"Design Core Detroit - Project Lead - Public Programs"

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. 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. Other days can be virtual, in person or a hybrid, based on individual work demands. Some evenings and weekends are required.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

The Public Programs Project Lead is tasked with supporting the implementation of key Design Core programs and events specifically related to the Detroit Month of Design and Detroit City of Design initiatives.

Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions

• Lead the planning, execution, and post-event reporting for a diverse portfolio of organizational events, including virtual and in-person public programs and Business to Business sessions. Events would include but are not limited to the Detroit Month of Design signature events and Detroit City of Design initiatives.
• Through the normal course of their work with Detroit Month of Design and Detroit City of Design, the Project Lead may also be asked to support the recruitment and retention of design businesses into the Design Network or provide technical assistance and coaching to Detroit Design Network members, based on the Project Lead's specific expertise.
• Provide support for earned revenue projects including drafting scope of work, establishing realistic milestones, deliverables and budgets.
• May occasionally supervise temporary, or part time project assistants.
• Actively use Neon to track activity and impact.

Specific tasks that relate to Detroit Month of Design:

• Supporting the Detroit Month of Design application, review and acceptance process, plan festival information sessions, mixers, training, supporting independent event organizers and sponsored activations throughout the festival season.

Every person on this team is expected to:

• Be cross-trained to support varied organizational functions, proactively identifying and implementing improvements to program delivery.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with partners, members, and stakeholders through excellent customer service and high-quality work.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all engagements and activities (members, partners, funders), and prepare activity, matchmaking, and metric reports as needed.
• Support the full lifecycle of grants, contracts, and sponsorships, including acquisition, management, and reporting.
• Actively support the communities that we serve by sharing relevant news, communicating opportunities, and collecting feedback and metrics.
• Represent the organization professionally at assigned internal and external meetings and events.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Desire to reach beyond what’s expected.
• Proven experience in business, design, or economic development with increasing levels of responsibility and competency.
• A demonstrated track record of organizational skills, including the ability to successfully manage multiple projects, data, and deadlines.
• Clear, concise, and professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable ideas.
• Proficiency in standard office applications (MS Office, Google Workspace) and the ability to effectively utilize various technology platforms, including CRM systems and project management tools, to achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in customer service, interpersonal relations, and effective problem-solving.
• Must be able to travel occasionally to local, national and international locations to attend conferences or participate in meetings. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required. International travel will require a valid passport.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in or a willingness to quickly learn the organization's current technology stack, including CRM (Neon), email marketing (Mailchimp), project management (Asana), collaboration (Slack, Google Drive), design/strategy (Miro), and various AI tools.
• Demonstrated ability to present effectively to diverse audiences, ranging from students to C-level executives.
• Possesses strong, professional writing and communication skills.
• A preferred candidate is self-motivated, organized, creative, and a thoughtful problem-solver.
• A keen interest in the creative economy, small business development, and economic development is essential.
• A passion for Detroit or urban economic development is a plus.

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 Design Core Detroit

A program within College for Creative Studies, Design Core offers services to strengthen, grow and attract design businesses, strengthen market demand for design services, and tell Detroit’s design story locally and globally. We are a small but mighty team of energetic, self-driven, compassionate doers. We’re looking for others who see gaps and opportunities and take independent, thoughtful action to initiate programs and processes in response.

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.

To apply

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@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

CCS website