Project Lead Design Core Detroit

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.