The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) seeks an individual with proven success in building coalitions and providing technical assistance to join our team as the economic initiatives manager. Under the direction of the CEDAM director of economic initiatives, this person will work closely with diverse stakeholders across Michigan to steer and implement economic initiatives, ensuring program compliance and providing expert support. To be successful, the manager will maintain and strengthen existing coalitions while also developing new strategies to expand reach and impact. This position involves both internal and external engagement, making the manager the key point of contact for coalition members, grantees, and partners. Therefore, the right person for this role will have exceptional communication and facilitation skills, enabling them to build strong relationships with stakeholders across the state of Michigan.

ABOUT CEDAM

CEDAM is a network of community champions building an equitable Michigan. We are a statewide coalition committed to community economic development. We build members’ capacity, amplify their voices, and leverage resources to achieve lasting and systemic change for Michigan. Through engagement and collaboration, we sustain a thriving and equitable community economic development sector across the state.

CEDAM celebrates diversity of all kinds and is committed to providing a welcoming and non-discriminating environment for all who seek to work with us. Candidates can find additional information at cedamichigan.org/about/careers.

SCOPE OF WORK

The economic initiatives manager will guide and implement EI coalition-building efforts, provide technical assistance to key stakeholders, ensure grant compliance, support grantees, and maintain departmental documentation. Additionally, the manager will oversee program implementation, support department objectives, contribute to communications, and engage in cross-organizational activities, representing CEDAM at events and collaborating across teams.

Coalition Building (30%)

The manager will support and strengthen statewide collaboration and problem-solving across EI department coalition members. They will:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the coalitions, including reporting to members, directing and coordinating requests, and communicating with members.
• Be responsible for all aspects of coalition meeting administration, such as setting dates and agendas, taking meeting notes, soliciting expert presenters, facilitating conversations, and ensuring proper follow-up.
• Lead the planning and implementation of coalition training such as the Learning Exchange, State and Local Tax Training, and ad hoc training.
• Strengthen existing coalitions by assessing areas of weak representation and conducting outreach for new coalition members.

Technical assistance & resource development (20%)

The manager will provide technical assistance to organizations seeking to implement Children’s Savings Accounts and/or free tax preparation programs. They will:

• Act as a thought partner to organizations by providing expert referrals, content expertise, and general guidance.
• Provide direct technical assistance, such as participating in community planning activities, program evaluation, communications, etc., as needed.
• Assist organizations in aligning community projects with best practices & industry standards.

Grant Oversight (15%)

The manager is responsible for compliance and reporting requirements for CEDAM’s economic initiative programs. They will:

• Maintain and create written documentation and policies such as standard operating procedures, grantee communications, MOUs, and other policies.
• Communicate requirements to grantees in plain language via training, 1:1discussions, follow-ups, reminders, and by creating tools like checklists, resource hubs, etc.
• Collect, maintain, and ensure the accuracy of grantee records and reports.
• Complete and submit accurate grant reports.
• Identify and report compliance issues and irregularities to the director of economic initiatives.

Programs Management (10%)

The manager will oversee the progress of CEDAM’s economic initiative programs. They will:

• Ensure timely program communications, accurate grant reporting, and department support by directing the program coordinator.
• Work with the director of economic initiatives to determine department objectives and implementation strategies.
• Contribute to communication efforts for the department, including social media, web management, and press releases.

Cross-Organization Support (15%)

The manager will participate in cross-organization activities as part of the larger CEDAM team. They will:

• Attend bi-weekly all-staff meetings in Lansing
• Represent CEDAM at conferences and events
• Participate, when appropriate, in CEDAM organizational committees
• Collaborate with coworkers via task management software and Slack

This position falls within pay grade 3. We offer an annual salary of $63,268 for this position.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Anyone looking to work at CEDAM should share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The ideal candidate doesn’t just have proven experience with asset-building initiatives like free tax preparation programming, they have exceptional organizational skills, take pleasure in building coalitions, and empowering others through technical assistance and resource development.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Collaborative and Facilitative: Highly motivated to develop meaningful professional relationships with coalition members, grantees, and the CEDAM team, fostering collaboration and open communication. Comfortably leads and facilitates productive coalition meetings, both virtually and in person.
• Expert and Supportive: Skilled at providing clear, accurate, and empowering technical assistance related to asset-building programs, especially in the areas of individual income tax, free tax preparation, and children’s savings accounts.
• Meticulous and Mission-Aligned: Approaches grant oversight and program management with diligent attention to detail, ensuring accurate reporting and maintaining thorough documentation, while ensuring all activities reflect our organizational values and align with the big picture.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Proven success in managing complex projects and maintaining organizational systems, specifically within grant management and program coordination.
• Proven ability to work effectively across a variety of program partners, including community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and facilitating productive meetings, both virtually and in person, with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Precision in past work and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining programmatic data and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex information, especially regarding tax preparation and financial literacy.
• Advanced understanding of digital platforms like Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite, and ideally, experience with tax preparation software.
• Proven and extensive experience in individual income tax preparation, preferably with a strong background in free tax preparation programs such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
• Demonstrated technical knowledge and research ability to stay up to date on laws, regulations, and best practices, and the ability to convey this information to diverse audiences.

WHY CEDAM?

CEDAM takes great pride in its collaborative environment, vibrant atmosphere, and welcoming team members. Our benefits package includes employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance that starts on day 1 of employment and a strong retirement match after one year of employment. CEDAM employees also enjoy unlimited paid time off, recognition of all state and federal holidays, flexible work schedules, and a professional development budget.

The CEDAM team is currently working remotely with an office available in the REO Town neighborhood in Lansing if needed. New staff members have access to a home office stipend to assist with outfitting their space.

Candidates may be based anywhere in Michigan so long as they’re able to travel to Lansing and other areas of the state. The CEDAM team meets twice monthly in Lansing and staff members are responsible for their travel to these. Additionally, team meetings may occur more frequently in the Lansing office at the discretion of the direct supervisor. For travel outside of Lansing, travel is reimbursed at the IRS rate, but applicants do not need to own a car to be considered.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 27, 2025.