About the Position
Reporting directly to the CEO, this critical position has oversight of JEI’s suite of public safety, small business development, business district services and other key programming that improve the resiliency of the neighborhoods we serve. This position requires a crucial thought and action leader within JEI to help the organization evolve its public safety work to help neighborhoods, business/property owners and residents be better prepared for natural disasters. Crucial for this position will be a strong partnership with the CEO and Chief Resiliency Officer to develop the strategy, resources, and vision to grow this division within JEI. This position will oversee a team of 1-2 individuals to support this work.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
-Small Business Services: Manage, Develop, and expand JEI’s suite of small business services including permit advocacy, operation of the CTW program (see below), safety advocacy, and managing referrals within the Small Business Support Ecosystem.
-Community Tech Worker Program: Manage JEI’s team of Community Tech Workers (CTW) to provide services to more than 150 small businesses annually. Manage and report on JEI’s contract with the University of Michigan in relation to the CTW program and assist with program expansion into other neighborhoods. Work with leadership and partners to reposition the model to address new programmatic needs.
-Small Business Resilience: Manage and implement JEI’s Business Resilience training to more than 20 businesses annually and manage JEI’s contract with the Local Initiative Support Corporation.
-Attraction & Retention: Link interested tenants to local available space and landlords. Work to ensure existing tenants grow and expand in the area by addressing needs and resolving problems. Partner with key agencies to link prospective businesses to economic development resources.
PUBLIC SAFETY & DISASTER PREPARDNESS
-Oversight and Management of JEI’s 5th and 7th Precinct Community CompStat Process: In collaboration with Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies (WSUCUS) and the Detroit Police Department produce monthly CompStat meetings for the 5th and 7th precinct.
-Public Safety AmeriCorps Management: In collaboration with WSUCUS, manage, supervise, and track outcomes of JEI’s public safety AmeriCorps team as they provide neighborhood and commercial corridor safety services.
-JEI’s Domestic & Interpersonal Violence Prevention & Recovery Program Management: In collaboration with WSUCUP, manage and support the effective deployment of 2 Domestic Violence Prevention & Recovery Advocates within the 5th and 7th precincts. Liaise with DPD command staff and WSUCUS program staff to ensure the impactful delivery of services.
-Public Safety Advocacy: Convey neighborhood safety concerns to DPD command staff and develop collaborative solutions that leverage both DPD and JEI Public Safety Resources. Represent JEI at vital, cross collaborative public safety initiatives such as the Downtown Safety & Security Meetings, Board of Police Commissioners, and other convening.
-Development of Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Plans: With Wayne County and other stakeholders, develop neighborhood-based disaster preparedness Plans.
-Jefferson Chalmers Flood Prevention Planning: Work with the University of Michigan (GLISA) to convene neighborhood residents for a series of Climate Change modelling learning sessions. This work will be used to inform broader neighborhood engagement regarding efforts to mitigate shoreline, surface and basement flooding in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.
-Resiliency HUB: Work to position JEI’s Neighborhood Resource HUB as a Resiliency HUB and participate in relevant partner’s meetings/convenings.
BUSINESS DISTRICT SERVICES
-Operation of Jefferson Avenue Clean Ambassador Program: Oversee and administer JEI’s contract to administer Clean Ambassador Services along east Jefferson Avenue and other areas.
-Business Improvement Zone Development: Develop strategies to secure resources (approx. $100,000 annually) from local stakeholders to support the operation of JEI’s Clean Ambassador Services. Support JEI’s efforts to obtain final approval of the Rivertown Business Improvement Zone.
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational & Fund Development
-Divisional Growth & Development: Work closely with the CEO to devise strategies to grow Neighborhood Resilience Division. Explore and codify new relationships that can provide contractual and expanded staffing support.
-Funder Management & Cultivation: Work closely with existing funders to articulate the progress of JEI’s programs and work to secure additional resources to expand our work.
-Voluntary Business Improvement District Formation: As part of business district organizing, secure contributions from local stakeholders to support JEI’s Litter Management and Safety Services.
General Administrative
-Perform project management activities including project planning, scheduling, budgeting and managing milestones.
-Complete quarterly reports to funders including the New Economy Initiative, University of Michigan, City of Detroit, Wayne County and others.
-Create reports for the board of directors on program progress.
-Support fund development activities including, grant writing and report development, identify potential corporate donors and small business owners to financially contribute to clean and safe programming.
-Facilitate and lead community engagement meetings; effective public speaking.
-Identify, prepare and write educational, marketing and storytelling materials to highlight programs successes and the people who support JEI.
Our Ideal Candidate
Acts with Urgency: Follows up quickly with partners to resolve issues. Addresses instances of criminality promptly to ensure the rapid and successful resolution of the issue.
Leads by Example: Picks up loose litter and sets back up a tipped over trash can while reaching out to contractors for the long term fix.
Builds Relationships: Builds trust and easily forms relationships (can relate to corporate, community and city representatives); actively seeks information to understand Detroiter’s circumstances, problems, expectations, and needs.
Initiative: Exhibits confidence in identifying what needs to be done, and variations or potential issues; proactively acting on needs without direction; and take action as needed to independently accomplish tasks and assignments. You are comfortable in a high-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Exceptionally organized and attentive to detail: Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and detailed oriented by nature.
Follow-Up: Diligent in completing assignments; establish a system to follow up on projects and tasks; effectively manage one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
Sound Judgment: Interprets and applies policies in a manner consistent with organizational mission and philosophy, ability to make reasoned decisions, even in the face of limited or conflicting information.
Trustworthy: Maintains privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Qualifications
-Valid driver’s license, insurance and vehicle.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-Familiarity with the City of Detroit and are knowledgeable about the East Jefferson corridor.
-Flexible, with availability to work a weeknight and occasional Saturdays.
-Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace for Nonprofits.
-Experience with data management and analysis.
-Knowledge of Salesforce.
-3 to 5 years’ experience in non-profit, economic development, public safety, public health or related sectors.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of public administration, public health, community development, political science, social work, urban planning or related degree; Master’s preferred
Compensation
-$70,000-$75,000 (depending on qualifications)
-Benefits include 401k Match, Healthcare, Vision, Dental, and Long-term disability
-Flexible work environment
-Generous paid time off
