Project Manager, External Affairs, Detroit

CHN HOUSING PARTNERS

Project Manager External Affairs, Detroit

We are a non-profit organization based in Cleveland, Ohio with an established and growing team in Detroit, Michigan that offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities to grow within the organization, and the ability to improve the communities we serve

CHN Housing Partners: CHN is a highly seasoned, nonprofit affordable housing developer, housing service provider, residential mortgage lender and housing intermediary that works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people and under-served communities. Through our partnerships we have developed over 7,000 affordable homes, and each year serve over 60,000 families through a wide array of housing service.

We work in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania to preserve and expand affordable housing, and build equitable communities. By investing in affordable housing, we are investing in families, communities, and the economy. We are investing in the power of the permanent address.

Please click here to learn more about our Core Values and how they drive our mission and define who we are.

Learn More about CHN Housing Partners’ Benefits by clicking here! CHN offers HSA and PPO Medical Plans (including dental and vision options), Vacation, Personal and Sick Leave; Paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave; Paid Company Holidays; Life Insurance; 401K Plan, Tuition Reimbursement, and more.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Manager of Marketing and Communications, the External Affairs Project Manager will coordinate CHN’s community outreach efforts in Detroit, plan and execute events, serve as the media contact, and work closely with partners to advance CHN’s objectives in Detroit, with the goal of improving housing stability for low-to-moderate income residents in Detroit. The External Affairs Project Manager will have strong interpersonal skills and work closely with the Marketing/Communications staff, the fundraising staff, the DHN team and the Detroit Market Leader to leverage internal and external resources to deliver against CHN’s Detroit goals.

The rate of pay for this position is $70,000 – $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience (FLSA Exempt).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities

• Create and nurture relationships with local community members, leaders and stakeholders to enhance CHN’s work in Detroit and contribute to resource and business development efforts for all CHN’s lines of business (DHN, Real Estate Development, Single Family Preservation, Property Management and Lending).
• Coordinate CHN’s presence at events organized by other entities, such as the city of Detroit, the Detroit Chamber or other partners.
• Lead all CHN events in Detroit, including 3-5 community events per month. Lead and actively participate in Local Government (City Council) meetings assigned.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and follow-up for special events including multiple groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings across all CHN markets with an eye on guarding CHN’s reputation by ensuring highest standards are applied and best practices are utilized.
• Serve as media contact and coordinate media relations in Detroit with direction from Manager of Marketing and Communications.
• Lead the CHN/DHN events calendar. Track key KPIs for the external affairs role including earned media metrics, events meetings, and outcomes.
• Assist with Executive Communications as assigned. Support the development of materials including PowerPoint presentations, community advisory board and other government/partner meeting materials as needed.
• Communicate clearly, directly and quickly about any opportunities, successes, and challenges to protect and enhance CHN’s reputation and relationships.
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications team (Cleveland and Detroit) as necessary to understand and utilize CHN messaging.
• Manage external vendors as necessary.
• Perform other duties as needed.
  
  
  

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

Required:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, English, journalism or related field
  
  
  

Experience:

• Extensive experience in community/government relations or related field
• Demonstrated ability to present in public meetings
• Proven ability to create and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders
  
  
  

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, and external partners
• Expert level written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving and relationship development with strong decision-making capability
• Demonstrated ability to successfully plan and implement
• Demonstrated ability to serve and work with a diverse population
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Detroit media market and civic community
• Knowledge of affordable housing or lending industry
• Master’s Degree
  
  
  

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other standards.
• Regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other standards.
  
  
  

Why Should You Apply?

• You want to be part of an organization where the work you do will have a positive and lasting difference in the community.
• Great benefits.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and/or professional development.
  
  
  

M/F/V/D/EOE