Community Development Manager

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 Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, who has been recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 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 Executive Director of Market One, the Community Development Manager will hold a pivotal position responsible for leading:

• 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:

• Partner with the Executive Director and other team members to represent Market One with external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
• Act 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.
• Proactively develop, update, and manage internal and external communication in alignment with Marketing and Communications Team to ensure stakeholders are informed of emergent community development tools and grant opportunities.
• 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; this includes the Van Buren County Revolving Loan Fund.
  • Collaboration with Van Buren County Finance Department
• 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.
• In conjunction with the Executive Director and Market One Team, help prepare and submit an annual budget for the Board of Directors.
• Work with finance and compliance teams to ensure budgetary alignment for active programs and projects.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, community development or planning, political science, or public administration or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 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:

• Two 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.
• Management Commitment to your success (open door with CEO and COO, partnership with Senior Leadership, and peer-to-peer support) 

We have unique culture that requires individuals 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. 

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.