Community Development Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Village of Middleville is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the economic and downtown development efforts for the Village of Middleville. The person will provide support to the Director of Community and Economic Development with projects that facilitate economic development as well as the revitalization of downtown Middleville. The coordinator will also serve as the staff liaison to the Downtown Development Authority and provide some administrative support to the Director and Village Manager.

The position operates in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects operating concurrently and has a high level of public visibility. To ensure the coordinator’s success, ongoing training and education opportunities and access to technology and resources are provided, including those that help develop competencies around historic preservation and economic development broadly. The position is part-time with flexible work hours to accommodate the dynamic nature of the position. The position also requires some travel for conferences and other development opportunities.

The Downtown Development Authority of Middleville implements the economic development strategy for the Village and is responsible for business retention, recruitment, and growth in the manufacturing sector and in other key areas impacting quality of life such as housing. The DDA is in its first year of the Main Street program as an Engaged Level community and has started to implement projects that work towards achieving the downtown transformation strategy. Middleville is a rural community of approximately 4300 located in West Michigan south of Grand Rapids, North of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, and West of Lansing.  

RESPONSIBILITIES, ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

·        Assist the Director in implementing strategic economic development projects and initiatives.

·        Serve as the staff liaison to the Downtown Development Authority by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and project review summaries, and coordinating training opportunities for board members.

·        Assist with drafting and editing documents including but not limited to: press releases, grant applications, and program guidelines.

·        Preparing site submissions and RFPs for industrial projects

·        Outline grant compliance timelines and milestones

·        Compiling, comparing, and summarizing programs and other information

·        Attending training and events

·        Maintain updated directories and data for local manufacturing businesses and downtown properties

·        Implement and assist with fundraising efforts of special projects and events

·        Travel for events and training opportunities

  QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Associate’s degree in urban planning, business, political science, or another related field

·        2 years’ relevant experience in any of the following areas: economic development, government, business development, program development, grant writing, writing/editing for multiple audiences, or related fields

·        Adaptable and flexible with changing deadlines and objectives

·        Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance multiple issues and projects in a fast-paced environment

·        Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software

·        Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, judgment, collaboration, and the ability to build strong relationships.

• Self-motivated
• Proactive problem solver; comfortable seeking and providing help
• Willing to travel to events and training opportunities with the occasional overnight

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

·        1-2 years relevant experience as mentioned above

·        Demonstrated ability to work in groups or independently

·        Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education/learning

·        Must have and maintain a valid Michigan Driver License

·        Experience working with and/or understanding underrepresented and diverse populations is helpful

·        Demonstrated evidence of bilingual or multiple language fluency, particularly Spanish or Arabic is helpful

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described herein are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

An individual in this position spends most of their time in an office setting with a controlled climate where they sit or stand at a computer for extended periods of time, and are required to talk or hear by

communicating in person and/or on the telephone, walking, sitting, moving around the office. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. However, employees may also need to traverse uneven ground, work in inclement weather to perform field work and work around energized high-voltage equipment.

This individual may frequently be required to use hands or fingers to handle, reach or feel objects, tools or controls with hands and arms. This individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

** This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and individuals will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Village reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Revised 1/8/2025

Application Process: 

Interested candidates should submit a Village of Middleville employment application, cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references in a sealed envelope to: 

Village of Middleville 

Attn: Village Manager 

100 E. Main Street, PO Box 69 

Middleville, MI 49333 

Or via email at: stolsonburgc@villageofmiddleville.org 

• Application materials will be received, and the posting will remain open until the position is filled. For questions and/or information, please contact the Village Clerk at (269) 795-3385.