Shreveport, Louisiana, home to more than 187,500 residents, is the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family. A component unit of the City of Shreveport, the Downtown Development Authority was formed in 1978 to coordinate public and private efforts to re-vitalize the central business district and provide services and assistance to downtown’s many stakeholders, including property owners, business owners, residents, customers, and visitors.
Governed by a seven-member volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the City Council upon nomination by the mayor, the Authority has an annual budget of roughly $1.67 million. Funding for operations and planning, supplemental services, and capital improvements is provided by a property tax issued on downtown properties (but voted on citywide) and renewed every 25 years. The Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC) is a private, non-profit organization. The Board of Directors is composed of business and property owners and key stakeholders.
The Shreveport Downtown Development Authority is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader ready to champion the revitalization and growth of the community’s central business district. Under the administrative direction of the Downtown Development Authority Board and the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation Board, the Executive Director is responsible for relationship building within downtown and bringing development and entertainment to the area to capitalize on property and sales taxes for continued improvements and livability in the district. The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional diplomacy and be comfortable working with varied groups within the community. They should have experience seeking out and managing grant opportunities and be open to innovative ideas that can drive development. Leadership experience, management experience, and a solid understanding of the complexities of working with and reporting to multiple boards are essential.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, economic development, finance, public policy, or a relevant field, with a master’s degree preferred. Candidates should also have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in planning and development and economic development and three (3) years of experience in executive management, business, or leadership. Experience working with a downtown authority, or in a downtown district, or other quasi-governmental organization is preferred, as is experience working with business attraction and retention and a demonstrated ability to foster and build relationships. The selected candidate will be required to establish residency within the Shreveport city limits. Please also note that Louisiana law requires that the names of all applicants and related submissions for positions with a public entity are subject to public disclosure.
For more information on this position, contact:
Marsha Reed, Senior Vice President
MarshaReed@governmentresource.com
806-789-9641
