Indiana Main Street Program Manager
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)
The Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state, and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance that aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development. We award grants that fund public gathering places, fix water and sewer infrastructure, restore historic structures, build community facilities and revitalize commercial districts. These funds help communities improve their quality of life and ensure the health and safety of their citizens.
Role Overview:
The Indiana Main Street Program Manager ODAN Specialist provides dedicated support to the 77+ members of the OCRA Downtown Affiliate Network (ODAN), ensuring communities have access to foundational training, technical assistance, and resources needed to strengthen their local Main Street efforts. This role delivers Main Street 101 education, builds organizational capacity in emerging Main Street communities, and maintains a well-prepared pipeline for future accreditation within the Indiana Main Street Program. The position advances early‑stage community development supports adherence to Main Street principles, and fosters engagement among ODAN participants statewide.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
- Deliver Main Street 101 trainings and foundational technical assistance to ODAN communities.
- Provide consistent customer service and responsive support to 77+ ODAN members, helping communities “level up” their organizational readiness.
- Conduct virtual and on-site visits to assess community needs, provide guidance and offer practical recommendations for improvement.
- Maintain and update ODAN program resources, including templates, toolkits, checklists and orientation materials.
- Support the pipeline for Indiana Main Street accreditation by preparing ODAN communities for advancement and addressing identified gaps.
- Coordinate peer learning opportunities, workshops and information sessions for ODAN members.
- Track member engagement, collect program data and prepare reports summarizing progress, trends and key needs.
- Collaborate with the Indiana Main Street Senior Program Manager and broader IMS team to align ODAN activities with statewide Main Street strategy, policies and program goals.
- Work in tandem with IMS Senior Program Manager on Aspiring Main Street capacity building.
- Assist with outreach, communications, newsletters and storytelling that highlight ODAN community efforts.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local officials, economic development partners and community volunteers engaged in downtown development.
- Represent OCRA and the Indiana Main Street Program at meetings, trainings and external events.
- Develop and implement strategic outreach for communities interested in coming into the main street program.
- Develop and manage grant opportunities as they arise.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
- Experience supporting or working within a Main Street program, community-based nonprofit or municipal development initiative.
- Familiarity with Indiana’s economic development ecosystem and OCRA programs.
- Ability to create accessible training materials and provide technical assistance for communities at varying levels of readiness.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
