Executive Director Agency:

Hammond Downtown Development District Address:

2 W Thomas St, Hammond, Louisiana, 70401

Reports To:

DDD Board of Directors Job Type:

Full time with annual salary and benefits

Closing:

Until suitable candidate is found

TO APPLY

Submit cover letter, resume, and professional references to downtownhammond@gmail.com Include the following subject line: 'Executive Director Application - [your name]'.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

The Hammond Downtown Development District's (DDD) vision is that Hammond is a place where preservation and progress coexist in pursuit of nurturing a thriving community. Our work is rooted in community engagement that instills local pride to support innovation and sustainable growth for Downtown Hammond. The DDD is a governmental agency with taxing authority governed by a seven-member volunteer Board of Directors. The DDD's work is supported by six volunteer committees including: Marketing, Design, Events, Farmers Market, Merchant, and Residential. The DDD facilitates Hammond's Main Street program accreditation with support from the Hammond Historic District, City of Hammond, and other key organizational partners. With an over 40 year community-driven revitalization effort, Downtown Hammond was recognized as a Great American Main Street Award winner in 2022. To learn more about the DDD's history and work, please visit: downtownhammondla.com/about

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the agency head of the Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, organizational management, financial stewardship, economic development, and implementation of the DDD's mission as established by the Board of Directors and authorized under Louisiana Revised Statutes. The Hammond Downtown Development District is a unit of the City of Hammond; however, DDD employees are employees of the Hammond Downtown Development District and are not employees of the City of Hammond. The DDD participates in certain City-administered employee benefit programs and personnel processes as applicable. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates all activities of the District, including economic development, downtown revitalization, public space improvements, business development, marketing, special events, grant administration, and organizational operations. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing the Board's strategic priorities while ensuring the effective management of personnel, financial resources, public investments, and stakeholder relationships. The Executive Director serves as the primary representative of the Hammond Downtown Development District to local, state, and federal agencies, business owners, property owners, residents, community organizations, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Organizational Management Provides overall leadership and management of the Hammond Downtown Development District. Implements policies established by the Board of Directors. Develops organizational goals, objectives, annual work plans, and performance measures. Advises the Board on policy, strategic initiatives, organizational risks, and emerging opportunities. Recommends organizational improvements that advance the DDD's mission. Maintains a positive organizational culture focused on professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and public service. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, grant requirements, Board policies, Louisiana Open Meetings Law, public records requirements, and records retention policies. Economic Development & Downtown Revitalization Leads downtown revitalization initiatives that encourage investment, redevelopment, business recruitment, business retention, and quality placemaking. Develops and implements programs supporting commercial revitalization, historic preservation, housing, and economic development. Coordinates redevelopment initiatives with the City of Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, State of Louisiana, federal agencies, and community partners. Identifies and pursues funding opportunities, grants, and public-private partnerships. Supports implementation of infrastructure improvements and public space investments that enhance downtown Hammond. Coordinates permitting and development review for projects within the District to ensure compliance with the City's Unified Development Code and review by the DDD Design Committee. Coordinates with City departments to identify and address maintenance needs within the downtown public realm through established work order processes Financial Management Prepares the annual operating budget for Board consideration. Monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure sound fiscal management. Oversees purchasing, procurement, contracts, grants, loans, and financial reporting. Coordinates the adoption and continuation of the District's property tax millage and ensures compliance with applicable requirements and deadlines. Administers the District's Revolving Loan Fund and other financial assistance programs. Recommends budget amendments as necessary. Ensures compliance with all financial policies, audit requirements, and governmental reporting requirements. Board Relations Provides professional guidance, information, and recommendations to the Board of Directors to support informed decision-making. Attends all Board and committee meetings. Prepares agendas, reports, recommendations, and supporting materials. Implements Board actions. Maintains regular communication with the Board regarding organizational operations and strategic initiatives. Personnel Management Recruits, supervises, develops, and evaluates District employees. Establishes performance expectations and annual work plans for staff. Conducts employee performance evaluations. Encourages professional development and leadership growth. Maintains appropriate personnel policies and procedures. Promotes succession planning and cross-training to reduce organizational risk. Community Relations & Public Affairs Represents the Hammond Downtown Development District before governmental agencies, business organizations, civic groups, property owners, residents, and the public. Builds collaborative partnerships that advance the District's mission. Serves as the organization's primary spokesperson unless otherwise directed by the Board. Supports transparent communication regarding District programs, initiatives, and accomplishments. Works cooperatively with elected officials, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and regional economic development organizations. Marketing & Communications Oversight Provides strategic oversight of the District's marketing and communications efforts. Ensures that marketing initiatives support organizational goals and downtown economic development. Oversees branding, public relations, digital communications, and stakeholder engagement. Supports promotion of downtown Hammond as a vibrant destination for business, investment, tourism, and community activity. Strategic Planning Develops and implements long-range organizational strategies. Monitors legislative, economic, and community trends affecting downtown Hammond. Recommends policy initiatives that strengthen the District. Evaluates organizational performance using measurable outcomes. Leads implementation of the District's Strategic Plan and other adopted planning documents. Main Street & Cultural District Administration Serves as the Director for Louisiana Main Street and is responsible for maintaining the Hammond Downtown Development District's Accredited Main Street designation. Ensures compliance with all Louisiana Main Street and Main Street America accreditation standards, annual reporting requirements, and program expectations. Provides leadership in implementing the Main Street Four Point Approach® through economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization initiatives. Coordinates with Louisiana Main Street, Main Street America, and other state and national partners to strengthen downtown revitalization efforts. Oversees preparation and submission of annual accreditation reports, work plans, and performance metrics required to maintain program accreditation. Administers the Hammond Cultural District program in coordination with the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development. Promotes utilization of Louisiana's Cultural District tax incentive programs to encourage investment, rehabilitation, and cultural activity within the district. Develops partnerships and initiatives that support arts, culture, historic preservation, tourism, and creative placemaking as economic development tools. Ensures compliance with all reporting, program, and administrative requirements associated with the Louisiana Cultural District designation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, economic development, finance, communications, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. Five years of progressively responsible management experience. Experience in budgeting, personnel management, project management, and organizational leadership. Experience working with governing boards, elected officials, or public agencies is preferred. A combination of education and relevant professional experience demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of downtown revitalization, economic development, and placemaking principles. Knowledge of budgeting, governmental accounting, grant administration, and nonprofit or public-sector financial management. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws affecting public agencies. Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, business owners, property owners, residents, partner organizations, and governmental agencies. Strong organizational, leadership, and strategic planning skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound professional judgment. Ability to supervise and develop employees. Ability to analyze complex issues and recommend practical solutions. Ability to represent the District professionally in public settings.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Executive Director serves at the direction of the Hammond Downtown Development District Board of Directors and reports directly to the Board through the Board Chair. The Executive Director is responsible for the supervision and evaluation of all District employees.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The Executive Director shall receive an annual performance evaluation conducted by the Executive Committee using the Board's adopted evaluation process. Performance shall be evaluated based upon achievement of organizational goals, financial management, leadership, personnel management, implementation of Board policies, stakeholder relationships, and overall organizational performance.

COMPENSATION & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

This is a full-time, at-will position with the Hammond Downtown Development District. DDD employees are not City of Hammond employees. Because the DDD is a unit of the City of Hammond, eligible DDD employees participate in the following employee benefit programs made available through or administered by the City, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, plan terms, policies, budget approval, and future modification: Participation in the Municipal Employees' Retirement System of Louisiana (MERS). Employees contribute 10% of salary, and the City currently contributes 26% on the employee's behalf. 100% City-paid employee health insurance premium, effective after completion of a minimum 30-day waiting period. The City funds the majority of the $3,000 annual health insurance deductible through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees receive an iSolve HRA debit card to pay eligible medical expenses covered under the

HRA. 100

% City-paid employee dental insurance premium through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. 100% City-paid Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, including a $30,000 life insurance benefit and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage equal to 60% of the employee's base monthly salary, up to $6,000 per month. Employees may also purchase additional voluntary life insurance coverage. 100% City-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing employees and their families with 24/7 confidential counseling, support, guidance, and resources. Optional employee-paid benefits are available, including vision insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, short-term disability insurance, whole life insurance, and LegalShield coverage. Seventeen (17) paid holidays each year, subject to City Council approval. Presidential Election Day is observed as a paid holiday every four years. Sick leave accrues at 3.6923 hours per biweekly pay period (96 hours or 12 days annually). Sick leave may not be used during the employee's initial probationary period. Annual leave (vacation) accrues at 1.5385 hours per biweekly pay period (40 hours annually) during the first year of employment. After one year of continuous service, the accrual rate increases to 80 hours annually. Additional increases are based on years of service as outlined in the applicable employee policy manual.

Benefits Disclaimer:

The benefits described above reflect the current benefit summary provided by the City of Hammond and are subject to change at the discretion of the City of Hammond, including modification, suspension, or discontinuation based on financial needs, budgetary constraints, changes in applicable laws or regulations, plan terms, or governing policies. Nothing in this job description creates a contractual right or guarantee of any specific benefit.

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person