This critical leadership role is responsible for supporting the development and leading the implementation of United Way’s economic prosperity initiatives focused on providing innovative responses and best-in-class program execution to help people 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.
Specifically, the candidate will work cross-functionally with the director of Workforce and Talent Initiatives to institute a comprehensive and integrated approach focused on permanently lifting families out of poverty in Detroit and throughout southeastern Michigan.
- Support the development and stewardship of the economic prosperity work including (but not limited to):
- Continued clarification and implementation of the theory of change and associated impact measures
- Budget development
- Research and assessment of emerging opportunities in economic mobility
- Support the existing portfolio of financial stability and wealth-building solutions, evaluate efficacy and develop continuous improvement process to drive towards established outcomes.
- Ideate and implement leading-edge pilot programs to foster ingenuity and innovation in economic mobility solutions.
- Supervise day-to-day work on partnership and investments with a focus on income stabilization and wealth-building innovations.
- Provide direction, support, and coaching to direct report staff.
- Develop processes and accountability relating to outcomes and financial resource investments to ensure program results meet requirements regarding quality, schedule and budget.
- Develop and maintain relationships with the local community, partners and agencies, as well as key regional and national individuals and organizations.
- Manage budgets, invoices, payment release, and confirmation of program execution and required reporting.
- Work cross-functionally with the Detroit Regional Workforce Fund and within UWSEM to align opportunities across economic prosperity and basic needs, health and education.
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 the use of proper 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 7-10 years of work experience, preferably in workforce development, economic and/or community development