Reporting to the Executive Director, the Community Development Director is a key member of the DLI team focusing on driving the growth, inclusivity, and the sustainability of downtown Lansing. The person selected for this position is the lead for collaborating with businesses, property owners, city officials, and residents, to attract and retain a diverse array of businesses that cater to all members of our community. This role goes beyond development as it leads DLI’s accelerator programs fostering inclusive entrepreneurial programs, provides connections and support mechanisms that reflect the needs and values of every stakeholder. In addition, this role oversees both the Business Development as well as the Design & Public Spaces committee projects and programs.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in:
- Economic or community development specific to DDAs/PSDs/CIAs etc.
- Passion for community building and downtown revitalization.
- Initiatives to attract and retain businesses that align with community goals or strategic plans.
- Leading economic development/community development strategy discussions with various levels of stakeholders, including local and state government, developers, etc.
- Experience building and managing budgets.
- Experience working with Quickbooks and invoice systems to accurately collect and record invoices, check requests to support the diverse line items and purchases within the DLI budget.
- Attention to detail and flexibility to communicate in various ways with DLI’s diverse stakeholders for projects such as grant applications, business recruitment, art installations, accelerator programs, small business support trainings and facilitating committee meetings.
- This is a public-facing role which requires and understanding and ability to communicate effectively, professionally and with a positive approach.
- Ability and an enjoyment of working in an inclusive and diverse spaces with a variety of personalities and audiences, make quick decisions, and positively deal with issues as they arise.
- A keen understanding of the important community development work led by DLI within the downtown, upholding stakeholder and partner relationships as we work collaboratively to build a downtown where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to thrive.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Facilitates recruitment and retention program and efforts for Downtown Lansing.
- Enhances and directs accelerator programs led by Downtown Lansing Inc. This includes recruiting accelerator participants, collaborating with partners to schedule and cultivate a diverse year-round training schedule, and connecting accelerator program participants with industry experts
- Identify and engage potential business prospects, providing information and connections with available resources and incentives. This includes supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs by connecting them tools, resources and technical assistance.
- Work with city officials, property owners, and economic development organizations to promote available commercial spaces.
- Works directly with City partners, SBDC, and local economic development agencies to help foster an entrepreneurial support pipeline.
- Coordinates and provides outreach to both the Design & Public Spaces Committee as well as Business Development team
- Collaborate with program participants, mentors, and partners to help guide towards successful outcomes.
- Monitor key performance indicators and adjust programming as needed.
- Coordinates monthly meetings and other regular business owner outreach and meetings with the Business Development Committee, with the support of the Office Manager.
- Assist the Executive Director with fund development, building and managing budgets.
- Coordinates the work of the Design & Public Spaces committee including art activities, upcoming CSO Street reconstruction, online mapping projects, lighting installations, and other projects of this committee.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
