Under general supervision, the manager of Economic Mobility Initiatives will function as a thought-leader on the Economic Prosperity team to support and manage initiatives that provide opportunities for all families in southern Michigan to access multi-generational and sustained economic mobility.
A critical need for low-income and working families in the region is the ability to develop workforce-related skills, be placed into employment to earn family-sustaining wages, become financially stable and build wealth. Our goal is to help level the economic playing field for these families so they can access long-term and sustained economic mobility — or what we have coined the “Learn It, Earn It, Keep It, Grow It” model.
The manager will work cross-functionally with the workforce and talent initiatives team to institute a comprehensive and integrated approach focused on permanently lifting families out of poverty in Detroit and throughout southeastern Michigan.
- Support the EP leadership in development and stewardship of the economic prosperity initiatives.
- Manage the existing portfolio of financial stability and wealth-building solutions, evaluate efficacy and develop continuous improvement process to drive towards established outcomes.
- Ensure grantees meet program results, including quality, schedule and budget.
- Support the development and implementation of accountability processes relating to overall team outcomes and financial resource investments.
- Maintain relationships with the local community, partners and agencies, as well as key regional and national individuals and organizations.
- Work cross-functionally with the Detroit Regional Workforce Fund and within UWSEM to align opportunities across economic prosperity and basic needs, health and education.
- Provide oversight to the existing portfolio of programs, including (but not limited to):
- Network of financial centers meetings, trainings, and events in partnership with Detroit LISC intermediary staff
- Microgrant product and co-develop the evolution of its integration with other economic prosperity and relevant cross functional programs, while fostering strategic program innovations
- Implementation of an expanded portfolio of financial stability and wealth-building initiatives
- Partnerships and investments with a focus on economic mobility
- Implementation of an emerging wealth-building platform
- As assigned, develop and maintain relationships with the local community, partners and agencies, as well as key regional and national individuals and organizations.
- Operate as the day-to-day point responsible for network data collection to support UWSEM internal data needs. Collaboration with the research and learning, scorecard reporting, and other internal cross functional teams.
In addition to the core responsibilities of the position, may be asked, or may seek, to engage unique abilities, strengths and passions through participation on cross-functional teams.
- Requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including proper use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and able to nimbly respond to emerging efforts
- Collaborative and enjoys working in a team-oriented environment, while able to function autonomously
- Must possess the ability to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with diverse groups and individuals
- Knowledge of Microsoft Suite
Acquired Knowledge:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of work experience, preferably in workforce development, economic and/or community development