https://www.selectleaders.com/feed/iowa SelectLeaders is the Professionals' choice for real estate jobs. Copyright SelectLeaders, LLC 2026. All Rights Reserved. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:28:10 -0400 eng hourly 1 https://www.selectleaders.com/job/293423/downtown-strategy-and-partnerships-lead/ <div><strong>Position Overview:</strong></div><div>Dubuque Forward seeks a full-time senior Lead to drive organizational placemaking success through implementation of the Downtown Core Strategy. This role is responsible for translating vision, plans, and community priorities into on-the-ground results—advancing redevelopment, public and private investment, business vitality, and economic growth in Downtown Dubuque.</div><div> </div><div>Reporting directly to the Board Chair, this position serves as Dubuque Forward’s primary implementation lead for project management, urban design–informed planning, public–private collaboration, and multi-stakeholder facilitation. The role works side by side with the Dubuque Forward Community Facilitation & Engagement Lead in coordination with city departments, private developers, legislators, institutional partners, consultants, and community stakeholders to ensure coordinated execution of downtown priorities. This position is ideal for a professional who combines urban design and planning expertise, economic development fluency, and strong project management skills, with a bias toward action and delivery. This role supports fundraising and grant development by ensuring that downtown implementation projects are clearly defined, investment-ready, timely, and aligned with funding opportunities.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></div><div><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Downtown Strategy Implementation</strong></div><ul><li>Translate planning studies, urban design frameworks, and policy recommendations into phased, implementable projects with defined scopes, timelines, and outcomes.</li><li>Translate planning studies into phased, implementable projects, including identifying and coordinate stakeholders </li><li>Track progress on implementation priorities and report regularly on milestones, risks, and opportunities to the Board Chair and Board.</li></ul><div><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Urban Design & Planning</strong></div><ul><li>Apply urban design, land-use planning, and placemaking principles to guide downtown redevelopment, public-realm improvements, streetscape projects, and district-scale initiatives.</li><li>Evaluate development proposals and public projects for alignment with downtown design frameworks, community goals, and economic development objectives in collaboration with the Board and Dubuque Forward Community Facilitation & Engagement Lead.</li><li>Support creation and refinement of design guidelines, implementation toolkits, and redevelopment frameworks as needed.</li></ul><div><strong>3.</strong> <strong>Project Management</strong></div><ul><li>Serve as project manager for multi-phase, multi-stakeholder initiatives, coordinating schedules, budgets, consultant teams, and deliverables.</li><li>Manage consultant-led work (e.g., architects, planners, engineers, economists), including scope development, contract coordination, and performance oversight.</li><li>Identify implementation barriers and proactively develop solutions to keep projects moving forward.</li><li>Lead facilitation of complex, multi-stakeholder projects.</li><li>Convene partners around shared outcomes.</li><li>Synthesize input into clear recommendations.</li></ul><div><strong>4.</strong> <strong>Public–Private Collaboration</strong></div><ul><li>Work closely with private developers, property owners, and investors to advance redevelopment opportunities aligned with downtown priorities.</li><li>Coordinate with city departments, elected officials, and regional partners to align infrastructure, zoning, incentives, and capital investments with implementation goals.</li><li>Engage state and federal legislators, as appropriate, to support policy alignment, funding opportunities, and regulatory solutions pertinent to projects.</li></ul><div><strong>5. Stakeholder & Community Engagement</strong></div><ul><li>Facilitate, in coordination with Dubuque Forward Community Facilitation & Engagement Lead, working sessions with public agencies, private stakeholders, and community partners focused on decision-making and implementation.</li><li>Communicate complex planning and design concepts in clear, accessible ways to diverse audiences.</li><li>Ensure community input is meaningfully integrated into project decisions and outcomes in coordination with the Dubuque Forward Community Facilitation & Engagement Lead.</li></ul><div><strong>6.</strong> <strong>Internal Collaboration</strong></div><ul><li>Work closely with the Board Chair and Dubuque Forward Board and Leadership Team to align implementation work with fundraising, communications, and board priorities.</li><li>Work closely with the Board Chair, Board of Directors, and Dubuque Forward Community Facilitation & Engagement Lead to align implementation priorities with fundraising and grant development strategies, ensuring projects are well-positioned for philanthropic and public funding.</li><li>Contribute technical and project-specific expertise to grant applications, funding strategies, and donor materials, including project scopes, budgets, timelines, and anticipated outcomes.</li></ul><div><strong>Qualifications:</strong></div><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in urban design and planning, project management, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).</li><li>5+ years of relevant professional experience.</li><li>Strong project management and facilitation skills.</li><li>Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial reporting.</li><li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.</li><li>Track record of success in doing the work in addition to motivating people</li><li>Experience in community and urban design.</li><li>Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.</li><li>Passion for the mission and goals of the organization.</li></ul><div><strong>Desired Skills and Attributes:</strong></div><ul><li>Strategic thinker with a vision for growth and development.</li><li>Collaborative with the ability to inspire and motivate others.</li><li>Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.</li><li>Ability to navigate complex political and social environments.</li></ul><div><strong>Working Conditions:</strong></div><ul><li>Full-time position based in Dubuque, IA.</li><li>Occasional evening and weekend work required.</li><li>Travel within the region as needed.</li></ul> Position Overview:Dubuque Forward seeks a full-time senior Lead to drive organizational placemaking success through implementation of the Downtown Core Strategy. This role is responsible for translating vision, plans, and community priorities into on-the-ground results—advancing redevelopment, publi... Dubuque Forward Dubuque IA Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.selectleaders.com/job/293423/downtown-strategy-and-partnerships-lead/