Jefferson East, Inc. (JEI) is a Detroit-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making Detroit’s East Jefferson corridor and its neighborhoods regionally competitive and business-friendly, with equitable economic opportunities for its residents and businesses. We grow Detroit’s East Jefferson corridor and its neighborhoods through facilitative leadership, collaborative partnership, and innovative and impactful programming. We represent five distinct neighborhoods along the East Jefferson corridor.

Through a partnership with the University of Michigan’s School of Information, U-M Poverty Solutions, U-M Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project, and the U-M Center for Innovation, Jefferson East, Inc. is seeking to hire “go-to tech person in your household” to work as a Community Tech Worker, beginning in January and continuing through December 31, 2026. This is a grant-funded position with possible renewal/extension beyond December 2026. The selected candidate will become part of a cohort of Community Tech Workers who hail from the East Jefferson and Livernois neighborhoods and from the University of Michigan.

The JEI Community Tech Consultant will work full-time, Monday-Friday, and also enjoy paid holidays and benefits. Community Tech Consultants are provided with a comprehensive onboarding and training process. They also receive weekly professional development and networking opportunities from a leadership team that includes economic development professionals in Detroit and an interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff from the University of Michigan.

Job Description:

Detroit small businesses and entrepreneurs are key to the economic growth and employment in the city, but some face technology-related challenges that prevent them from thriving. To alleviate these challenges and help these businesses thrive, we are looking for one Detroit resident comfortable using a computer and smart phone with strong interpersonal and communication skills to join our team in providing one-on-one technology training and support to Detroit entrepreneurs.

 We are looking for individuals passionate about supporting local businesses, who have familiarity with Detroit’s east side, and who have had experience providing technical support. Whether you have provided digital or technical support to your close friends and family, or to small businesses, we would love to see your application.

 Schedule & Location

This is a full-time in-person position, working Monday through Friday 9 AM - 5 pm with occasional nights or weekends for special events. Work takes place in-person at Jefferson East, Inc. Resource Hub, located at 14300 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48215 and at community partner locations including Live6 Alliance, 7426 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48221.

Key Responsibilities

• Call and email small business client prospects to schedule intake meetings & trainings for yourself and other team members;
• Interview clients to learn more about their technology needs and develop a series of trainings to help meet their needs;
• Conduct independent research and develop a proposed action plan for meeting the client’s technology needs, whether through JEI services or by referral to another service provider;
• Meet with clients one-on-one to train them in how to use different technology platforms (for recurring tech issues) or simply resolve the issue for them (if one-time task);
• Help drive a positive customer experience by building relationships, exhibiting empathy, and providing solutions to client needs;
• Diagnose and troubleshoot products for repair;
• Document all work performed in a project management system (like Asana); and
• Create how-to videos and other educational materials; and
• Assist with sales and marketing activities, through canvassing in the community, social media and formal media campaigns, and other duties as assigned.
• Create and host workshops, sometimes alongside different organizations, presenting different platforms and skills to assist business owners
• Public speaking for events to showcase and highlight the program to potential clients, funders, etc.
• Previous experience using and learning about technology products;
• Ability to build rapport and trust with small business owner clients;
• Resourceful and ability to independently problem solve;
• Tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty (you never know what clients will need!);
• Excellent at documenting your work and following established workflow processes;
• Culturally responsive communication, great interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written);
• Willingness to tackle difficult problems;
• Patience and empathy.
• Business website creation and ability to update items online (e.g., Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress, Google maps, Yelp, etc.)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Content editing (pdf, video, graphics)
• A general knowledge of how small businesses work and their responsibilities
• Prior community engagement experience
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Able to commit to working in-person Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with some flexible hours needed on some evenings and weekends due to special events or workshops
• Have reliable transportation to get to Jefferson East, Inc.’s Neighborhood Resource Hub three times per week and to JEI’s partner sites, Live6 Alliance, once per week.

Qualifications and personal characteristics 

• Previous experience using and learning about technology products;
• Ability to build rapport and trust with small business owner clients;
• Resourceful and ability to independently problem solve;
• Tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty (you never know what clients will need!);
• Excellent at documenting your work and following established workflow processes;
• Culturally responsive communication, great interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written);
• Willingness to tackle difficult problems;
• Patience and empathy.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Business website creation and ability to update items online (e.g., Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress, Google maps, Yelp, etc.)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Content editing (pdf, video, graphics)
• A general knowledge of how small businesses work and their responsibilities
• Prior community engagement experience

Eligibility

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Able to commit to working in-person Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with flexible hours needed on some evenings and weekends due to special events or workshops
• Have reliable transportation to get to Jefferson East, Inc.’s Neighborhood Resource Hub three times per week and to JEI’s partner sites, Live6 Alliance, once per week.

Compensation

• $45,000-$50,000
• Benefits include 401K Match, Healthcare, Vision, Dental & Long-Term Disability
• Flexible work environment
• Generous paid time off