Community Economic Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

OUR ORGANIZATION:

As a subsidiary of Kinexus Group, a $15 million Southwest Michigan-based non-profit, Market One has principal responsibilities for economic and community development throughout Cass and Van Buren Counties. We connect people, investments, and organizations with strategies and services that improve the quality of life and economic conditions in our region, specifically Cass and Van Buren Counties. Our Cass and Van Buren County staff focuses on developing strategies that will allow our communities to thrive by addressing needs related to workforce, community, and business development. We work collaboratively with regional organizations to maximize economic growth.

Market One, as previously mentioned, is part of the Kineuxs Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. While this position is part of and reports to Market One, this position is employed by Kinexus Group.

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES:

Reporting to the Community Development Director of Market One, the Community Development Manager will hold a pivotal position responsible for leading:

• The development, implementation, and evaluation of grant programs and specialty service lines to meet the needs of the communities and businesses. Specifically, this role will focus on Market One's housing development program.
• Strategic grant development, compliance oversight, and effective administration in support of both internal and external community development initiatives.
• Proactive facilitation and leadership of community meetings are integral to the success of development initiatives.
• Proficient project management with strategic vision and strong communication skills to foster community development in Cass and Van Buren counties.
• This role will exercise professional judgment, analyze problems, make decisions, recommend solutions, and independently lead projects.
• Develop a strong relationship with funders at the state, regional and federal levels, in order to drive funding opportunities back to Cass and Van Buren counties.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

• Develop and monitor budgets, project plans, and resource allocation for grant programs for Market One, communities and businesses.
• Meet with state and federal department officials to build understanding of programming, develop strategic relationships, and advocate for projects in Cass and Van Buren Counties.
• Partner with Market One team members to represent the organization to external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
• Function as primary regional catalyst for community development by effectively connecting municipal and private sector partners with diverse funding opportunities that cultivate vibrant communities and drive economic prosperity.
• Lead, Plan, organize, and operate initiatives, programs, and services to address economic and community development needs in alignment with the mission of Market One.
• Oversee and execution of programs, report compliance, and services with applicable federal, state, and private sector regulations, requirements, and laws.
• Provide technical support for municipal and private sector partners' pursuit of grant funds in alignment with organizational strategic priorities. This can include writing, reviewing, or advising on internal and external grant applications to maximize application competitiveness Work with finance and compliance teams to ensure budgetary alignment for active programs and projects.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, community development, planning, political science, or public administration or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 2 years' experience related to nonprofit administration, grant writing and administration, project management, public administration, or economic development.
• Demonstrated strong writing skills and abilities.
• Ability to understand basic financial reports including balance sheets, activity reports, and revenue-expenditure reports.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Cass and Van Buren counties.
• Must have the ability to communicate and organize effectively.
• Must have strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Must have the ability to exercise independent judgement on priorities and ability to meet deadlines.
• Must have the ability to be professional and use discretion when handling highly confidential matters.
• Must have the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Solid computer skills and ability in Microsoft, Excel, Power Point, and virtual meeting platforms (ex: Google Hangout, Zoom)

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:  

• Five years related professional experience in nonprofit administration, grant writing or grant administration, project management, public administration, or economic development.
• Demonstrated experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential situations.
• Experience working with executive teams and/or local units of government.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• Flexible & Open
• Competitive Salary & Benefits
• Opportunities for Growth
• Periodic Telecommute Work

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• A robust Onboarding experience to integrate you into our team
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers
• Exceptional benefits.
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important. It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time.

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.