Position Title: Community Development Coordinator	Host Site: Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation
Position Type: Full Time	Site Supervisor: Ashley Hines, Executive Director
Dates of Service: September 9, 2024 – August 15, 2025	Stipend: $26,000

CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Information: CEDAM’s AmeriCorps program connects local and statewide agencies to meet neighbors’ critical needs. Members create community, build capacity and serve neighbors across Michigan. Our AmeriCorps program advances equity for Michiganders in two key ways 1. Cultivating the next generation of leaders in the community economic development field and 2. Supporting economic inclusion for Michiganders.

Organizational Information:

The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation (BHCDC) was founded in November 2020 as a resident-led initiative to spearhead equitable community development and revitalization efforts in the city of Benton Harbor. Our holistic approach to building community is guided by innovation and collaboration, and is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities. Our organization has spearheaded transformative projects and initiatives strategically focused on advancing affordable homeownership, environmental sustainability, food sovereignty, economic empowerment through community development, and education. From innovative housing rehabilitation partnerships, the Flourish Community Garden and Resilience Hub, and the development of a neighborhood revitalization plan, we remain true to our beginnings by empowering residents, nurturing leaders, and fostering a more vibrant and thriving Benton Harbor.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, we are seeking a Community Development Coordinator to assist with community and economic development projects and programs to support the Transformation Beyond Imagination initiative, designed to create a neighborhood revitalization plan for the Empire commercial corridor and surrounding neighborhood in Benton Harbor. This position will work closely with community-based organizations and residents.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Assist the BHCDC in developing community centered projects, preparing project proposals, and securing funding from public and private sources, to support the revitalization of the targeted, aforementioned area of the city.
• Oversee the implementation of projects and administer community development and engagement activities to support the Transformation Beyond Imagination project. Engagement activities will include community events, listening sessions, and surveys.
• Prepare reports and conduct presentations, ensuring communication between the community and partner organizations.

• Participate in CEDAM AmeriCorps monthly meetings, trainings, events, data collection, reporting and additional items as needed.
• Participate in AmeriCorps & Michigan’s AmeriCorps events and trainings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong interest and experience in community engagement, program development and/or implementing community-driven, physical development projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have HS diploma, GED or working toward the completion of one.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan), FBI Fingerprinting, and State & National Sex Offender Registry

Compensation:

Members will receive a living allowance of $26,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care package, childcare assistance upon eligibility, and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service an education award in the amount of $7,395 will be issued. Members will serve 1,700 hours for the term = 40 hours/week. CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interview/service as needed. All interested candidates must be available to spend 40 hours in training the week of September 9.