Project Manager – East Riverfront

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND/CULTURE

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a private non-profit organization leading the economic revitalization efforts for Detroit, 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 investments 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 permeate the organization and undergirds our stature as the economic development authority for the City. 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, Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Local Development Finance Authority, and the Tax Increment Finance Authority.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

DEGC’s Economic Development & Investment Services Team assists organizations with doing business in Detroit. Whether it’s opening a new facility, relocating an existing operation or expanding a current business, DEGC’s EDIS team is the first step to finding success. This role will primarily focus on oversight and implementation of planning efforts and improvements related to publicly owned assets including but not limited to Hart Plaza, Aretha Franklin Park (previously Chene Park), marinas and Jefferson Village. The individual holding this position will manage and implement engineering, planning and construction projects of medium to large size and complexity as well as provide project support to both the Director of Development Services and Executive Vice President of Economic Development and Investment Services. They will directly plan, administer and manage functions that may include several departments and Directors within the City of Detroit and other government bodies. The project manager will interface with public, private and philanthropic entities.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administering contracts, monitoring contractor performance and compliance with schedules and contract requirements, initiating corrective actions as necessary, reviewing invoices and authorizing contract payments.
• Supporting the City in community engagement with stakeholders, business groups, residents, and other related entities.
• Communicating with and making presentations to public bodies (Board of Directors, City Council, etc).
• Establishing a working relationship with representatives from a variety of City departments and other governmental agencies.
• Develop a funding plan for implementation including identification of potential funding sources, coordinating fundraising efforts with relevant city departments, setting up presentations and submitting applications for funding.
• Tracking and maintaining established and anticipated adjustments to project milestones and deliverables, and project quality assurance and control measures.
• Developing and delivering progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations.
• Liaising with project stakeholders on an ongoing basis.
• Identifying and resolving issues and conflicts within the project team and other stakeholders.
• Determining the frequency and content of status reports from the project team, analyze results, and troubleshoot problem areas.
• Building, developing and growing any business relationship vital to the success of the project.
• Refining and maintaining project schedules through completion.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, urban planning, architecture, engineering or construction management, required.
• 5 years minimum experience in construction management, urban planning, and project management. Any related certification or qualifications in these fields is also a plus.
• Experience working on public space projects including design, programmatic planning, and implementation.
• Experience with sustainable financing methods for public space such as concessions, tax increment financing, naming rights, entertainment districts, etc.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to successfully perform responsibilities independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work extended hours if needed to meet project deadlines
• Ability to participate in training sessions, presentations, meetings, and site visits.
• Sufficient access to transportation to attend meetings off-site and in evenings across the City of Detroit.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be provided to successful candidates. The salary range is dependent on experience and is accompanied by a full range of benefits.

The DEGC is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with 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.