Managing Director

Downtown Midland is an association that acts on behalf of its member merchants, restaurants, businesses and landowners, along with the Town of Midland, to ensure that downtown Midland is a safe, vibrant, thriving and prosperous community in the Heart of Georgian Bay. We are designated as a Business Improvement Area (BIA) through the Ontario Municipal Act and a Town of Midland bylaw originally enacted in 1977. Under the direction of the Board of Management, the BIA improves the physical environment and appearance of the business area, and spurs economic redevelopment through area-wide promotions and advertising campaigns.

Job Overview

As the Managing Director of our BIA, we’re looking for someone ready to bring Downtown Midland’s mission to life. Acting on behalf of our member merchants, restaurants, businesses and landowners, along with the Town of Midland, we ensure that downtown Midland is a safe, vibrant, thriving and prosperous community in the Heart of Georgian Bay. If you’re passionate about our businesses and building community, this role is for you.

A rich history and bright future for Downtown Midland means balancing existing relationships, programs, and promotions, while also strengthening governance, funding opportunities, and community partnerships. Like our business owners, we’re looking for someone who has the dedication, loyalty, and work ethic to see through major changes in our main streets.

Alongside our volunteer Board of Management, and as Managing Director, you’ll create strategic programming, steward the budget, manage grants, and represent the BIA to our members, partners, and council. You will provide leadership to ensure the smooth delivery of events, marketing, beautification, and initiatives that keep our downtown vibrant and growing.

Compensation

$48,000 – $50,000

Responsibilities & Duties

Leadership & Governance

• Collaborate with the Board to determine annual goals, priorities, and a clear work-back schedule.
• Prepare agendas, reports, and meeting minutes for monthly board meetings.
• Maintain strong relationships with the Town of Midland staff, council, OPP, and community partners.
• Represent the BIA publicly at events, in media, and in meetings with stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget; provide regular updates to the Board.
• Lead all grant applications, tracking, and reporting. Ensure responsible spending and alignment with board-approved priorities.

Member & Community Communications

• Lead the creation and distribution of newsletters, e-blasts, and official BIA updates including website maintenance and digital tool upkeep.
• Ensure communications are timely, clear, and reflect the Board’s direction.
• Maintain open dialogue with members to address concerns and gather input.
• Supervise the Operations & Activation Coordinator, setting clear priorities and expectations.
• Ensure effective delivery of all operational tasks, events, and promotions.
• Provide mentorship and support to ensure the Coordinator’s success in execution.

Beautification & Downtown Experience

• Oversee downtown beautification initiatives, décor, lighting, and seasonal activations.
• Monitor conditions on the street, escalating maintenance issues to the Town.
• Work with the Coordinator to ensure day-to-day operations are addressed.

What we\'re looking for

• 5+ years in management, community development, nonprofit, or municipal leadership roles.
• Strong financial management, grant writing, and reporting experience.
• Self-starter able to work with minimal supervision through a strong work ethic
• Proven track record for implementing change and successfully carrying out initiatives
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, making meaningful connections between people, ideas, and resources and easily presenting to the public
• Creative and outside-the-box thinker, flexible enough to shift direction for the highest impact
• Passionate with a heart for the community, driven by a desire help our community prosper

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing or Economic Development
• 5 years minimum experience working in a management, leadership, government, marketing or communications role
• Proven experience in leadership roles within a nonprofit or similar organization is preferred
• Background in Community Development/Economic Development is preferred
• Prior knowledge of the BIA model is preferred
• Experience with business associations, economic development offices, municipalities, or nonprofit associations
• Professional experience in digital and/or traditional marketing
• Experience planning and organizing large scale public events
• Experience working with municipal government
• Professional experience working with small businesses
• Experience with budgeting and financial reporting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Experience with marketing tools including social media, Mail Chimp, design programs, etc

Please apply below

Please submit your résumé and cover letter to manager@downtownmidland.ca by Friday, October 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. with the subject line “Managing Director Application Submission”.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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