Grand Rapids DDA seeks marketing communications manager for new full-time position

As Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. -- a multi-function combination of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Downtown Alliance, and Office of Special Events -- moves forward with plans to combine resources to promote entrepreneur and economic opportunities in Grand Rapids' core business district, the DDA plans to bring on two crucial new positions.

One, a transportation demand management professional (TDM), will work with companies and individuals to address vehicular congestion and help develop other ways, besides cars carrying only the driver, for downtown workers to get to their jobs. Candidates for this new position are already under consideration.

However, a second new position is still open: strategic marketing and communications manager. DDA Executive Director Kristopher Larson says he's looking for "an individual who will identify key messages and tailor them to our constituencies and take ownership of our marketing initiatives. We want to do more to spread the message about downtown opportunities for people to live, work, and play."

Ideally, the preferred candidate will have seven to 10 years' marketing and communications experience with the ability to think strategically, says Larson. The working environment is fast-paced and serves several constituencies, so the ability to balance different pressures from downtown stakeholders is crucial.

"We're looking for someone that doesn't need to be taught why to love downtown, but who already knows those reasons and believes them," Larson says. "There's a certain level of passion that helps differentiate the quality of the candidates, and that's the person we're looking for."

To find out more about the job and how to apply, see the link on the DDA's Facebook page or click here.

Source: Kristopher Larson, Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

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