Downtown Redevelopment & Historic Preservation Manager bei City of Waxahachie, TX

About the Department

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Under limited supervision, plan, direct, manage, and oversee the implementation of the Waxahachie Downtown Master and Capital Improvements Plan; manage the City’s Mainstreet Program; provide support to the Waxahachie Partnership Inc., Board of Directors; serve as the Historic Preservation Officer and representative to the Heritage Preservation Commission; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Executive Director of Parks & Leisure Services; and perform other duties as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a single-incumbent manager-level classification.  The employee performs his/her duties under minimal supervision.

Position Duties

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Assume full management responsibility for the Downtown Master and Capital Improvements Plan; provide professional assistance to the Executive Director of Parks & Leisure Services and Waxahachie Partnership Inc., Board of Directors; recommend and administer related policies and procedures.
• Serve as the Historic Preservation Officer for the City and advise the Heritage Preservation Commission on matters submitted to the Commission.
• Implement the historic preservation ordinance including: review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA), conduct research and write reports, manage and provide staff support to the Heritage Preservation Commission, and make recommendations and/or decisions as needed.
• Administer, maintain, and coordinate historic preservation programs, downtown building improvement program grants, historic site tax exemption, special projects such as production of preservation-related educational brochures and documents, data analysis, preservation-related presentations, stakeholder workshops, tours and document historic resources.
• Work closely with city staff, appropriate state and federal agencies, and community groups in planning activities by providing information and technical assistance regarding historic preservation, historic tax credits, National Register, federal regulations and Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
• Complete status and financial reports for the SHPO as well as prepare clear and concise reports and summarize complex subject matter.
• Maintain the City of Waxahachie status as a “Certified Local Government” (CLG) including completion and review of local historical/architectural surveys and completion and review of National Register evaluations and nominations.
• Evaluate applications for alterations and new construction.
• Prepare ordinance amendments for the Historic Preservation Ordinance and historic districts.
• Present design cases at board and commission meetings, including City Council as needed.
• Review construction drawings, including architectural, electrical, mechanical, landscape, and detail/specification sheets plans and facilitating development in historic districts. 
• Serve as the City’s Main Street Manager and be responsible for the development, conduct, and execution and documentation of the Main Street Program; including active involvement with the Texas Historical Commission.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage downtown events and promotional activities.
• Actively identify and make application for grants and pursue additional sources of funding for the Plan’s programs; develop financing alternatives.
• Oversee and serve as the primary City contact for Waxahachie Farmers Market.
• Coordinate and serve as City staff liaison to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1.
• Market and promote the Central Business District to tourists, private investors, developers, realtors, etc.  Be familiar with the various incentives and ordinances regulating development within the different downtown districts.
• Represent the Waxahachie Downtown Master and Capital Improvement Plan projects and act as a liaison to other city departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate activities with those of other departments and outside agencies.
• Provide staff assistance to the Executive Director of Parks & Leisure Services; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; plan and coordinate department activities; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Participate in and complete special projects for the City.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of downtown revitalization, planning, and historic preservation.
• Participate in the work of subordinate staff; assist in creating downtown development programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of comprehensive downtown development and redevelopment programs.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of public sector management.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Methods and techniques of effective grant application and proposal preparation.
• Advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of media relations involving written and oral communications.
• Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Travel on periodic basis, typically within state.
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff and volunteer groups.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Lead and direct the operations, services and activities of Downtown projects.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
• Develop and administer budgets.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Prepare and administer state and federal grants.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials, employees, business leaders, civic groups, boards, the media, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience:

Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job may be considered. 

• Bachelor’s degree with two years of experience or master’s degree no experience. 
• Relevant experience may include economic or downtown development, marketing, public relations, real estate, urban planning, public administration, business administration, economics or similar fields. 

Licenses and Certifications:

A valid State driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. 

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.

Work Environment: 

The employee primarily works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule.