POSITION DESCRIPTION

CLASS TITLE:  Community Programs Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO:  City Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt                                                                                          

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

The Community Programs Manager plans, coordinates, administers, and supports a broad range of City programs, community initiatives, events, partnerships, and special projects intended to enhance the quality of life, economic vitality, civic engagement, and overall attractiveness of the City of Lamar.

The position serves as a primary liaison between the City, community organizations, businesses, nonprofit partners, boards and commissions, volunteers, residents, and other governmental agencies. The Community Programs Manager develops partnerships, coordinates resources, manages programs and events, assists with grant-funded initiatives, and helps translate community priorities into successful projects and activities.

The position is responsible for administering and coordinating programs that may include Lamar's Colorado Main Street program, community events and festivals, tourism and promotional initiatives, recycling and sustainability programs, Lamar Redevelopment Authority activities, business and community partnerships, volunteer programs, beautification efforts, and other programs or special projects assigned by the City Administrator.

The Community Programs Manager is expected to identify opportunities for collaboration and improvement, build productive community relationships, and provide effective coordination among City departments and external partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following duties are intended to illustrate the responsibilities of the position and are not all-inclusive. The City may assign, modify, or change duties as organizational and community needs evolve.

Community Programs and Partnerships

* Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community programs, initiatives, and special projects consistent with City goals and priorities.

* Serve as a liaison between the City and community organizations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, boards and commissions, volunteers, residents, and governmental partners.

* Develop and maintain productive partnerships that leverage community resources and improve coordination of programs and services.

* Identify emerging community needs and opportunities and recommend programs, partnerships, projects, or other strategies to address them.

* Develop annual and multi-year program goals, work plans, timelines, performance measures, and implementation strategies.

* Coordinate volunteer involvement in City-supported programs and community initiatives.

* Recruit, organize, and communicate with volunteers and partner organizations as appropriate.

* Assist community organizations and partners in navigating City processes and coordinating with appropriate City departments.

* Research and pursue grants, sponsorships, donations, partnerships, and other resources to support community programs and projects.

* Administer grants and other program funding as assigned, including maintaining appropriate records, documentation, reporting, and compliance.

* Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, promotional materials, and other communications regarding community programs and accomplishments.

* Provide periodic updates to the City Administrator, City Council, boards, committees, partner organizations, and the public as appropriate.

* Maintain accurate program records, statistics, financial information, agreements, and other documentation.

* Assist with community outreach and public engagement activities associated with City programs and initiatives.

Community Events, Tourism, and Promotion

* Plan, coordinate, support, and evaluate City-sponsored and community events, festivals, celebrations, promotional activities, and other special events.

* Maximize the City's participation in and coordination with community initiatives and major events.

* Work collaboratively with the Lamar Chamber of Commerce, Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel, Lamar Partnership Inc., local businesses, nonprofit organizations, tourism partners, and other organizations.

* Support efforts to promote Lamar as a destination for visitors, regional commerce, recreation, events, and tourism.

* Lead or assist event organizers hosting special events within the City of Lamar.

* Coordinate special-event permitting and ensure organizers provide required documentation, fees, insurance, and other information.

* Coordinate with City departments, emergency services, partner agencies, vendors, volunteers, and event organizers regarding logistics, facilities, traffic, equipment, public safety, setup, and cleanup.

* Develop and coordinate marketing and promotional efforts for assigned City programs and events, including websites, social media, print materials, signage, and other communication channels.

* Evaluate programs and events and recommend improvements based on attendance, participation, community feedback, costs, outcomes, and other relevant measures.

* Coordinate fundraising, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities associated with community events and programs.

Downtown Vitality and Colorado Main Street Program

* Serve as the City's primary staff contact for the Colorado Main Street program and coordinate Lamar's participation in the program.

* Work with Lamar Partnership Inc., Colorado Department of Local Affairs/Colorado Main Street, Main Street America, downtown businesses, property owners, and community partners to advance downtown revitalization efforts.

* Develop and maintain required strategic plans, annual work plans, reports, statistics, and other documentation necessary to maintain the City's standing within the Colorado Main Street program.

* Coordinate activities consistent with the Main Street framework, including organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality.

* Assist Lamar Partnership Inc. and its board with meetings, planning, project implementation, timelines, volunteer coordination, and program administration as appropriate.

* Promote downtown businesses, events, projects, improvements, and investment opportunities.

* Track and report downtown reinvestment, business activity, projects, volunteer participation, and other program performance measures.

* Attend required or beneficial Colorado Main Street trainings, meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

* Coordinate with property owners, businesses, City departments, and partner organizations regarding downtown beautification, public spaces, infrastructure, signage, sound systems, promotions, and other improvement efforts.

* Support fundraising activities and special projects undertaken by Lamar Partnership Inc. and community partners.

Lamar Redevelopment Authority Administration

* Provide administrative and program support to the Lamar Redevelopment Authority (LRA).

* Assist property owners and businesses in understanding and applying for eligible redevelopment programs and funded improvements.

* Serve as a liaison among applicants, businesses, property owners, the LRA Board, City departments, and other partners.

* Prepare and maintain grant agreements, project documentation, funding records, timelines, reimbursement documentation, and other required records.

* Prepare materials and recommendations for consideration by the LRA Board.

* Track projects, expenditures, available funding, commitments, and year-to-year program activity.

* Coordinate with the City's financial staff regarding eligible expenditures, documentation, reimbursements, and financial reporting.

* Identify opportunities for redevelopment, property improvement, business expansion, adaptive reuse, and other community investment.

* Assist with identifying prospective business opportunities and connect businesses and property owners with appropriate local, regional, state, and federal resources.

Community Improvement and Special Programs

* Coordinate assigned community improvement, beautification, sustainability, recycling, public-space, or quality-of-life programs.

* Coordinate the City's recycling program as assigned, including working with Public Works regarding transportation, storage, customer service, operations, and volunteer assistance.

* Work with City departments and community partners to identify opportunities for beautification, placemaking, public art, streetscape improvements, and enhancement of community gathering spaces.

* Assist with implementation of community priorities identified through City planning efforts, strategic plans, public engagement, or direction from the City Administrator.

* Manage or assist with special projects that cross departmental or organizational boundaries.

* Perform research, gather data, evaluate alternatives, and prepare recommendations regarding community programs and initiatives.

* Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the City Administrator.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

* Sufficient vision and manual dexterity to operate computers and other standard office equipment for extended periods.

* Ability to hear and speak clearly in person, by telephone, and in meetings or public settings.

* Ability to read, understand, interpret, and prepare written materials, reports, agreements, and correspondence.

* Regular interaction with community organizations, businesses, residents, elected officials, volunteers, and members of the public.

* Work involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, and field activities.

* Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, climbing, reaching, and lifting associated with programs and events.

* May assist with pickup, delivery, setup, and removal of materials, supplies, equipment, food, signage, and other items associated with programs and events.

* May assist with setup, inspection, and basic troubleshooting of audiovisual, sound, lighting, and event equipment.

* May participate in or coordinate recycling pickups and similar program activities, with larger or specialized activities coordinated with Public Works.

* Work may occasionally occur outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

* Position requires occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work associated with community meetings, programs, and special events.

* Work is subject to frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and recurring deadlines.

SUPERVISION – RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS

May coordinate, direct, or provide functional supervision to volunteers, interns, consultants, contractors, temporary employees, and administrative support staff as assigned. May provide project leadership to individuals or teams participating in community programs and special projects.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

* Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, community development, planning, communications, marketing, economic development, nonprofit management, hospitality/event management, or a related field.

* Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in community development, public administration, program management, event management, economic development, nonprofit management, tourism, public relations, or a closely related field.

* Experience coordinating multiple programs, projects, events, or community partnerships is desirable.

* Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience working in municipal government, community development, nonprofit organizations, economic development, tourism, downtown revitalization, or a related environment.

* Experience managing grants, sponsorships, budgets, contracts, or publicly funded programs.

* Experience working with boards, commissions, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, businesses, and community stakeholders.

* Familiarity with Colorado Main Street, Main Street America, urban renewal, redevelopment, tourism promotion, or similar community-development programs.

* Knowledge of southeastern Colorado and regional economic and community-development issues is desirable.

* Strong written, verbal, organizational, public-speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

* Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license.

* Ability to attend City Council meetings, board meetings, community meetings, training sessions, and events outside normal business hours as required.

* Ability to travel within the City of Lamar and throughout Colorado as necessary to represent the City and participate in training, meetings, and conferences.

* Occasional out-of-state travel may be required for conferences, training, or professional development associated with assigned programs.

* Ability to work professionally and effectively with members of the public, including individuals who may be upset or dissatisfied.

* Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, programs, and events simultaneously.

* Must be able to successfully complete required pre-employment screening.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Every City staff member must possess or work to attain the City's established core competencies, including:

* Communication

* Interpersonal Relations

* Customer Service

* Accountability and Dependability

* Job Knowledge

* Supervision and Performance Management, when applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

* Knowledge of community development, public administration, program management, community engagement, and partnership development principles.

* Knowledge of current social, economic, demographic, and operational issues affecting municipal governments and communities.

* Knowledge of event planning, logistics, marketing, promotion, sponsorship, and volunteer coordination.

* Knowledge of economic and community-development principles, including business retention, expansion, recruitment, entrepreneurship, redevelopment, and downtown revitalization.

* Knowledge of grant research, grant writing, grant administration, and compliance principles.

* General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures applicable to municipal programs and operations.

* General knowledge of planning, redevelopment, comprehensive planning, capital improvements, urban renewal, tax increment financing, and related community-development tools.

* Ability to build productive working relationships among individuals and organizations with differing interests and priorities.

* Ability to organize and manage multiple programs, events, projects, deadlines, and partnerships.

* Ability to facilitate meetings, coordinate committees and volunteers, and move projects from planning through implementation.

* Ability to identify community needs and opportunities and develop practical strategies to address them.

* Ability to analyze complex situations, problems, programs, and data and exercise sound judgment in developing recommendations and making decisions.

* Ability to research and prepare reports, presentations, charts, photographs, promotional materials, and other informational resources.

* Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with elected officials, businesses, community organizations, residents, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders.

* Ability to represent the City professionally at meetings, events, conferences, and community functions.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion.

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, employees, supervisors, elected officials, partner organizations, businesses, and the general public.

* Ability to work independently while also succeeding in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn other software and digital platforms used for program management, communication, marketing, and reporting.

* Commitment to providing accurate information, responsive service, and a high level of customer service to businesses, residents, community partners, and City employees.

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Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:  Because the possession and use of marijuana whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City of Lamar is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting the use of marijuana.  The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change the policy.  

THE CITY OF LAMAR PROVIDES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT OF ANY TYPE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY STATUS, GENETICS, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.

THIS POLICY APPLIES TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING RECRUITING, HIRING, PLACEMENT, PROMOTION, TERMINATION, LAYOFF, RECALL, TRANSFER, LEAVES OF ABSENCE, COMPENSATION AND TRAINING.