Strategic Programs Manager

Salary Range: $53,800 -$72,600

*This role is exclusively on-site, requiring daily commutes to the office. Therefore, candidates must reside in the Detroit/Metro-Detroit area before employment*

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to return the city's blighted and vacant properties to productive use. We utilize a variety of Sales programs to make homeownership and land purchases accessible to Detroiters. Plus, we take our commitment to revitalization one step further with our Compliance and Nuisance Abatement programs, requiring renovation and occupancy to improve neighborhoods, eliminate blight, and combat real estate speculation. The Detroit Land Bank Authority works directly with individual buyers, as well as Community Partner organizations and developers for projects big and small.

About This Opportunity

The Strategic Programs Manager will report directly to the Director of Strategic Development and play a dual role: (1) leading the design and launch of new pilot programs under the Property Rehabilitation Programs department, and (2) providing high-level project management and executive support to advance the department's strategic initiatives.

This position requires a unique combination of program design, project management, and executive coordination skills. The Strategic Programs Manager will not only oversee pilot program implementation but also serve as a representative of the Director and DLBA in key meetings with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment across departments and community partners.

The role also carries executive assistant'style responsibilities, including managing schedules, preparing reports, briefing the Director ahead of meetings, and serving as a trusted deputy capable of making decisions in the Director's absence.

This is a highly visible position that requires strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Program Design & Pilot Management

• Lead the design, launch, and evaluation of new pilot programs within the Property Rehabilitation Programs department.
• Develop frameworks, scopes, and success metrics for pilot programs in collaboration with the Director and partner organizations.
• Serve as day-to-day pilot program manager, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes.
• Track program progress, prepare evaluation reports, and recommend adjustments for scale-up or replication.
  
  

Executive Support & Representation

• Provide high-level executive support to the Director, advancing the department's strategic initiatives.
• Represent the Director and DLBA in internal and external meetings with professionalism and authority.
• Draft executive communications, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials for the Director.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement efforts, including scheduling, agendas, and follow-up.
• Maintain oversight of high-level project timelines, ensuring the Director and executive team are aligned with key deliverables.
  
  

Project & Program Management

• Manage multiple strategic and construction-related projects from conception to completion.
• Oversee contractors, consultants, and vendors where assigned, ensuring compliance with DLBA standards and program requirements.
• Prepare scopes of work, monitor progress, and participate in evaluation of contractor performance.
• Utilize project management software (Smartsheet, Salesforce, etc.) to track progress, risks, and deliverables.
  
  

Operational & Administrative Leadership

• Provide executive assistant'style support including scheduling, calendar management, and coordination of high-priority tasks.
• Prepare reports, data summaries, and updates for internal use, external partners, and board-level reporting.
• Assist with budget tracking, procurement coordination, and compliance documentation for pilot programs.
• Anticipate needs and proactively identify solutions to streamline departmental operations.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of program and pilot design, evaluation frameworks, and strategic development.
• Knowledge of Detroit communities, housing markets, and community development practices.
• Familiarity with construction project management processes, housing rehabilitation, and municipal permitting preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint), Smartsheet, and Salesforce.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in project management, strategic program development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in managing pilot programs or special projects from conception to implementation.
• Experience supporting executive leadership, including representing senior leadership in external meetings.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, including community partners, contractors, funders, and local agencies.
  
  

Skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive-level reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Ability to analyze complex information, synthesize findings, and develop clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure.
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to represent the Director and DLBA with professionalism, confidence, and authority.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to represent DLBA at community events or partner meetings.
• Must possess a dependable vehicle and a valid license to drive in the State of Michigan.
  
  

Benefits & Perks

• Paid Holidays, Sick Days & CTO
• Health Benefit: Medical/Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision, dental, EAP and short-term disability
• Free Parking
• Complimentary Beverages (water, tea, coffee etc.)
• Retirement Savings Plan (457-B)
• Certification reimbursement/ License renewal reimbursement
• **AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**