Executive Director – Panama City, Florida Downtown Improvement Board
The Panama City Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) is seeking a full time Executive Director. This position is responsible for administration, operational leadership, and supervision of a small staff. The DIB is a small governmental organization responsible for revitalization and promotion of Panama City, Florida’shistoric Downtown. The selected applicant will report to a seven-member board of appointed business owners. Currently, the DIB’s main priorities are facilitating residential development Downtown, organizing events to drive traffic and goodwill to Downtown, and beautification efforts.
The ideal candidate will have interest and knowledge about residential infill projects and real estate development and would be ableto suggest and implement creative processes to bring more residential units to Downtown. Other desirable skills and experience include: event planning; running a small business; budgeting, accounting, or bookkeeping experience; experience with local governments or being accountable to a board of directors; communication abilities and personality necessary to interface and coordinate with various businesses and governmental partners who have may not always have similar opinions; knowledge of Florida’spublic meeting and public record laws as well asboard meeting procedures;experience recruiting and organizing volunteers;human resources; strategic planning; and program implementation. This is a high-level leadership opportunity but also requires hands on implementation of projects and events by the Executive Director due to the small staff size (usually two employees under the Executive Director). The position requires either (1) a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience or(2) a high school diploma and significant relevant experience.
The DIB was established in 1973and covers the areasouth of 7th Street and generally between Jenks Avenue and Harmon Avenue in Panama City, FL. The DIB is supported by an ad valorem tax within the Downtown districtand additional revenue generated by events including street festivals and holiday events. The DIB is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and a dependent special district of the City of Panama City, which makesthe DIB subject to Florida’s public meeting and public records laws. Annual budgets and a scope of work are approved by the DIB Board and the City Commission.
The Executive Director acts as an official representative of the DIB,carries out the goals and policies approved by the DIB Board, develops and manages an annual budget, and prepares agendas and supporting materials for monthly board meetings.
Routine duties, include, but are not limited to:
- Develop a strategic plan and program of work with the DIB Board to revitalize Downtown.
- Identify, assess, and inform the DIB Board regarding internal and external issues that affect the DIB and Downtown.
- Act as a professional advisor to the DIB Board on all aspects of Board activities including financial management.
- Act as the spokesperson for the DIB; communicate Board directives and activities.
- Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board.
- Ensure efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the Board and staff.
- Draft policies for the approval of the Board and to implement policiesand procedures.
- Draft position statements on behalf of the Board for community issues.
- Program planning and management
- Human resources management including hiring, firing, and supervising all other DIB employees.
- Proactive development of community relations and advocacy to help achieve the DIB’s goals.
- Ground level management of all DIB sanctioned events and oversight of volunteers, contractors, and consultants.
- Ensure maintenance and effectiveness of website, social media, and print promotional publications.
- Ensure compliance with all legislation covering Florida governmental special districts and tax-exempt organizations.
- Work with staff and Board to prepare a comprehensive budget with final presentation to the Panama City - City Commission.
- Absolutely must be tactful, respectful, responsible, well-spoken, trustworthy, and understand the importance of serving the public.
- Absolutely must have above average to excellent Microsoft Office skills.
Physical Demands of Position:
Standing / Walking; Sitting; Lifting / Carrying; Pushing / Pulling; Reaching; Money handling; Crouching; Kneeling; Bending; Climbing / Balancing; Twisting.
Please submit your resume and a letter of interest explaining what you can offer Historic Downtown Panama City . As this is an executive level position heading a governmental special district so you may be required to participate in an interview(s) held during a publicly noticed meeting where citizens and media are encouraged to attend. This is a full-time exempt position, with a startingsalarybetween $40,000 and$50,000 per year. Flexible hours are required. Participation at evening, weekend, and holiday events will be required. The DIB reserves the right to fill this position as soon as it finds a suitable candidate.