Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director
Employer: City of Southgate, Michigan
Type: Full Time – Exempt
Salary and Benefits: $45,000-$55,000(depending on experience) with benefits
• Health Care with HSA option (includes City contribution), Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Retiree Health Savings Account
• Defined Contribution Retirement Account
• 14.5 Paid Holidays
Population: 29,165
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume and references to City of Southgate Parks & Recreation, Attn: Julie Goddard, 14700
Reaume Parkway, Southgate, MI 48195 or email to [email protected]
General Summary:
Southgate’s DDA seeks a self-motivated and energetic individual to oversee Southgate’s Downtown Development
Authority District, focusing on events, business retention and attraction, and revitalization projects. This position works
closely with multiple departments, and many different organizations and businesses throughout the City.
Responsibilities & Duties:
The range of duties will vary and encompass a variety of tasks. This role requires flexibility, creativity, and a self-motivating, friendly disposition.
– Report to DDA Board of Directors and City Administration – holding monthly meetings, developing agendas and
maintaining minutes, and keeping the Board informed on Downtown information and issues.
– Market and promote efforts of the DDA – maintaining social media pages, building relationships with local
media outlets, create content for the Southgate Today Magazine, and be innovative on new ways to market the
District.
– Coordinate existing events and develop new events – the DDA is responsible for 10+ different events throughout
the year. The Director is expected to maintain these current events, while also continually evaluating how these
events can stay fresh, and researching new and exciting events to bring to the community.
– Build relationships – the Director is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with Southgate’s
business community and local organizations, keeping the relationships updated with current events, sponsorship
opportunities, etc.
– Sponsorship – the Director must be able to create sound sponsorship campaigns that raise money for events and
projects, and also provide marketing opportunities to the businesses who participate.
Work Experience and Education:
– Experience working with Boards of Directors, business owners, a variety of organizations, and a broad array of
partners and staff
– Preferred – Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics,
Community Development, or similar.
– Success in project management, ability to meet deadlines and multitask on multiple projects at once
– Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
– Strong social media skills, familiar with a range of platforms
– Networking confidence, ability to meet with business owners and members of the community consistently
– Able to work independently with attention to detail
– Ability to handle an unconventional work schedule, that may include nights and weekends