Category: 
Job


Location: Madison, WI

Senior Director of Placemaking & Economic Development

Salary: $100,000 to $110,000

Description
Downtown Madison Inc (DMI) and Destination Madison (DM) are seeking a Senior Director of Placemaking & Economic Development to support high-quality mixed-use development and the creation of attractive, accessible, welcoming, and distinctive spaces in the Madison area. This position is responsible for advancing planning and projects that improve quality of life in our community by expanding opportunities to gather, work, play, and celebrate. This new role oversees a project portfolio that includes urban design, public art, public realm, and transformative placemaking projects that appeal to residents, employees, and visitors.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Advocate for, help define, and promote development, redevelopment, and transformative placemaking projects that showcase the unique characteristics of Downtown Madison and the Greater Madison area.
  • Project manage and oversee daily work on relevant initiatives included in the DMI Strategic Plan, Destination Madison Strategic Plan, Downtown Madison Strategic Visioning Plan and City of Madison’s Downtown Plan.
  • Collaborate with alliances on projects and programs related to economic development, infrastructure improvements, real estate development and urban planning.
  • Represent DMI and Destination Madison in discussions and activities around physical planning, connectivity, placemaking, land use, zoning issues, and activation of the public realm in the Madison area.
  • Direct and manage funds raised through campaigns and secure other funding sources through grants and sponsorships.
  • In conjunction with the City of Madison, manage beautification efforts, creative placemaking, tactical urbanism, parklets and interim parks, wayfinding, streetscape, and public space enhancement projects.
  • Continuously research best practices and seek new program ideas through external engagement and learning with professional groups such as the International Downtown Association.
  • Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with appropriate entities at the local, state, and regional level in a variety of areas. Represents the organization’s best interest on public committees and boards.
  • Advise, consult, and provide information to the Presidents and governing Boards of DMI and DM regarding activities, achievements, upcoming initiatives, ongoing and upcoming work, the budget and potential issues.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and strategy of Destination Madison and Downtown Madison Inc.

Desired Skills and Abilities

  • Creative and resourceful problem-solver with the ability to orchestrate people, funding, and support to accomplish goals in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Prioritizes constructive relationships, builds rapport, and enjoys working with high levels of stakeholder engagement across many diverse groups and professionals from various industry sectors.
  • Plans and directs work by setting objectives and relevant milestones to prioritize commitments in alignment with broader organizational goals.
  • Effective communicator who listens attentively to the unique needs of different audiences, balances decisions, and adjusts messaging to fit the situation and audience.
  • Facilitates breakthrough agreements by integrating diverse views and finding common ground or acceptable alternatives to gain support or commitment for project proposals.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in urban design, landscape architecture, community planning or other field related to creative placemaking. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 5-8 years of related professional experience with increasing levels of managerial or administrative responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated passion for city building and downtown revitalization.

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit an updated resume and cover letter through the following link: https://destination-madison.hiringthing.com/job/829801/senior-director-of-placemaking- and-economic-development