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How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. A cover letter is required to be considered for this position. In the cover letter, please let us know how you will align with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).

Job Summary

The Community Engagement Manager will provide strategic leadership and oversight for UMCI's community engagement initiatives. You will design and implement engagement strategies that connect Detroit residents, small businesses, youth, and community organizations to UMCI programs and resources. You will supervise engagement staff, oversee program design and evaluation, and ensure high-quality experiences across all community-facing activities. The Community Engagement Manager will report to the Director of Community Engagement. You will help shape UMCI's engagement vision and establish Detroit as a national model for innovative, interactive, and community-driven engagement.
Link to full job description here.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Lead UMCI's community engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Supervise and mentor engagement staff.
• Set annual goals, metrics, and evaluation methods with the Director of Community Engagement.
• Manage documentation and impact analysis.

Community Engagement

• Oversee monthly meetings and major events, ensuring accessibility and participation.
• Incorporate gamification and digital tools to enhance engagement.
• Serve as senior liaison with Detroit communities.

Small Business & Economic Development

• Direct UMCI's small business support, workshops, and referrals.
• Manage partnerships with Detroit's business ecosystem.
• Collaborate with DNEP to deliver business programs.

Youth Engagement

• Lead youth programs aligned with UMCI's education and workforce goals.
• Partner with Detroit schools and organizations for innovative youth programming.

Operations & Resource Management

• Oversee equipment, licenses, platforms, and program budgets.
• Ensure compliance with University policies.
• Operate a university vehicle to attend community events.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in community development, urban planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in community engagement, nonprofit management, economic development, or related fields.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience building relationships and nurturing connections with a broad range of communities within Detroit
• Experience setting up and managing AV (audiovisual) equipment for meetings, events, and presentations.
• Experience with digital engagement tools (Miro, Canva, Mentimeter, or similar)
• Demonstrated experience in program evaluation, including designing and administering surveys, analyzing data, and reporting on outcomes to inform program improvements.
• Proficiency in MS Office, GSuite, and Salesforce (or similar CRM).
• This position requires a valid driver's license to attend community events at various locations

Work Locations

The position is designed as a hybrid role with a blend of remote and onsite responsibilities requiring the presence of individuals for on-site engagement and collaboration. This position requires flexibility to work evenings and occasional Saturdays.

Location: Newlab Detroit - 2050 15th Street, Detroit, MI

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.