Montana Career Opportunity – Business Development Specialist (Main Street Coordinator)

JOB TITLE: Business Development Specialist (Main Street Coordinator)
POSITION #: 05179
LOCATION: Helena (Off-site location may be considered)
DIVISION: Business Resources
PAY BAND: 6
STATUS: Permanent, Full-time
JOB CODE: 131936
SUPPLEMENT: YES
ANNUAL SALARY: $36,192 – $45,240. (Depending on experience, continuous service and salaries of existing employees).

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 200501, Helena, MT 59620-0501
Phone (406) 841-2700; Fax (406) 841-2701

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted to a Montana Job Service Office or the Montana Department of Commerce, Personnel Office, PO Box 200501, Helena MT 59620-0501. Applications must be received or postmarked by the closing date of June 22, 2007.

The Montana Department of Commerce will accept FAXED application materials and electronic application materials via E-mail to [email protected].

Special Information: PLEASE PROVIDE A COMPLETED AND SIGNED STATE OF MONTANA APPLICATION FORM AND A COPY OF YOUR COLLEGE DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPTS. TRAVEL REQUIRED APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE TIME. THIS POSITION MAY HAVE THEIR BASE LOCATION IN HELENA OR AN OFF-SITE LOCATION MAY BE CONSIDERED AFTER AN INITIAL TRAINING PERIOD IN HELENA. Applications submitted for this vacant position may be used to fill future openings that occur within six months of the closing date. EXCELLENT BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED BY THE STATE OF MONTANA.

Reasonable Accommodations: Under state and federal law qualified applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations. Modifications or adjustments may be provided to assist applicants to compete in the recruitment and selection process, to perform the essential duties of the job or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment available to other employees. An applicant must request an accommodation when needed. If you need any such accommodation, contact MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE using the information provided above. TDD users may call the TDD number 406-841-2702 or use the relay service by dialing 1-800-253-4091.

Duties: A. PROGRAM PLANNING AND COORDINATION: Serve as the primary liaison with the National Trust Main Street Center. Research and make available resources for downtown revitalization and Main Street activities through the use of the Internet and contacting other various economic development entities. Coordinate a competitive application process to select or designate local Main Street organizations for participation in the statewide program. Develop and maintain a reference library and database of resources that are beneficial to downtown. Attend conferences and seminars to keep abreast of emerging issues in the main street program. Assist communities by means of informational meetings and site visits to assess the level of understanding, readiness, and commitment of communities to undertake a Main Street Program. Assist communities selected under the Main Street program to identify priority activities. Coordinate with contractors, to develop assessments of Main Street Communities to determine what type of training to provide. Serve as the liaison with state and federal agencies, by coordinating and attending meetings to form partnerships and confer with these entities to present main street information and policy to community leaders and potential partners. Contract with the National Main Street Center to provide training events in Montana. Coordinate and facilitate state Main Street advisory committee activities. Research, analyze, and evaluate program requirements, policies, and procedures to understand the issues and implications of establishing local and state Main Street Programs, and make recommendations to the Advisory Board and Department. Provide on-site organizational assistance as needed to Main Street communities such as training volunteers on aspects of the Four-Point Approach. Develop programs, which can be implemented at the state level which are beneficial to downtown revitalization. Coordinate and implement design assistance programs to Main Street communities. Assist the National Trust Main Street Center in all on-site training programs, resource team visits, and other technical assistance activities. B. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND OUTREACH: Respond to inquiries regarding the Montana Main Street program and policies. Provide educational and informational assistance to communities and organizations interested in the programs. Disseminate information using a listserve set up by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a network of local, state, and federal resource providers. Work closely with the local Main Street executive directors and volunteers through contact, on-site visits, meetings, training sessions, and written information. Coordinate workshops and an annual meeting. Develop and produce information and educational materials and other publications to provide information to program constituents, members of the industry, and the public. C. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION: Provide information and recommendations to the SBDC Bureau Chief for the development of the state Main Street program budget. Monitor program expenditures. Determine the need and oversee the development, negotiation, and monitoring of contracts. Fulfill supply and equipment procurement needs of the program. D. OTHER DUTIES: Professional business development, financing, and administrative work as assigned, which includes coordinating special projects and events, filling in for other staff, and attending continuing education and training.

Competencies: Commitment, Communication, Initiative and Accountability, Influence, Personal Effectiveness, and Thinking and Problem Solving.

KNOWLEDGE OF: The issues confronting business people, property owners, public agencies, and community organizations, community development practices; knowledge of current practices and techniques of marketing, communications, program administration, public and media relations, budgetary management, adult education and training, and contract administration. Methods and techniques of writing, public speaking and editing, and the role and responsibilities of public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. Project planning and management; budgeting; records management; and a general knowledge of trends and issues affecting downtown revitalization. Relevant state statutes, and standard office procedures and practices, and some graphic design and layout.

SKILLS IN: Interpersonal relations as applied to interaction with partners, state and local government and the general public. Problem solving and time management. Giving presentations, writing news releases and correspondence. Public speaking and media relations. Developing approaches to issues that involve consensus and establishing and maintaining effective relationships with diverse groups and individuals. Use of standard office software applications (e.g., word processing, databases, spreadsheets, etc.), concepts of website development, developing flyers and brochures, managing program data, managing and coordinating multiple activities; researching information, and delivering presentations.

ABILITY TO: Communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of personnel, groups, and organizations, and display an aptitude for organization. The candidate must be entrepreneurial, energetic, and imaginative. Develop effective informational presentations based on the assessment of community needs using creativity and resourcefulness. Function effectively in an independent situation; maintain a professional image; and respond articulately to issues and concerns about the program. Initiate and maintain positive working relationships with federal agencies, elected officials, contractors, and economic and community development professionals. Must be able to work courteously and cooperatively with the public, clients, and staff. Apply analysis and judgment in arriving at solutions to issues and problems associated with a new program.

Education/Experience: The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, economics, marketing, business administration, finance, political science, public administration, planning, journalism, historic preservation or a related field and 3 to 4 years of actual experience coordinating a local or state Main Street program; experience with community or business development; experience with program development and training.

Application and Selection Process: Selection procedures used to evaluate an applicant’s qualifications may include an evaluation of the State of Montana application and any required supplemental material, a structured oral interview including a performance examination, and reference checks. Applicants will be notified when screening has been completed.

Application material required initially for this position include the following:

1. Signed and completed State of Montana Employment Application (PD-25). Portions of the application may be photocopied if legible (See page 1 for instructions).
2. Submit copy of college transcripts or diploma.
3. Applicants claiming the Veteran’s or Handicapped Person’s Employment Preferences (see State of Montana Employment Application, PD-25) must provide verification of eligibility with the application materials. The required documentation includes a DD-214 or the PHHS Certification of Disability form accompanied by the Employment Preference Form PD-25A.

Benefits: State employees working at least half-time are also provided paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Other benefits for eligible state employees include a credit union, a deferred compensation program, public employees retirement program, 15 working days annual leave per year, 12 days sick leave per year, paid holidays, and up to 15 days military leave with full pay. Earned leave benefits may be used for maternity and parental (birth/adoption) leave and for immediate family illness care.

Immigration Reform and Control Act: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three (3) days of hire, documentation that he/she is authorized to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or social security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., a U.S. passport or a green card.

The Montana Compliance with Military Selective Service Act: In accordance with The Montana Compliance with Military Selective Service Act, men selected for state government employment must produce documentation showing compliance with the federal Military Selective Service Act. Examples of this documentation include a registration card issued by Selective Service or a letter from Selective Service showing a person was not required to register.

Supplemental Questions

DEPARTMENT: Commerce
JOB TITLE: Business Development Specialist (Main Street Coordinator)
POSITION NO.: 05179 PAY BAND: 6
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 22, 2007

INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete the following supplement questions. This supplement gives you an opportunity to present more complete and specific details regarding your qualifications for this position. Please limit your response to no more than 1 page per question, typed and single-spaced. Please put your name and the position for which you are applying at the top of each page. Your responses will be evaluated as an example of your written communications skills. Your responses to the Application Supplement MUST BE COMPLETED and returned with your Montana State Application form in order for your application to be considered.

1. Please describe any knowledge or experience you have with the Main Street Program or downtown revitalization.