Community Development Director — Danea Koss

Position Overview

The Borough of Ebensburg is seeking a Community Development Director. This is an administrative management role reporting to the Borough Manager, responsible for planning, community development activities, and grant acquisition. The position requires a high degree of independent discretion and judgment.

Key Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for the following core functions:

• Business Development: Actively market the Ebensburg business district to retain and recruit businesses. This includes maintaining an up-to-date inventory of buildings/businesses, developing recruitment packages, and assisting with marketing needs (press releases, advertising).
• Main Street Partnership: Oversee the Main Street Partnership, recruit members, and serve as a liaison to the Board.
• Event Coordination: Coordinate special events such as PotatoFest, Homecoming, Art In Bloom, Farmers Market, and Dickens of a Christmas.
• Digital & GIS Management: Enhance and maintain five websites and the borough’s Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Public Relations: Handle all public relations, create video/radio ads, posters, and newsletters, and serve as the spokesperson for media interviews.
• Project Oversight: Manage ongoing development projects, including site reviews in the field (which may involve rough terrain).
• Grant Administration: Identify, acquire, and administer grant funds for various projects.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma required; a BA in a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Demonstrable experience in clerical/accounting responsibilities, office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, QuickBooks), and administrative capacity in community development or public administration.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of municipal planning, economic development programs, and business writing. Must be able to perform complex arithmetical computations and maintain accurate records.
• Licensing: A valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle operator's license is required.

Working Conditions

• Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically 8:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. , though evening meetings and occasional weekends/holidays may be required for special events.
• Physical Demands: Moderate work involving considerable standing (up to 8 hours/day), walking, and sitting. The role requires the ability to traverse rough terrain or unfinished construction sites for field reviews.
• Environment: 80% inside work; noise levels may be sufficient to interrupt conversation. Frequent presence in downtown Ebensburg is required to build relationships with business owners.

Note: The document is dated January 2020.