Seeking the next leader of the most dynamic organization in Fond du Lac!

Support over 280 Fond du Lac businesses in the Downtown Fond du Lac Business Improvement District - 76% of which are small, locally owned - and play a key role in the revitalization of our downtown community.

Be the voice for our downtown, leading redevelopment and business recruitment efforts. As the head of our leadership team, you’ll help bring to life beloved community events including the Saturday Farmers Market and Fondue Fest.

Make a meaningful impact in the community where you live!

Position Summary:

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (DFP) is seeking an experienced and inspirational professional to serve as Executive Director.

The Executive Director is the primary leader and point of contact for all DFP initiatives and is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs in alignment with Board-approved strategies and goals. This highly visible role requires strong collaboration with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and a broad range of community partners.

The Executive Director leads and supports a small team and volunteer base, balancing hands-on execution with effective delegation and leadership. The ideal candidate brings experience in special event and festival management and a proven ability to work collaboratively with merchants, residents, elected officials, and corporate sponsors to advance a vibrant downtown.

Management Style:

Success in this position is driven by the ability to build strong relationships with local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and event vendors. The ideal candidate is proactive, collaborative, and deeply committed to serving as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for Downtown Fond du Lac.

Key Qualities:

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled in planning and execution.
• Creative, solutions-focused thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated professional capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

Business Development & Redevelopment

• Lead downtown business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts to support a diverse and vibrant
• downtown environment.
• Support existing and prospective businesses by connecting them to financial, technical, and incentive resources.
• Develop, promote, and administer financial assistance and incentive programs.
• Maintain working knowledge of zoning, development regulations, City policies, and best practices in downtown revitalization.
• Create redevelopment strategies for high-value or underutilized properties and work with property owners, including absentee landlords, to address blight and encourage reinvestment.
• Provide support to businesses navigating operational or situational challenges.
• Coordinate and deliver educational sessions based on business and property owner needs.
• Follow up on leads for businesses seeking to open, expand, or relocate downtown.
• Serve as an organizational partner in IGNITE! Business Success, including coaching and support for small business startups.

Events, Marketing & Downtown Engagement

Downtown Activation & Collaboration

• Leverage partnerships and collaboration to encourage residents and visitors to experience and stay downtown.
• Foster business-to-business collaboration to create coordinated promotions and shared marketing efforts.
• Build awareness and consensus around Downtown Fond du Lac activities, promotions, and events.
• Develop and manage an annual event calendar that balances organizational capacity, funding, and measurable benefit to downtown businesses and the community.

Special Events Management

• Plan, implement, and evaluate all Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (DFP) special events, including the Saturday Farmers Market, Wine Walks, and Fondue Fest.
• Establish and manage event timelines, ensuring successful pre-event planning, day-of execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Oversee event logistics including sponsorships, budgets, vendors, marketing, and on-site operations.
• Ensure events meet organizational goals for community impact, financial sustainability, and brand alignment.
• Coordinate communication among staff, volunteers, partners, and vendors to ensure timely and effective execution.

Marketing, Promotions & Reporting

• Lead marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts to communicate Downtown Fond du Lac’s brand and value proposition.
• Develop innovative promotions and creative strategies to increase downtown engagement.
• Manage all print and digital marketing assets, including website content and social media platforms.
• Conduct event surveys of businesses and participants; analyze results and report economic impact data to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
• Downtown Design, Safety & Placemaking
• Support and maintain a downtown environment that is clean, safe, welcoming, and visually appealing.
• Advance initiatives related to safety, wayfinding, streetscaping, beautification, and public art.
• Uphold Downtown Design Guidelines and collaborate with the Downtown Architectural Review Board on property renovation and redevelopment projects.
• Partner closely with the Fond du Lac Police Department on special event planning, safety coordination, parking management, homelessness, and the Building Security Grant program.
• Work with property owners to encourage reinvestment and maintain high-quality building and site standards.
• Participate in streetscape and amenity planning to ensure cohesive, district-wide design consistency.

Organization Leadership & Strategy

Executive Leadership & Organizational Management

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations and business activities of the organization.
• Provide visionary and inspirational leadership to advance the mission, strategic plan, and priorities of the organization.
• Serve as a visible leader and advocate for the Downtown Fond du Lac community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors in support of the organization’s mission and objectives.

Governance & Board Support

• Coordinate Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings, including agendas, materials, minutes, reports, public notices, and official correspondence.
• Prepare the annual work plan and operating budget for Board approval.
• Create the Annual Report and plan and oversee the Annual Meeting.
• Lead the annual State and National Main Street Accreditation process.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly economic reporting to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
• Ensure completion and accountability for the annual financial audit.

Financial Management & Fundraising

• Lead organizational fundraising and revenue development through grants, sponsorships, memberships, and other funding sources.
• Develop sponsorship packages and cultivate corporate and community partnerships.
• Oversee sponsor fulfillment, stewardship, and reporting.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, including oversight of expenses, revenue performance, and budget adjustments as needed.
• Ensure compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.

Human Resources & Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, manage, and evaluate staff in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Provide staff development, training, and performance oversight to promote professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear expectations and provide leadership support.
• Build and sustain a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing organizational culture aligned with the Board’s vision.

Communications & Public Relations

• Serve as chief spokesperson and primary advocate for the organization.
• Oversee all organizational communications, including press releases, publications, advertising, social media, email marketing, and crisis communications.
• Ensure communications are accurate, professional, and aligned with the organization’s brand voice and messaging standards.

Community Relations, Advocacy & Partnerships

• Act as the voice and advocate for downtown business and property owners.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with City of Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac County leadership and key partner organizations.
• Represent the organization at City Council meetings and community forums to advance downtown initiatives and support annual budget approval.
• Identify and pursue collaborative opportunities to expand programs and community impact.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build and sustain relationships with downtown businesses, community partners, and event participants.
• Expand organizational visibility, participation, and community involvement.
• Grow digital presence and engagement through strategic outreach and communications.

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, and manage volunteers and event teams.
• Build a strong, engaged volunteer base to support programs and special events.
• Foster a positive, inclusive volunteer culture that encourages long-term involvement.

Systems, Data & Reporting

• Maintain organizational information systems, including databases of downtown property and business owners.
• Document and report organizational outcomes to demonstrate accountability to stakeholders, funders, and the community.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and best practices in nonprofit management, governance, and community development.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in related field (public administration, business administration, economic development, urban planning, marketing or communications).

Qualifications & Experience:

• 3–5 years of experience in downtown management or related fields such as economic development, land use planning, or urban planning.
• 5–7 years of organizational management experience, including direct oversight of administrative, financial, and staff resources.
• Background in Business Improvement District (BID) management preferred; experience in chamber of commerce, convention and visitor’s bureau, downtown organization/BID management, festival or entertainment venue management, or similar roles is strongly encouraged.
• Fundraising and grant writing experience preferred, with the ability to identify funding opportunities and deliver professional presentations.
• Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and experience working in a nonprofit environment preferred.

Proficiencies:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, website management, and social media platforms.
• Experience developing and executing social media strategies and content.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting of office technology, including computers, printers, and phone
• systems.

Work Schedule:

This is a salaried position with compensation commensurate with experience. The role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends, with regular attendance at special events as an essential function.

Benefits:

Life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance stipend, IRA match, Paid Time Off, sick time and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

The Executive Director of the DFP must meet the following physical requirements: lift up to 50 pounds, stand, sit, walk, for various amounts of time. A valid driver’s license is required to operate a motor vehicle for job related tasks.

Accountability:

This position reports directly to the Board President of the DFP and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to support the organization’s mission and programs.

To Apply:

Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and resume for consideration to

employment@downtownfdl.com. All inquiries will remain confidential.

Applications will be accepted until position is no longer listed as available at https://downtownfdl.com/aboutus/staff/