CURRENT OPENINGS
Project Director -- Position Description
Job Title: Project Director
Location: Home-Based Office
Reports to: Executive Director
Date: January 16, 2022
Overview: Great Lakes Urban (GLU) is a Zeeland, Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating connected communities and strong neighborhoods. Our CommunityWorks framework provides structure for communities implementing Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). The position of Project Director plays a key role in further developing the framework, training and coaching existing and new communities in ABCD, and building a network of trainer/coaches doing the same nationwide. The position is made possible by a generous one-time donation to GLU. Although the intention is for this to be a permanent position within the organization, at the current time Great Lakes Urban is only committing to a one-year contract with an optional renewal.
Pay: This is a part-time (approximately 20 hours a week) position. GLU will provide the successful candidate an hourly pay in the range of $28+ depending on qualifications. Benefits include professional development opportunities and flexible scheduling. We will consider including health, vision and dental insurance.
Location: Preference will be given to candidates within driving distance of GLU’s office in Zeeland, Michigan. However, because this is a home-based position, all are welcome to apply. Note that easy access to such technology as Zoom and email is essential.
Essential Duties:
A. Identify and Develop ABCD Trainer/Coaches:
Identify prospective ABCD trainer/coaches housed in intermediary organizations serving 2+ neighborhoods and onboarding them into a national network while providing them with coaching, professional development and peer connections as requested or needed.
B. Organize ABCD Trainer/Coach Gatherings:
Organize in 2023 an annual gathering that brings together the growing network of trainer/coaches for shared learning and solidarity, as well as to formalize the scope and purpose of the network. A schedule of virtual meet-ups will also be developed to keep members connected and growing.
C. Help Build the CommunityWorks Toolkit:
CommunityWorks is a framework to help communities integrate ABCD into neighborhood life. This position will help curate existing ABCD and related materials and resources into a toolkit to build the capacity of community leaders, intermediary organizations and Neighborhood Connectors.
D. Coach/Train Grant Recipients:
GLU will launch in 2023 a Community Innovation Fund. Grants will be made available through the fund to communities interested in adopting the CommunityWorks framework. This position will assist those communities that are awarded grants in successfully implementing ABCD.
E. Team Activities:
The Project Director will assist with such organizational activities as writing articles for the quarterly newsletter, assisting with the annual Restoring Our Cities fundraiser and end of year campaign, promoting the quarterly virtual Bright Spots in ABCD webinars, and other similar tasks as assigned.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have:
1. Familiarity with ABCD and/or other strengths-based approaches to community building.
2. A successful track record of coaching and developing people and facilitating learning experiences.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience in curriculum development.
4. A background in event planning, community organizing, and network building.
5. A passion for building leadership engine that will transform neighborhoods and communities.
Interested candidates may submit their resume to esmith@greatlakesurban.org. The position will remain open until filled.