ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND/CULTURE
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a private nonprofit organization leading Detroit's economic revitalization efforts, the most exciting urban recovery in the country. The DEGC works closely with the City of Detroit and other partners to support existing businesses and bring new companies and investment to the City. The DEGC designs and implements innovative solutions that drive investment, create jobs, and build the economy through strong public-private collaborations. The DEGC's commitment to integrity, transparency, and professionalism permeates the organization and undergirds our stature as the City's economic development authority. The DEGC provides staff services to Detroit’s public development authorities, including the Downtown Development Authority, the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Economic Development Corporation, the Eight Mile Woodward Corridor Improvement Authority, the Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Local Development Finance Authority, and the Tax Increment Finance Authority.
At the center of Detroit's economic revitalization is our robust small-business community. Home-grown restaurants, retailers, and providers bring needed goods and services to residents. Small businesses provide local jobs, stabilize neighborhoods, and create a sense of community. Black-owned businesses are especially important to an inclusive and accessible economy. DEGC's Small Business Services Team manages a host of programming to help startups and established small businesses flourish.
SUMMARY OF ROLE
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) seeks a dynamic, experienced, and skilled individual to join our Small Business Services Team, supporting the team's special projects focused on growing Detroit's small business ecosystem. Reporting to the Sr. Manager of Small Business Data & Analytics, this role will assist the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation's Small Business Services team with program oversight, grant coordination, and reporting.
The SBS Operations Coordinator will support the administration and operational delivery of SBS programs by ensuring accuracy and efficiency in grant administration, payment processing, compliance activities, and day-to-day program operations. This role provides general support across multiple small-business initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Manage the day-to-day administration of assigned grant-funded programs, including program documentation, milestone tracking, and operational coordination.
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Serve as the lead for managing compliance activities, reporting requirements, grant expenditures, and required documentation for assigned SBS programs
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Coordinate payment processing for various SBS programs, including preparing check requests, tracking disbursements, obtaining approvals, and working with the finance and accounting team.
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Review check requests for SBS programs to verify proper documentation, form accuracy, and required approvals before forwarding the finance and accounting team for processing.
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Coordinate with internal legal team to prepare grant agreements, contractor agreements, and other program documentation.
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Coordinate project activities and communications with internal departments, contractors, community partners, and external stakeholders
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Monitor and manage SBS stakeholder communications submitted through various channels including website intake forms, social media inquiries, e-mails, and phone calls.
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Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED
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2 - 3 years of experience in project management, program coordination, or grant administration positions that demonstrate increasing responsibility.
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Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field a plus.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
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Familiarity with various data management, CRM, or project management platforms.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and navigate sensitive relationships with discernment.
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Organized and flexible self-starter who can thrive in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapt to changing circumstances.
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Must be a self-starter, creative thinker, and problem-solver comfortable working through ambiguity to find solutions and achieve desired results.
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High emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals within multigenerational audiences from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences.
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Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. Polished public speaking skills are a plus.
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Ability to receive and understand directions, ask appropriate questions, and manage time to work effectively and independently.
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Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple work streams simultaneously.
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Must be self-motivated and bring strong customer service skills to the position.
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Strong listener and learner who can adapt and innovate quickly.
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Experience interfacing with internal and external stakeholders and diverse clientele.
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Respect for and a genuine interest in advancing the growth of small Detroit-based businesses.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
DEGC is currently operating on a Hybrid schedule. Candidates should know that all employees must do in-person work at least twice weekly. This in-person work includes but is not limited to reporting to the DEGC office, community engagement, and in-person meetings. DEGC reserves the right to terminate the Hybrid work schedule for any individual or all employees at any time, at its sole discretion.
COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidates. The salary range depends on experience and includes a full range of benefits.
The DEGC is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national, social, or ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
