The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway has recently been awarded the designation of national scenic byway. Lincoln Hi. The Lincoln Highway is Iowa’s longest designated roadway, a historic Iowa and National byway, and the state’s portion of the original Lincoln Highway, the first coast-to-coast improved highway in the United States.
This work requires a talented multitasking-oriented leader who is enthusiastic about history, preservation, heritage tourism, and community development in relationship to the Lincoln Highway. This unique position will assist in the development and implementation of fundraising strategies for the road’s intrinsic qualities, meet and develop stakeholder groups and conduct project activities along the Byway. In addition, the position offers opportunities to interact with a wide range of stakeholders in locations across the state and nation, and to make an impact in many Iowa byway communities.
The following duties shall be performed by the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway Coordinator:
- Assist in developing and conducting a five-year strategic plan for the Byway including fundraising initiatives.
- Build relationships with a wide variety of project partners to find the appropriate resources for the Byway including building connections with community leaders, consumers, businesses, and educators.
- Regular communication with the Iowa DOT by attending monthly phone calls, network with other byway managers, work with signage, etc.
- Strong public speaking skills to deliver presentations to service groups, cities, counties, and others along the Byway
- Conduct projects identified through the corridor management plan and the strategic plan, and with staff and partners.
- Raise public awareness of the Byway and its historical and cultural relevance by directly promoting it through the media, at community events, publishing a quarterly newsletter, updating websites, and other promotional venues.
- Develop the Byway as an educational resource, especially for school-age students and their teachers.
- Identify and apply for grant and private funds to support the Byway program and its’ projects.
- Assist in recruiting and holding effective stakeholder meetings.
- Attend from time-to-time the Prairie Rivers of Iowa monthly board of directors’ meetings.
- Maintain project files with complete documentation.
- Monitor the project budget and make reports as required.
- Perform duties as determined by the Director, as necessary.
- Requires at least a four-year degree from an accredited university or college in non-profit management, community planning, public administration, history, natural resources, or related fields
- Prefer 6 to 10 years of work experience
- Good communication and writing skills, and the ability to inspire people
- Prior strategic planning experience a plus
- Ability to work in teams or groups to get projects done
- Ability to listen and solve problems at the community level
- Self-motivated and able to manage work time efficiently
- Good with details, well organized, and can manage multiple tasks at one time
- Preferred fundraising experience, membership programming, and/or experience developing sponsorships
- Grant writing a plus
- Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to attend evening and weekend meetings
- Able to understand and support technology, such as social media and website
- Competent word processing, Excel, and Adobe skills
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and three references to Executive Director Penny Brown Huber at pbrownhuber@prrcd.org. Applications will be accepted through April 5, 2021, position will remain open until it is filled. Anticipated start date June 1, 2021.