Our ideal candidate will:

• Deeply understand the GR Forward plan to guide the next generation of growth in Downtown.
• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to administer, plan, and manage projects and programs intended to catalyze development and investment in Downtown Grand Rapids.
• Advise, consult, and provide information regarding project activities including project schedules, milestones, progression toward goals, budgets and other unforeseen challenges or opportunities.
• Maintain excellent customer service protocols, facilitating the resolution of concerns, requests, and suggestions from community members.
• Coordinate activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Participate in the development and administration of the budget; track and monitor project expenditures and recommend adjustments as needs arise.
• Prepare and disseminate meeting announcements, agendas, minutes, and supplementary materials; prepare original correspondence and maintain organizational files.
• Make presentations before DGRI boards plus external commissions and community organizations.

Our ideal candidate will have these credentials:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, project management, public policy, civil engineering, landscape architecture, or another related field.
• Minimum 3 years experience of increasing responsibility in at least one of the following areas:
  • Economic / Community Development
  • Project Management
  • Architecture or Engineering
  • Urban Planning
  • Public Administration
• Intermediate/advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Demonstrated passion for city development and downtown revitalization.
• Experience with Tax Increment Finance tools, State grants, and associated programs.
• Professional demeanor coupled with excellent interpersonal skills to perform positive interactions with volunteers, board members, their staff, and other public, private, and non-profit partners.
• Team-oriented with demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines and manage multi-step projects in a fast-paced environment. Results-oriented. Exhibit a sense of urgency, when necessary, excellent task management, and follow-through.
• Must be highly attentive to detail, work with a strong emphasis on accuracy and quick turnaround while being flexible and adaptable.
• Must be capable of working independently with little supervision.

Here's what we're offering the right candidate:

• An opportunity to develop things that matter in our city! You'll have exposure to exciting events, projects and developments and help to redefine our skyline.
• A fun and flexible culture. Our diverse team works hard and has a good time doing it.
• Competitive compensation
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- & long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Gym membership discounts and other wellness initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Opportunities to grow and develop your career

About DGRI

The mission of Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. is to accelerate Downtown GR's transition to a best-in-class American city. While a small, yet mighty organization, our growing team works hard with a wide array of community partners to build an increasingly vibrant downtown with great recreational experiences, high quality of life for people from all walks of life and a strong inclusive economy. You may be familiar with some of our work:

• GR Forward DGRI and partners led the development of this award-winning community plan and investment strategy to transform the Grand River into a distinct asset and guide the next generation of growth in Downtown Grand Rapids. Now we are busy making the vision a reality with the rehabilitation of Lyon Square and the new Switchback Park on the horizon.
• The Van Andel Arena, Downtown Market and DeVos Place Convention Center We helped build the facilities and accelerate the revitalization of Downtown.
• Movies on Monroe, Relax at Rosa, World of Winter. Yep. That's us. We strive to activate downtown year-round with events highlighting art, music, culture, and inclusivity. We've also expanded Downtown public amenities with a public restroom, dog park, skate park and established a Refreshment Area to complement and activate our Downtown public spaces.

To learn more about our work, read our GR Forward Master Plan.