Executive Director - Downtown Development Authority (Shreveport, LA)

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.

The Authority is offering a salary range of $85,000 to $125,000 for this role, dependent on
experience and qualifications.
Please apply online here.

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For more information on this position, contact:
Marsha Reed, Senior Vice President
MarshaReed@governmentresource.com
806-789-9641

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