Job Description

Job Description

_ ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND/CULTURE_

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) 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. DEGC designs and implements innovative solutions that drive investment, create jobs, and build the economy through solid public-private collaborations. The DEGC's commitment to integrity, transparency, and professionalism permeates 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, the Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Local Development Finance Authority, and the Tax Increment Finance Authority.

DEGC works tirelessly to advocate for inclusion and opportunity for individuals from all walks of life who do business in the City of Detroit. We strive to develop programs that stress economic inclusion for every business within our city, from start-up to been-up and beyond. Our employees are committed to public service and put the interests of those we serve above self-interests. As our main asset, it is imperative that our staff is not only diverse but also representative of the population we serve.

_ SUMMARY OF ROLE_

At the center of Detroit’s economic revitalization is our robust small-business community. Home-grown restaurants, retailers, and service providers bring needed goods and services to residents and anchor institutions. 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 Department provides a host of programming to help startups and established small businesses flourish.

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is seeking an energetic and skilled individual to fill the role of District Business Liaison (DBL) for Detroit City Council District 5 (map attached) to augment existing economic development activity and programs by acting as a direct resource to area businesses and linking them to resources that support the growth and longevity of small businesses in the district. The D5 DBL will join a team of small business advocates assigned to various districts across the City of Detroit.

Under the supervision of the Director of the District Business Liaisons, DBLs act as connectors by ensuring business owners are linked to tools, people, programs, and resources to help grow and scale their businesses. They serve as the primary navigators assisting business owners through city services and processes that promote regulatory compliance, which advances business retention and sustainability. As the small business advocate for the district, the DBL will escalate the feedback and concerns of the business owners with local leadership while advocating for additional fair and equitable support measures.

_ KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES_

• Participate in networking and community events with potential neighborhood small businesses and partners to increase program visibility.
• Submit a monthly report to the SBS Director of Retention and Expansion about the small businesses’ request trends, achievements, challenges, and support provided.
• Documenting and maintaining records of business visits, follow-up activities, and outcomes.
• Boost business owner awareness of potential collaboration with business associations and other opportunities for partnership that can bolster corridor vibrancy and attraction efforts.
• Promote collaboration and networking among business owners that prioritize and cultivate lasting relationships between the DBL and neighborhood businesses.
• Support City officials in district-specific projects in small business outreach and engagement efforts that impact business corridors.
• Work with DEGC and other economic development and business support partners to tailor programming and support to the needs of neighborhood and small businesses.
• Act as the liaison and facilitator for the district to improve connection and communication between the business owner, City departments, and other organizations where appropriate.
• Advocate for district businesses by providing owners with referrals to or engaging on their behalf with leaders at the City of Detroit, DEGC, business support organizations, and lending institutions.
• Conduct interviews and check-ins with business and property owners to assess business concerns and opportunities.
• Provide DEGC leadership and City staff with real-time awareness and insight on existing or emerging obstacles, needs, trends, and critical challenges that threaten businesses as well as opportunities for growth and expansion in their district.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of programs and resources available to small businesses and provide marketing material and other information on these resources to business owners in their districts as needed.
• Plan, organize, and perform business visits to determine assistance needs and impacts on economic and business climate environments within their assigned council district.
• Travel frequently (35-50% of the work week) around the city for various community or district meetings with business owners and stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

_ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED_

• 2 - 5 years of experience in project management, economic development, community development, small business advocacy, or related positions demonstrating increasing responsibility.
• Bachelor's degree in business management, business administration, entrepreneurship, communications, or a related field preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Experience with public speaking is desirable.
• Familiarity with data management and communication platforms, including Canva, Smartsheet, Salesforce, Constant Contact, or similar platforms.
• Must be comfortable working through ambiguity to find solutions and achieve desired results.
• Well organized, with the ability to navigate challenging organizational, regulatory, and procedural hurdles to produce real results under tight timelines.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining focus in an environment with conflicting demands and priorities.
• Ability to communicate complex issues and information in a manner that various stakeholders readily understand.
• High cultural competence with a strong awareness and appreciation of cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity.
• Effective in active listening with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and diverse clientele across cultures.
• Strong analytical, verbal, and organizational skills required. Must be a self-starter, creative thinker, and problem-solver who can work with little direct supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals, strengthening relationships to achieve the best possible solutions.
• High aptitude for and interest in customer service, design thinking, and problem-solving.
• Respect for and a genuine interest in advancing the growth of small Detroit-based businesses primarily led by Black people and people of color.
• Ability to engage in frequent, independent travel throughout Detroit and attend meetings held during the evening.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

WORK LOCATION:

DEGC is currently operating on a Hybrid schedule. Candidates should know that all employees must do in-person work at least twice a week. 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 is accompanied by a full range of benefits.

** The DEGC is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and 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.**