Executive Director

Job Description

Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this search.

The River District Association is seeking a passionate, strategic, and experienced non-profit professional to serve as the full-time Executive Director, who will continue to position the organization as a leader in the continued transformation of the region.

The River District Association (RDA) is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1999 to promote the businesses, attractions, and history of Danville’s downtown community, which is now enthusiastically called the River District. RDA believes that a thriving downtown is critical to enhancing the quality of life and the economic well-being of Danville and the surrounding region.

To support this work, RDA works closely with the City of Danville and other key stakeholders to maintain accreditation with Virginia Main Street and Main Street America. RDA is committed to the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ of organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality – the methodology that is recognized nationally as the most successful formula for downtown revitalization – to develop transformation strategies that contribute to River District revitalization and increase demand for River District products and services. Most recently, RDA has expanded its footprint and applied the Four-Point Approach™ to a neighboring commercial district, the North Main Business District.

RDA’s staff, Board of Directors, and key partners work together to make Danville’s River District a model for excellence in downtown revitalization. Since 2010, the River District has leveraged $52 million in public investment to attract $310 million in private investment, which facilitated the creation of more than 150 businesses and the addition of over 1,200 residential spaces. In 2023, these efforts were rewarded with the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). 

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications related to Main Street, community and/or economic development, or historic preservation and/or real estate preferred.

Compensation package: Salary starts at $90,000 and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. RDA offers additional benefits, including but not limited to, annual paid vacation time, paid holidays, paid professional development opportunities, health insurance (dental and vision), matching retirement contribution, and other perks that can be discussed during the interview process.

The Board of Directors seeks to hire:

- A leader who can serve as the face of the organization and a liaison between RDA and the community, funders, civic organizations, legislative bodies, government agencies, and other key stakeholders

- A professional who can explore diversified funding streams and develop and implement fund development strategies, including donor cultivation, grant writing and management, and strategic fundraising to support organizational growth and sustainability

- A communicator who can promote a shared vision and a positive organizational and personal image with a clear message; be available to the public and media; and maintain effective contact with key RDA partners

- A collaborator who can effectively partner with the City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism and other individuals and organizations to create impactful solutions together

-A mindful steward of resources who can manage RDA’s finances and grants;

and develop risk management strategies

The Candidate:

- An innovator who can develop and implement strategies to promote the businesses, services, attractions, and history in the River District and other commercial districts

- An advocate who can implement and market all Main Street initiatives, including but not limited to, promotions and event production, business retention and promotion, placemaking, community engagement, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, and downtown planning and design

-A visionary who can work with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, assess, and communicate strategic plans, including short-, medium- and long-range goals, to ensure that community and organizational

needs are being met

-A culturally-attuned learner who can stay abreast of downtown development needs and shifts; and recommend and implement modifications to meet changing needs

-An inspiring connector who can recruit, train, and retain community partners, volunteers, committee members, and board members

-An executive who supports the professional development of other staff, committee members, board members, and volunteers

Qualification:

- Knowledge of and/or prior working experience with downtown revitalization and redevelopment, small business support, community engagement, development of revenue streams, and marketing 

- Effective communication and collaboration with businesses, nonprofit organizations, local government, and state agencies

- Strong leadership skills that can inspire and guide not only the RDA team, but the broader community in this work moving forward

- Excellent public speaking, presentation, and writing skills, including grant writing and reporting

- Exemplary organizational, problem-solving, and attention management skills

- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a variety of individuals