Executive Director

The Mount Vernon Downtown Association strengthens the economic vitality of our historic downtown, the heart of Mount Vernon, by supporting small businesses, attracting investment, and creating experiences that bring our community together.

The Executive Director is the senior staff leader of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association (MVDA), hired by and accountable to the Board of Directors, and reports to the Board through the President. Under MVDA's bylaws, the Board manages the affairs of the Association, formulates its policy, and is responsible for its finances. Within the policies, annual work plan, and budget adopted by the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization, implementation of Board-adopted strategy, and supervision of staff, contractors, and volunteers.

This role oversees downtown revitalization efforts using the Main Street Approach®, strengthens partnerships with businesses and community stakeholders, and ensures MVDA's mission is carried out with professionalism, transparency, and measurable impact.

• Recommend strategic priorities and long-term goals to the Board, and implement the strategic plan, annual work plan, and policies the Board adopts.
• Implement the Main Street Approach® across the Four Points:
  Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and performance measures in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for MVDA.

• Support the Board of Directors by providing timely information, recommendations, and strategic guidance.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, nonprofit regulations, and Washington State reporting requirements.
• Submit annual goals aligned to the mission for Board approval at the start of each fiscal year, and report progress against them throughout the year. The Executive Director is reviewed annually by the Board against those goals.

• Build strong relationships with downtown businesses, property owners, civic partners, City of Mount Vernon staff, and regional organizations.
• Conduct regular outreach to understand business needs, emerging issues, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Represent MVDA at community meetings, public hearings, and regional Main Street events.

• Maintain the official membership roll, process membership applications and resignations, and administer annual dues as set by the Board.
• Ensure members receive all notices required by the bylaws within the required time frames, including notice of the annual meeting no fewer than 30 days in advance.
• Administer the annual meeting of the membership and the election of Directors in accordance with the bylaws, including ballot preparation and mailing, receipt and secure handling of returned ballots, tallying with the nominating committee, and meeting logistics and notice.

• Lead initiatives that strengthen downtown's economic health, including business retention, recruitment, and support programs.
• Manage façade improvement programs, small-business assistance, and downtown data collection.
• Oversee placemaking projects, beautification efforts, and infrastructure partnerships.
• Evaluate each event and program annually against mission fit and financial contribution, and recommend to the Board what to continue, change, or retire.

• Oversee MVDA's marketing strategy, brand identity, and communication channels.
• Plan and execute downtown events that drive foot traffic, community pride, and economic activity.
• Manage media relations, newsletters, social…