Discover Downtown Westbrook Economic Development VISTA

Ignite Westbrook’s creative economy! Support local entrepreneurs, spotlight artists and makers, and bring downtown to life through events, outreach, and vibrant community connections. 

Help shape the future of one of Maine’s most creative and dynamic small cities! This position is a chance to spark inclusive economic growth in downtown Westbrook by supporting immigrant-owned businesses, women, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. You’ll connect people to resources, build partnerships with key organizations, and help launch programs that strengthen the creative economy. You’ll also play a key role in promoting local businesses through social media, events, and marketing campaigns—and bring energy to the city’s beloved markets and music series. Plus, you’ll support the exciting Paddle the Presumpscot tourism project, helping connect the community to Westbrook’s natural beauty. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact and be part of a movement to build a thriving, welcoming downtown. 

Discover Downtown Westbrook (DDW) is a Main Street organization committed to building a vibrant, inclusive downtown. Our mission is to engage residents, support local businesses, and collaborate with the City to foster a thriving, walkable, and livable downtown. We work to recruit and retain businesses, host and promote events, and enhance the overall downtown experience.  

DDW serves the heart of Westbrook, a city facing economic challenges following the closure of its local paper mill. With the highest percentage of low-income households in Greater Portland, Westbrook’s revitalization is critical to its long-term growth.  

Still, Westbrook is experiencing a creative and cultural resurgence. The Dana Warp Mill, once industrial, now houses dozens of small businesses, artists, and artisans. The city has a growing arts and music scene that continues to bring new energy downtown. DDW is launching a public art initiative in partnership with the University of Southern Maine to install 10–12 four-by-four-foot panel murals across downtown and activate an underutilized alleyway as a vibrant mural space.  

In addition, DDW hosts a seven-week summer music series, a popular and beloved event that brings hundreds of residents and visitors downtown to enjoy live performances and build community.  

DDW is a growing organization. The foundation laid by our previous Main Street Fellow—and continued by this VISTA Member—will help shape future staffing, programming, and engagement. This role is essential to strengthening our creative economy, expanding partnerships, and supporting Westbrook’s evolution into a thriving destination for small businesses, artists, and the wider community. 

Benefits

• Bi-Weekly Living Allowance of $957.46/Biweekly
• Relocation Allowance of $750 plus $.40 per mile (for those moving more than 50 miles)
• Health Benefits
• Childcare Reimbursement if Eligible
• Student Loan Forbearance for eligible federal loans (interest paid by AmeriCorps)
• SNAP Eligibility (depending on financial situation)
• Training and Professional Development
• Life Navigator (on-staff licensed counselor for members)
• Choice of Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395) or an end-of-term bonus ($1,800) upon term completion
• Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal employment for one-year post-term
• Extensive Training

*Individuals are limited to two full Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards in their lifetime

Already have a MyAmeriCorps account and want to apply for this specific role? You can find that listing on MyAmeriCorps here.

The positive impact VISTA members offer their local communities is remarkable and continues to build year after year. Descriptions of all Goodwill AmeriCorps Positions can be found at: goodwillnne.org/jobs/americorps/positions/.