Project Lead

Job title: Project Lead

About the Role The Project Lead will support Design Core Detroit by delivering administrative, organizational and technical support to plan, coordinate and execute programs and initiatives, helping the team achieve project and department goals.

What You'll Do

• Manage the daily administration of Design Core Detroit’s business programs, including registration and payments, reporting, membership onboarding, updates, event planning and materials.
• Recruit and retain design businesses into the Detroit Design Network; deliver member benefits and manage member and event communications.
• Provide technical assistance and coaching to Detroit Design Network members on small business operations, production, promotion, management and related areas.
• Assist future design clients with scope of work, milestones, deliverables and budgets for design projects.
• Initiate and plan workshops and public events, manage registration, attendance, follow-up, and post-event processing (e.g., add attendees to mailing lists, surveys, metrics).
• Create a weekly membership newsletter, gathering relevant events and information and formatting content for email and mobile presentation.
• Manage and audit the digital Designer Directory on the Design Core website, ensuring timely updates as membership status changes.
• Collect, aggregate and report quantitative, qualitative and anecdotal information related to program performance.
• Host virtual and in-person meetings and events, including B2B matchmaking sessions, appreciation events, educational programming and public programs related to Design Core and City of Design initiatives.
• May draft initial copy and compile metrics/stories to support grant proposals and reports.
• May perform additional duties as needed: support festival-related applications, communications, marketing, partnerships, and other initiatives; cross-train to support all core functions.
• Represent Design Core at meetings and events and build collaborative relationships with partners, members and stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• Desire to reach beyond what’s expected and grow with the organization.
• Experience in business, design or economic development roles with increasing responsibility.
• Strong background in small business or entrepreneurship coaching and business development.
• Awareness of Detroit’s small business support ecosystem resources (preferred).
• Proven organizational and time-management skills with ability to manage multiple projects, data and deadlines while delivering results.
• Demonstrated customer service, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, creative thinker with genuine interest in continuous learning and ownership of projects.
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence in planning, execution and follow-up.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication; comfortable engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to comprehend and synthesize complex information and communicate ideas clearly.
• Basic proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel) and Google Drive / G Suite.
• Ability to utilize CRM systems and project-management tools; comfortable using various technology platforms.
• Flexible and comfortable solving problems in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally; valid driver’s license required for driving; passport required for international travel.

Nice to Have

• Proficiency with Design Core’s tools and platforms (e.g., Neon, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Google Drive, Asana, Slack, Submittable).
• Experience speaking to groups in formal or informal settings.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time position. Salary range and benefits are not disclosed in the posting.