After a year without an executive director, Main Street McMinnville is seeking to fill the position.

“The tentative timeline that I’ve put together is to receive applications through the end of this month,” said Main Street McMinnville board president Raven Young. “In November, start reviewing applications. I think one week of reviewing and then another week of Zoom interviews. Weeding it down to three and then doing actual in-person interviews.”

The director of Main Street McMinnville will promote, plan and manage downtown activities and special events, promote those businesses, and serve as a listener, collaborator, visionary, facilitator, and coordinator. 

According to the job description, responsibilities include:

• Manage all administrative aspects of Main Street McMinnville. This includes developing and maintaining appropriate data system for record keeping, developing and monitoring budgets, accounting, purchasing, preparing reports, documenting changes, retaining information on job creation and business retention, and other office activities as necessary. 

• Develop strategies for downtown economic development and historic preservation with various committees and the board of directors.

• Serve as the first point of contact for guests and answer questions from the community and visitors.

• Maintain website and social media accounts for Main Street McMinnville.

• Communicate with all members and downtown business owners to keep them informed of activities happening downtown.

• Coordinate all projects and activities within the downtown area, including Main Street Live, Second Saturday, Farm to Table Dinner, Christmas Open House, etc. Coordinate and manage all preparation of events, including but not limited to registration, sponsorship, and volunteer coordination. 

Education/experience: applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and/or five years of experience in community development, business economics, downtown historic district development, marketing, public relations, and advertising.

The board’s goal would be to hire someone in December. 

“That timeline would put us at being able to hire someone in December and have them start, either in December or the beginning of January,” said Young. “I really feel like we need to get a director hired. At least get the job posted so we can start receiving applications.”

McMinnville city government reinstated its $40,000 donation to Main Street McMinnville. Those funds are earmarked specifically for the director’s salary. However, salary and benefits will be determined based on qualifications and experience.