About “The Heart of Oregon Main Street” Apply Here by June 30, 2026
The Heart of Oregon Main Street is a city-led initiative focused on strengthening Downtown Oregon and the broader business community through strategic investment, business support, placemaking, and community-driven revitalization efforts. By expanding economic opportunity, supporting local businesses, and enhancing quality of life for residents, the initiative is helping create a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving future for the community.
The organization operates within the framework of the Illinois Main Street program and is part of a statewide and national network that provides structure, training, and accountability for downtown development. The Main Street Director will play a key role in implementing this framework locally while helping advance the organization’s goals and visibility.
The Role
The Main Street Director is a community-centered leader responsible for coordinating and implementing downtown revitalization efforts as well as connecting the broader business community. This role focuses on program execution, volunteer and stakeholder engagement, business support, and day-to-day operations that bring energy and consistency throughout the City of Oregon.
Core Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinate the development and successful establishment of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Expand and develop volunteers throughout the community to advance program goals
- Coordinate and implement Main Street program activities across organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality as an advocate for the commercial district
- Support fundraising efforts through grant writing, sponsorship coordination, and event-based revenue generation
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Oregon businesses and property owners, providing resources, support, and connection to opportunities
- Organize and support events, promotions, and placemaking initiatives that enhance downtown vibrancy and attract visitors, while collaborating on the development of marketing across social media, websites, email, and media outlets
- Maintain program documentation, reporting, and work plans in alignment with Main Street requirements
- Conduct weekly business and partner check-ins
- Manage day-to-day operations including communications, budgeting support, and coordination with vendors and partners
What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months
- Consistent execution of a clear annual work plan aligned with Main Street priorities
- Increased engagement from businesses, volunteers, and community partners
- Successful coordination of events and promotions that drive foot traffic and visibility
- Progress on key downtown initiatives such as beautification, business support, or placemaking projects
- Strong organizational systems for tracking activities, reporting, and outcomes
Qualifications and Expectations
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of nonprofit or community development management preferred
- Strong grant writing and grant award management experience
- Competent social media skills on various platforms
- Experience in downtown development, community development, nonprofit management, marketing, or related field
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
- Effective communication skills and comfort working with a wide range of stakeholders including businesses, volunteers, and local officials
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating with a city manager and committees
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn the Main Street approach to downtown revitalization
- Flexibility to attend events and meetings, including occasional evenings and weekends
Work Environment
- Office environment with frequent downtown engagement
- Evening and weekend work required
- Flexible scheduling during peak seasons
- Work Location: In person
Compensation & Benefits
- This is an independent contractor position supported by the City of Oregon.
- $53,000 – $56,000 USD, depending on qualifications
- Health Insurance Options
- Paid time off
- Additional benefits package, including professional development opportunities and participation in statewide Main Street training programs may be included.
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Application Process
Apply through Indeed: Here
Submit a personal statement addressing your specific areas of competency for this role.
Pass an oral interview.
Complete a job application and pass a background check.
Final candidates will be required to submit a 30-60-90-day roadmap outlining their strategic approach and priorities for the first three months in the position. The roadmap should identify key goals, relationship-building efforts, organizational priorities, and actionable steps the candidate would take within the first 30, 60, and 90 days to support the continued growth and success of the Heart of Oregon Main Street initiative.
