking investments, jobs created and other key figures.
- Coordinate Projects. Spearheading initiatives and keeping volunteers on track occupies significant amounts of a manager’s day.
- Sell the Story. Talking about the benefits of the program and hearing from stakeholders; speaking at local clubs and meetings about the program; promoting success to news outlets; stumping for support, including speaking engagements at state and national conferences; and managing social media outlets.
- Work with People. “No matter how skilled a designer, promoter, developer, or organizer, a [manager] will not be successful without developing good rapport with community members.” (National Trust for Historic Preservation’s The Main Street Board Members’ Handbook)
Important Things to Know about Your Main Street Manager
- Paid staff are not responsible for every aspect of the organization. Main Street community boards are working boards; be sure to pull your weight.
- Do not expect your manager to be in the office all the time - they often are attending meetings off site.
- Understand that your manager is a public figure, and often cannot avoid the political spotlight (particularly in a small town). Be sure to support them in taking the heat for board decisions.