Executive Director

THE POSITION

The Executive Director is an appointment by French Market Corporation’s Board of Directors. The
Executive Director provides management oversight to the organization.  The Executive Director leads
the planning and program development efforts and ensures that the organization has the staffing,
systems and resources necessary to operate in an efficient and effective manner thus supporting the
organization’s mission and goals.
 
The Executive Director is responsible for an operation and capital budget of approximately $12 million
and a staff of forty-four civil service employees.  The Market attracts about 6.4 million visitors each
year and tenant generated annual sales of approximately $30 million.
 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

The Executive Director in this position must implement the
policies of the French Market Corporation Board of Directors
and prepare, analyze, evaluate, and initiate programs to
maximize revenues and occupancy viability of use of public
property. The Executive Director must also ensure compliance
with maintenance provisions of the bond indenture to the French
Market Corporation, leases with long term leasehold agreements
with existing tenants, and daily rental agreements; one must
ensure the maintenance of financial data and supervise technical
personnel and coordinate consulting activities. 
 
The Executive Director must also communicate the policies, procedures, and program to the tenants in
French Market Corporation, Upper Pontalba building, and the general public at large and solicit new
tenants to fill vacancies, as they occur. The Executive Director must also forecast capital improvement
needs and prepare programs and recommendations to carry out the necessary objectives. The Executive
Director is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the French Market complex and the
Upper Pontalba building.
 
The Executive Director represents the French Market Corporation and the Upper Pontalba building at
public meetings, to other agencies of government, and to potential lessees. He/She  resolves conflicts
on an as-needed basis between tenants, the French Market Corporation, the Upper Pontalba building,
tenants, and customers.                     
 
Specifically, the Executive Director will function in a leadership capacity for all French Market
properties to include the Upper Pontalba Building, Washington Artillery Park, Dutch Alley, Latrobe
Park, Farmer’s Market, Flea Market, French Market Parking Lot, Farmer’s Market Parking Lot and
Annex Parking Lot.
 
For a complete job description, please visit

http://www.frenchmarket.org/public-notices/fmc-exec-director-job-description-2013-2/

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS 

Strive for personal growth and self-improvement through continuing education, seminars, professional organizations and
publications. 
 
The Executive Director must have the qualities of leadership and personal character that enable him/her to provide enthusiastic leadership that seeks consensus in an environment of sometimes competing interest and conflict. The Executive Director must be a listener who places the interests of the French Market above personal or professional gain and who does not personalize criticism or conflict.
 
The Executive Director must be able to be open and flexible to new approaches, build and maintain professional relationships, and develop solutions that respond to the needs of the entire French Market without favoring any specific interest group.  This will require the ability and courage to implement decisions that will have opposition while maintaining an open and honest dialogue. 

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

·  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; and related experience in the workforce. 
·  Real Estate Salesperson’s license preferred. 
·  Minimum five years retail, residential management and supervisory experience or specific experience in a similarly
complex organization sufficient to demonstrate appropriate leadership and managerial abilities.  Specific experience
reporting to a Board of Directors as Executive or Deputy Director is preferred.    
·  Understanding and knowledge of a specialty leasing program with the ability to canvass   negotiate and close specialty
deals. 
·  Strong ability to lead and influence a diverse group of people.
·  Strategic business orientation.
·  Adept in financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting.
·  Excellent communication skills.  Must have respect for the views and contributions of others and an open, honest and
engaging style.  The willingness and ability to engage all elements and stakeholders of the French Market community is
essential.  Must have the poise, presence, and ability to communicate and represent the French Market to a wide range of
interests including board members, government officials, business leaders, media, service and professional personnel,
tenants and vendors.
·  Computer skills that include Excel, Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.
·  Strong merchant and community relations skills.
·  Applicant must provide a detailed resume with relevant references and biography. 
·  Applicant must reside in or be willing to relocate to Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
 
STARTING SALARY RANGE
The starting salary range is open, and is negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications.
 
This is a position of significant responsibility and public trust, thus there can be no question regarding personal integrity, ethics, and honesty.