Programs Manager

ABOUT CMSC

Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) is the expert resource for developing and sustaining vibrant downtowns that fuel our state’s prosperity. Our mission is advancing communities across Connecticut to establish and maintain vibrant Main Streets. CMSC provides guidance to:

1) Build the capacity of downtowns to be place-based, inclusive and prosperous centers that leverage economic development; preservation and adaptation of the built environment; sustainability; and diversity, equity, & inclusion.

2) Champion vibrant, unique downtowns as the foundation of the State’s economic growth through strategically engaging and focusing efforts of diverse public and private entities.

3) Optimize CMSC to innovate, flex, and lead through the challenges that face our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

CT Main Street is looking to expand our dynamic team of main street and downtown enthusiasts. As a statewide nonprofit, we travel the state to provide technical assistance, assessment and evaluation, education and training, and direct services and capacity building to communities large and small. As a state coordinating program of Main Street America, our work is driven by the nationally tested Four Point Approach to Main Street Management – Design, Economic Vitality, Promotion and Organization.

Who you are:

You love to visit places, to see and experience communities through their downtowns and main streets. You take initiative and continuously seek new skills and expertise to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table. You are experienced in facilitating engaging and effective workshops and training sessions, both in-person and online, that inspire participants to take action. You’ve managed projects and people independently, but you like to be part of a team. You have a background in planning, economic development, municipal/regional/state level government, and/or main street adjacent organizations and entities. You have relationships throughout the state that will help you excel at CT Main Street, and help our organization continue to best serve the towns and cities, regional organizations and the state in building on Connecticut’s quality of life and economic growth.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and execute webinar programming, including hosting, researching topics, securing speakers, creating presentation slides, running tech, collecting data, creating summary recap pages, and working with the Communications team to promote.

CMSC Position Description – Programs Manager

• Manage the Main Street Accelerator program, including facilitating monthly training sessions, conducting coaching sessions, cohort correspondence, program promotion and application process, grant management, and other duties associated with running an effective program Deliver training and workshops and provide proper follow up in community to CMSC members that may cover topics such as community visioning, organizational capacity, strategic planning, and other topics

• Assist in fulfilling special project deliverables such as conducting local inventories, conducting market research, researching best practices, meeting with stakeholders, developing reports, developing workshop materials, coordinating activities, and other duties as needed.

• Research main street topics and write articles, information sheets, presentations, and/or other materials for publishing in the Downtown Resource Library and for other field services and/or education opportunities.

• Assist CMSC team is sourcing summit and other speakers for special events or projects.

• Conduct annual main street assessments in partnership with our Field Services Director as needed.

• Support our Senior Director of Programs in analyzing assessment data and field observations to inform programming, resource development, and CMSC thought leadership.

• Assist in the development and expansion of fee-for-service and special project initiatives. Fee-for-service and special project initiatives may include activities like conducting local inventories, conducting market research, community engagement, strategic planning, regional main street management, downtown corridor analysis for main street enhancements, local team building, and other areas yet to be determined.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in Main Street Management, downtown revitalization, community development, or economic development

• Skills in delivering and facilitating engaging workshops and trainings

• Experience using Zoom meetings and webinars

• Experience with research and writing

• Experience creating PowerPoint presentations

• Proficient Microsoft Suite skills

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written) in one-on-one, small or large group settings.

• Exceptional organizational skills and detail orientation

• Ability to manage shifting and competing priorities

• Proficiency in technology and social media

• Must have reliable transportation and open to working evening hours as needed to fulfill a project or other deliverable

CMSC Position Description – Programs Manager

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: $70,000 – 75,000.

This is a full-time, exempt position, offering a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to michelle@ctmainstreet.org. Application period will close December 19th. We are looking for this candidate to start in January 2026. Due to the anticipated volume of responses, we will contact only those candidates who most closely match our requirements.