Executive Director

The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) seeks an Executive Director (ED).
The LEDC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote a responsive
local economy that invites our entire community to support the arts, local businesses, and public
spaces and events. The LEDC envisions an inviting, connected, and vibrant Lansdowne where
the entire community celebrates arts, culture, and local business. The organization currently
pursues the overarching goals of making Lansdowne a regional arts and culture destination that
celebrates our local communities; a place where artists, businesses, and residents connect to
strengthen a shared sense of place and belonging; and promoting community well-being, healthy
living, and improving residents’ quality of life.

The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer responsible for leading the LEDC in
achieving its mission and implementing the LEDC’s policies and strategic vision as defined by
the Board of Directors.

The desired candidate will have a deep understanding of non-profit strategy and small business
needs, along with a proven ability to think strategically and lead effectively.
Major functions of the Executive Director include staff management and recruitment, managing
fundraising and finances, and community-building and coordination.

Background
Lansdowne Pennsylvania is a diverse and vibrant creative community six miles from
Philadelphia City Hall. Lansdowne boasts a walkable downtown with excellent public
transportation including bus, trolley, and regional rail connecting to Philadelphia, Media, and the
Main Line; we are a short 13-minute ride to University City by train. Lansdowne has a large
concentration of Victorian-era homes, with two National Historic Districts. Housing is affordable
and there is a strong sense of community and volunteerism. Lansdowne has traditionally been
home to artists, small creative businesses, and residents involved in higher education.
Lansdowne is currently experiencing a rejuvenation. The Historic Lansdowne Theater, shuttered
for thirty-five years, has successfully undergone a jaw-dropping restoration and is entertaining
1200-capacity audiences regularly. Exciting new businesses are moving in. Traffic is increasing.
Excitement around our maker space classes and events is palpable. The LEDC is poised to
leverage our town’s many diverse assets to facilitate further growth of our human-based
economy.

Responsibilities

Administrative
• Report regularly to the LEDC Board on financial, administrative, human resources,
committee, and community matters.
• Work with the LEDC Board, staff, and volunteers to define and implement the strategic
goals and objectives of the LEDC.
• Oversee staff, including performance reviews, payroll, and benefits administration;
manage consultants.
• Maintain official records and ensure compliance with regulations and funding source
requirements.
• Coordinate economic development and revitalization programs, including analysis and
monitoring, business development, and business recruitment.
• Identify, attract, and work with prospective traditional businesses as well as small
businesses including makers and artists.

Governance
• Prepare materials for and attend all meetings of the Board of Directors.
• Assist the Board and Committees to fulfill governance objectives.
• Recruit, hire, supervise and evaluate LEDC staff, interns and consultants; serve as an
interface between the Board and staff.
• Manage and attend Committee meetings and keep committee members apprised of
ongoing activities and projects.
• Assist Committees in the administrative planning and execution of major events,
including the annual Arts Festival, holiday art show, Juneteenth, and farmers markets.
Fundraising and Finance
• Oversee the LEDC fundraising plan and implementation, including research and
cultivation of potential funding sources, apply for grants, and carry out corporate sponsor
and individual donor programs.
• Prepare and provide all required reports for grants received.
• Work with the staff, Board, and Committees in developing the annual budget; manage the
budget.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures in relation to the budget; report regularly to the
Board.
• Manage billing and receiving and approve payroll disbursements.
Community
• Identify and foster collaboration between stakeholders in the community, including the
Borough’s staff, Council and Mayor, the Lansdowne Business Association, community
organizations and individuals, and independent businesses.
• Identify talent in the community and recruit volunteers and staff.
• Attend Borough meetings as needed.
• Recruit new businesses and provide ongoing support to help them achieve success in
Lansdowne.

Qualifications
• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated staff and budget management experience.
• Proven strong leadership, with demonstrated planning, organizational, and
entrepreneurial abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Successful experience researching grant opportunities, writing grant proposals, grant
administration, and close-out.
• Bachelor’s degree in community development, urban planning, urban studies, historic
preservation, non-profit or public administration, arts administration, or a related field is
preferred. Higher education is desired.
• Previous work experience with state agencies in community redevelopment is a plus.
Compensation

The LEDC Executive Director position is non-exempt. The salary range is $70,000-$85,000 with
a negotiable stipend towards health coverage.

The LEDC offers paid time off for holidays, sick days and vacation.