Downtown Design Manager

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive position. The Downtown Design Manager helps communities revitalize downtowns and historic commercial districts by providing design expertise, technical assistance, redevelopment guidance, educational programs, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance and design expertise to communities pursuing downtown and commercial district revitalization initiatives
• Support redevelopment projects through design guidance, schematic renderings, and assistance navigating local review and permitting processes
• Serve as a subject matter expert on building design, historic preservation, downtown development best practices, and related incentive programs
• Develop and deliver workshops, training programs, and educational resources for communities and stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities, partner organizations, and economic development stakeholders
• Represent WEDC at conferences, meetings, and public events that support downtown and community development efforts

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, community development, architecture, real estate, business administration, or a related field
• Five or more years of experience in community development, planning, architecture, commercial real estate, or a related field
• Knowledge of downtown revitalization, redevelopment, design review, and historic preservation principles
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities
• Frequent statewide travel, including occasional overnight travel (more than 30%)