ESCANABA — After the resignation of Escanaba’s Downtown Development Authority Executive Director, the DDA board began the hiring process for filling the position Thursday.

Ed Legault stepped down as DDA executive director when he was hired as the new Delta County Economic Development Alliance director.

“And we all know why we’re here,” said DDA Chairperson Dan Bender. “Ed has taken another position.”

The items the DDA board discussed to begin the hiring process was creating a hiring committee, approving the announcement of the job opening, setting when job applications are due, setting the budget for advertising the open position and approving the job description.

The hiring committee will include Vice Chairperson Eric Swanson, Mayor Marc Tall, Mark Ammel and Curt Spaulding, with Bender and Andy Crispigna as alternates.

Bender explained he had already asked Swanson, who was not in attendance, to chair the committee prior to Thursday’s meeting and Swanson had accepted.

When it came to the job opening announcement, the board discussed on whether or not to use Michigan Works! as Escanaba’s Human Resources Director Kim Gustafson volunteered to help with the process. The board decided it was something not to rule out.

Salary and benefits were also discussed.

Legault said when he took the DDA position, he had been provided an increase in his salary offer because he did not want a benefits package. He noted this would be something the board would have to keep in mind when going through the hiring process again because the person interested may want a benefits package.

As of right now, the open position’s salary is based on experience and qualifications, and does not list an actual range.

Gustafson said she would look into what the typical salary is for a DDA executive director so the committee could have a better grasp on it.

The board unanimously agreed the announcement was adequate for the open position, to have the position open for applicants Friday, Feb. 8, and set March 13 as the date resumes are due. Resumes are to be sent to Escanaba’s Human Resources Department at city hall.

Advertising for the position was budgeted to not exceed $1,500.

When it came to the actual job description, Legault provided insight on how to update it.

According to Legault, there needs to be more emphasis on some aspects of the job because the job has evolved since he took over the position.

The board approved the changes presented by Legault and approved the amended job description.

Because the hiring process will take time and the DDA will be without an executive director during most of it, DDA Assistant Director Judy Schroeder is to recommend what help she will need during the hiring period to the board at the next DDA meeting.