Project Lead Design Core Detroit

STATUS: Full Time
DIVISION: Design Core Detroit
REPORTS TO: Executive Director(s)
SUPERVISES: N/A
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Project Lead will be responsible for supporting Design Core Detroit by providing administrative, organizational and technical support in planning, coordination and execution to achieve project and department goals.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage the daily administration of Design Core Detroit’s business programs, including but not limited to registration and payments, reporting, membership onboarding, updates, event planning, and materials.
• Recruit and retain design businesses into the Detroit Design Network; deliver member benefits, manage member and event communications.
• Provide technical assistance and coaching to Detroit Design Network members, as requested. This may include coaching on small business operations, production, promotion, management and more.
• Provide technical assistance to future design clients, regarding drafting a scope of work, establishing realistic milestones, deliverables and budgets for design projects, etc.
• Initiating and planning workshops and public events, including management of registration, attendance, follow up communication, and oversight of internal post event processing, i.e. add attendees to mailing list, send and collect surveys, report metrics, etc.
• Create a weekly membership newsletter, which may include gathering current and relevant events and information, formatting content for presentation and performance for email and mobile devices, and more.
• Manage and audit the digital Designer Directory on the Design Core website. Ensure timely and accurate updates are made, as membership status changes.
• Help to collect, aggregate and report all quantitative, qualitative and anecdotal information related to program performance.
• Hosting both virtual and in-person meetings and events related to organizational objectives, which may include business-to-business matchmaking sessions via Zoom, membership appreciation events, educational programming, public programs, or Detroit City of Design events locally, nationally or internationally.
• May be asked to take the lead on drafting initial copy and compiling metrics and stories to support grant proposals and / or reports.

May Also Perform the Follow Duties, as Needed:

• Supporting the Detroit Month of Design application, review and acceptance process and supporting independent event organizers and sponsored activations throughout the festival season.
• Supporting Detroit City of Design initiatives, including but not limited to writing proposals and reports, organizing events, engaging with other UNESCO cities and events, etc.
• Supporting Design Core’s marketing and communications, including but not limited to website, social media, graphic content, etc.

Every person on this team is expected to:

• Be cross trained to serve all functions and goals of the organization.
• Notice challenges or barriers to programs and service delivery and take thoughtful action to make change and improve results.
• Maintain current and accurate records of engagement and activities with members, nonmembers, buyers, partners, sponsors and funders.
• Initiate, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with partners, members and stakeholders in Detroit’s design community, through delivery of excellent work and exceptional customer service.
• Be able to produce activity and designer matchmaking reports, as needed to serve potential design buyers, etc.
• Support the acquisition, management and reporting of grants, contracts and sponsorships.
• Support our business clients by sharing news and information, discovering and communicating opportunities, and collecting and reporting metrics and feedback.
• Represent Design Core at meetings and events, as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Required Qualifications

• Desire to reach beyond what’s expected.
• Experience in business, design, or economic development positions that demonstrate increasing responsibility and competencies.
• A strong background in small business or entrepreneurship coaching and business development is required. Awareness of and relationships to Detroit’s small business support ecosystem resources is preferred.
• Proven track record of organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, data, and deadlines, while producing superior results.
• Demonstrated customer service, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a self-starter, and creative thinker, with a genuine interest in continuous learning and ownership of assigned projects.
• Attention to details and commitment to excellence in planning, execution and follow up is required.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication.
• Comfort and confidence engaging with a wide variety of people across all stakeholder groups, from residents and artists to corporate sponsors and philanthropic funders.
• Ability to comprehend and synthesize complex information and effectively communicate ideas and goals verbally and nonverbally.
• Basic understanding of MS Office applications such as Word, Excel as well as Google Drive and G-suite applications.
• Ability to utilize various technology platforms and systems in pursuit of goals and objectives is required, including customer relationship management (CRM) systems, project management tools, etc.
• Must be flexible and comfortable solving problems and making decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Must be able to travel occasionally to local, national and international locations to attend conferences or participate in meetings. If driving, valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required. International travel will require a valid passport.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Design Core’s current technology tools and platforms, including Neon, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Google Drive, Neon, Asana, Slack and Submittable.
• The ability to speak in front of small or large groups and to varying audiences ranging from students to C-level talent.
• Candidates should possess an interest in the creative economy, small business development, and economic development in general.
• Design Core prefers candidates who are self-motivated, organized, strong writers, creative thinkers, and thoughtful problem solvers.
• A passion for Detroit or urban economic development is a plus.

This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm. Hours can be flexed to meet personal and professional needs, but the team is expected to work together in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This position qualifies for CCS’ Remote Work Arrangement. Some evenings and weekends are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office and college campus environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position, use a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually. Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required. The employee may occasionally be required to move files or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places. The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are required. CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT CCS

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

The College for Creative Studies, a leading college of art and design, represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities and worldviews and we value the diversity this brings to our organization. CCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. We encourage applications from all.

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired. Interested candidates should submit the following in PDF format:

Resume and a letter of application should be submitted to: hr@ccsdetroit.edu