Position Description

Project Lead

STATUS: Full Time
DIVISION: Design Core Detroit
REPORTS TO: Executive Director(s)
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SUPERVISES: n/a

Position Summary

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. 

Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions

  • Manage the daily administration of Design Core Detroit’s business and/or public 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.
  • Provide technical assistance to future design clients, regarding drafting a scope of work, establishing realistic milestones, deliverables and budgets for design projects, etc.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, or public programs, etc.
  • May be asked to take the lead on drafting initial copy and compiling metrics and stories to support grant proposals and / or reports.
  • May occasionally supervisor temporary, or part time project assistants.
  • Be cross trained to serve all functions and goals of the organization.
  • Notice challenges or barriers to programs and service delivery and take thoughtful action to make change and improve results.
  • Maintain current and accurate records of engagement and activities with members, nonmembers, buyers, partners, sponsors and funders.
  • Initiate, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with partners, members and stakeholders in Detroit’s design community, through delivery of excellent work and exceptional customer service.
  • Be able to produce activity and designer matchmaking reports, as needed to serve potential design buyers, etc.
  • Support the acquisition, management and reporting of grants, contracts and sponsorships.
  • Support our business clients by sharing news and information, discovering and communicating opportunities, and collecting and reporting metrics and feedback.
  • Represent Design Core at meetings and events, as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Proficiency in Design Core’s current technology tools and platforms, including WordPress, Neon, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Google Drive, Neon, Asana, Slack and Submittable.
  • The ability to speak in front of small or large groups and to varying audiences ranging from students to C-level talent.
  • Candidates should possess an interest in the creative economy, small business development, and economic development in general.
  • Design Core prefers candidates who are self-motivated, organized, strong writers, creative thinkers, and thoughtful problem solvers.
  • A passion for Detroit or urban economic development is a plus.

Work Environment

This job operates in-person and virtually in a professional office on a college campus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily working on a computer, attending events, or participating in meetings.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of requirements to perform the essential functions of this job; accommodations may be available. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop. The employee may often lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Most days require working on a computer, making phone calls, or participating in meetings. Sometimes there are short trips to external meetings or engagements. This position often requires facilitating events and / or hosting meetings or tours. 

Application Procedure/Additional Information

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

Work Hours

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.

About CCS

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college 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.

Founded in 1906 as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts, CCS plays a key role in Detroit’s cultural and educational communities. A private, fully accredited college, CCS enrolls more than 1,400 students, pursuing Master of Fine Arts degrees in Color and Materials Design, Interaction Design, Systems Design Thinking, and Transportation Design and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Advertising Design, Art Education, Communication Design, Crafts, Entertainment Arts, Fashion Accessories Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design, and Transportation Design. The College also offers free art education for more than 4,000 Detroit youth annually through its Community Arts Partnerships program. In addition, the College’s University Prep Art & Design is a public charter middle and high school enrolling more than 800 students in a high-performance academic curriculum with a special focus on art and design.

The College for Creative Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment  decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual  orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

posted on January 25, 2022 at 11:52 am