Community Development Manager

OUR ORGANIZATION:  
As a subsidiary of Kinexus Group, a $15 million Southwest Michigan-based non-profit, Market Van Buren has principal responsibilities for economic and community development throughout Cass and Van Buren Counties. We connect people, investments, and organizations with strategies and services that improve the quality of life and economic conditions in our two-county region. Our staff focuses on developing strategies that will allow our communities to thrive by addressing needs related to workforce, community, and business development. We work collaboratively with regional organizations to maximize economic growth.

Market Van Buren, as previously mentioned, is part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recently recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. While this position is part of and reports to Market Van Buren, this position is employed by Kinexus Group.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:
The Community Development Manager plays a pivotal role within Market Van Buren by leading strategic grant development, compliance oversight, and effective administration in support of both internal and external community development initiatives.    You will be proactive in the facilitation and leadership of community meetings.   The Community Development Manager will have proficient project management experience with strategic vision and strong communication skills to foster community development in Cass and Van Buren counties.   The Community Development Manager will develop strong relationships with funders at the state, regional and federal levels, in order to drive funding opportunities back to Cass and Van Buren counties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partners with the Executive Director and other team members to represent Market Van Buren with external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
• Acts as primary regional catalyst for community development by effectively connecting municipal and private sector partners with diverse funding opportunities that cultivate vibrant communities and drive economic prosperity.
• Proactively develops, updates, and manages internal and external communication in alignment with the Marketing and Communications Team to ensure stakeholders are informed of emergent community development tools and grant opportunities.
• Plans, organizes, and operates initiatives, programs, and services to address economic and community development needs in alignment with the mission of Market Van Buren.
• Ensures initiatives, programs, and services are executed in compliance with applicable federal, state, and private sector regulations, requirements, and laws; this includes the Van Buren County Revolving Loan Fund.
• Provides technical support for municipal and private sector partners’ pursuit of grant funds in alignment with organizational strategic priorities. 
• In conjunction with Executive Director and MVB Team, helps prepare and submit an annual budget for the Board of Directors.
• Works with finance and compliance teams to ensure budgetary alignment for active programs and projects

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, community development or planning, political science, or public administration or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Demonstrated strong writing skills and abilities.
• Ability to understand basic financial reports including balance sheets, activity reports, and revenue-expenditure reports.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Cass and Van Buren counties
• Must have the ability to communicate and organize effectively.
• Must have strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Must have the ability to exercise independent judgement on priorities and ability to meet deadlines.
• Must have the ability to be professional and use discretion when handling highly confidential matters.
• Must have the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Solid computer skills and ability in Microsoft, Excel, Power Point and virtual meeting platforms (ex: Google Hangout, Zoom) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Flexible and open.
• Competitive Salary 
• Opportunities for Growth and Giving Back

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

• A robust onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers..
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and/or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.