Partnership & Program Manager of Southeast Michigan

Job Description 

Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.  

Job Summary 

The Community Engagement & Program Manager is responsible for directly leading, coordinating, implementing, and managing community programming, partnerships, outreach initiatives, and special events that align with Communities First, Inc.’s mission and strategic goals. 

This is a manager role responsible for both day-to-day execution and leadership of programming initiatives. The individual in this role will actively perform program coordination, stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, outreach, event management, and partnership development while also helping guide projects, volunteers, interns, and collaborative efforts across departments. 

The ideal candidate is highly organized, relationship-driven, community-minded, and able to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while remaining hands-on in program execution and community engagement activities. 

Essential Functions 

Community Programming & Event Management 

• Plan, coordinate, and directly execute community programming initiatives, workshops, events, and engagement activities.  

• Lead logistics for events and programming including scheduling, vendor coordination, registrations, setup, breakdown, supplies, and participant communication.  

• Facilitate workshops, meetings, outreach efforts, and engagement opportunities with community members and stakeholders.  

• Manage and support programs and initiatives including, but not limited to:  

• Detroit African American Film Series  

• Movies Under the Stars (MUTS)  

• Community Mixers  

• Community Candor  

• Virtual Sessions  

• Gray Street Workshops and Harvest Fest  

• Culture Shock opportunities  

• MAD Detroit Youth Program initiatives  

• Attend and actively support evening and weekend events as required.  

• Maintain program calendars, schedules, participation records, and reporting documentation.  

Community Relations & Partnership Development 

• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, businesses, sponsors, and stakeholders.  

• Conduct outreach to identify and develop new partnership, sponsorship, and collaboration opportunities.  

• Represent Communities First, Inc. at community meetings, networking events, outreach activities, and public engagements.  

• Coordinate communication and scheduling with external partners and collaborators.  

• Support engagement efforts that increase participation, visibility, and community impact.  

• Assist in cultivating strategic partnerships and collaborative opportunities that align with organizational priorities.  

• Assist and create proposals for corporate partners, foundations and government entities  

• Find new business development and fee for service opportunities  

Youth & Workforce Development Support 

• Coordinate youth engagement initiatives, internship opportunities, workshops, and workforce development activities.  

• Support participant recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, attendance tracking, and engagement efforts.  

• Assist with planning and implementing leadership development, mentorship, and career readiness opportunities.  

• Maintain communication with participants, partners, and program stakeholders.  

Program Administration & Operations 

• Track program outcomes, participation data, and engagement metrics.  

• Prepare reports, summaries, program updates, and supporting documentation as needed.  

• Assist with grant-related program tracking, deliverables, and reporting requirements.  

• Coordinate purchasing requests, vendor communication, and resource allocation for programming activities.  

• Utilize project management systems, communication tools, spreadsheets, and organizational platforms to manage workflows and timelines.  

• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to promote programming and increase engagement.  

• Assist with social media content, outreach materials, and community communications related to programming initiatives.  

Leadership & Team Collaboration 

• Provide day-to-day coordination and support for interns, volunteers, contractors, and collaborative project teams.  

• Help ensure programming initiatives remain organized, on schedule, and aligned with organizational expectations.  

• Work collaboratively across departments to support organizational goals and community impact initiatives.  

• Identify operational challenges and proactively implement solutions to improve program effectiveness and efficiency.  

• Other duties as assigned.  

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, community development, business, education, social work, marketing, or related field preferred.  

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.  

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience 

• Experience directly coordinating and executing community programs, events, outreach initiatives, or engagement activities.  

• Strong relationship building and partnership development skills.  

• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and project coordination abilities.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.  

• Experience facilitating workshops, events, meetings, or public engagement opportunities preferred.  

• Experience with youth engagement, workforce development, nonprofit programming, or community development preferred.  

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and virtual communication platforms.  

• Experience with project management software, CRM systems, registration systems, or community engagement tools preferred.  

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt in fast-paced environments.  

• Strong work ethics and initiatives with the ability to work in an entrepreneurial, team-based environment.  

• Passion for community development and mission-driven work.  

Essential Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.  

• Ability to travel between program sites and community events.  

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.  

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance 

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin