Executive Director
Franklin Downtown Partnership
Job Description
The Franklin Downtown Partnership (Franklin, MA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026 - join us in shaping a vibrant future! The Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that sees Franklin’s downtown as the heart of the community: a center of civic and cultural activities, government services, commercial businesses, and diversified housing. All of the Partnership’s activities are designed to foster greater vitality in the downtown commercial district and to serve as a vehicle for public policy discourse. The Executive Director role offers a flexible, part time schedule (20-25 hours/week) in an entrepreneurial environment where your leadership will make a positive community impact to the quality of life for residents and local businesses.
Overview
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall effectiveness and administration of the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors and directs the organization's operations in accordance with established policies and objectives as set by the Franklin Downtown Partnership, and is intimately involve in general administration, Board and member relations, membership, marketing, special events, economic development, merchant groups, strategic planning, and any/all Committees of the Partnership.
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall effectiveness and administration of the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors and directs the organization's operations in accordance with established policies and objectives as set by the Franklin Downtown Partnership, and is intimately involve in general administration, Board and member relations, membership, marketing, special events, economic development, merchant groups, strategic planning, and any/all Committees of the Partnership.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the annual business plan and accomplish goals approved by the Executive Committee.
- Prepare the annual budget for Board approval with Executive Committee.
- Oversee, evaluate and strengthen membership services and programs and expanding these, where appropriate.
- Build and direct event committees for the organization’s signature events (Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival) and activities (Winter and Spring Beautification, Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail) and ensure these successfully showcase downtown Franklin and attract visitors.
- Lead all fundraising/sponsorship/grant writing/earmarks activity in partnership with the Board/Event Chairs.
- Present new visions and initiatives to the Board.
- Serves as the principal spokesperson and emissary of the Partnership to its various constituencies, including the media, the community, business groups, town administration, and state legislative delegation.
- Serves as an advocate and recognized leader, through active involvement in the professional and local community.
- Manages social media, PR/communication, and website consultants and ensures the consistency, professionalism and content of all marketing.
- Recruit and train volunteers.
- Determine and monitor the effectiveness of the administrative structure and recruit new Board members.
- Supervise the maintenance, technology and effective use of its office location.
- Oversee Board manuals and all related paperwork
Requirements
- 5-10 years of demonstrated leadership managing operations, budgets, and organizational change initiatives effectively; nonprofit experience preferred.
- Knowledge of the Franklin municipal, business and non-profit communities and an understanding of how a downtown contributes to a thriving community is strongly preferred.
- Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable results.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and business development expertise to identify opportunities for expansion and increased impact.
- Excellent negotiation skills with experience securing sponsorship, grants or partnerships that benefit organizational objectives.
Mission
The Franklin Downtown Partnership’s mission is to stimulate economic development in downtown in order to create a positive impact throughout the area, as well as to be a proactive organization that brings residents, business owners and community leaders together, encourages cooperation, and builds leadership to revitalize downtown Franklin.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to: Scott Martin, President, Franklin Downtown Partnership, scottm@hockymca.org.