What are the responsibilities and job description for the AAIR Strategic Program Manager position at Michigan Central?
ABOUT MICHIGAN CENTRAL
Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub located in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and new solutions that shape our collective future. With access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central empowers innovators and community members to collaborate on ground-breaking solutions to global challenges.
Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has evolved into a vibrant and diverse ecosystem comprising approximately 2,000 employees from nearly 250 companies and startups. Together, these organizations work at the intersection of mobility and society, driving projects that create lasting impact and redefine how the world approaches mobility.
THE OPPORTUNITY
About Michigan Central Innovation Platform:
The Mobility Innovation Platform at Michigan Central is a world class set of unique physical, digital, and data assets that make Michigan Central the premier place for startups to develop their business. These assets enable accelerated pace of venture development and provide a compelling draw for startups and corporates alike. With an expansive view of mobility innovation covering land, air, and sea, the innovation platform will enable the future of mobility.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) Strategic Program Manager to orchestrate the continued development of AAIR with our key partners. They will be responsible for driving progress towards objectives, aligning activities with our key partners, managing onboarding of AAIR member companies and ensuring member companies are enabled within the ecosystem. As a member of a small team, the individual must be willing and able to take on diverse roles to support the strategic growth of Michigan Central's innovation ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management
Work will be performed in a highly integrated manner and will require a minimum of 4 days onsite per week at Michigan Central's innovation district in Detroit, MI.
OUR VALUES
At Michigan Central, we are guided by values that reflect our commitment to inclusion, innovation, and impact:
Michigan Central is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status.
Contract, Full-Time (40 Hours per Week), Potential for Extension after Dec. 31, 2026
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role
Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub located in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and new solutions that shape our collective future. With access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central empowers innovators and community members to collaborate on ground-breaking solutions to global challenges.
Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has evolved into a vibrant and diverse ecosystem comprising approximately 2,000 employees from nearly 250 companies and startups. Together, these organizations work at the intersection of mobility and society, driving projects that create lasting impact and redefine how the world approaches mobility.
THE OPPORTUNITY
About Michigan Central Innovation Platform:
The Mobility Innovation Platform at Michigan Central is a world class set of unique physical, digital, and data assets that make Michigan Central the premier place for startups to develop their business. These assets enable accelerated pace of venture development and provide a compelling draw for startups and corporates alike. With an expansive view of mobility innovation covering land, air, and sea, the innovation platform will enable the future of mobility.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) Strategic Program Manager to orchestrate the continued development of AAIR with our key partners. They will be responsible for driving progress towards objectives, aligning activities with our key partners, managing onboarding of AAIR member companies and ensuring member companies are enabled within the ecosystem. As a member of a small team, the individual must be willing and able to take on diverse roles to support the strategic growth of Michigan Central's innovation ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management
- Lead evolving AAIR strategy by orchestrating complex partnerships, coordinating and executing on agreed upon initiatives, ensuring alignment with Michigan Central's strategic vision.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships, delivering joint efforts across internal teams, consultants, public agencies, and industry partners.
- Track, monitor, and report on the progress of AAIR objectives, key milestones, and performance indicators, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
- Proactively identify and address barriers impacting AAIR participants and member company success and engagement within the ecosystem.
- Ensure physical infrastructure elements are delivered and maintained through coordination with internal partners
- Contribute significantly to the strategic growth of Michigan Central's overall innovation ecosystem by embracing diverse roles and responsibilities as required within a small, dynamic team.
- Manage the end-to-end onboarding process for new AAIR participants and member companies, facilitating their smooth integration into the Michigan Central ecosystem.
- Actively work to enable AAIR participants and member companies, ensuring they can leverage the unique assets of the Mobility Innovation Platform.
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field, or equivalent work experience
- 7 years of progressive professional experience in relevant field.
- Proven experience in program management, with a track record of successfully orchestrating complex initiatives within an innovation or technology development environment.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and partnership development skills, with the ability to build consensus and drive collaborative outcomes.
- Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to track progress, manage multiple objectives, and report effectively.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with a diverse range of partners, startups, and internal teams.
- A high degree of motivation, adaptable, and proactive, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and take on diverse responsibilities.
- The ability to act as a strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities and a results-oriented approach.
- Experience in ecosystem development or managing member/client onboarding and support programs.
- Understanding of innovation platforms and the unique needs of startups and corporations operating within an ecosystem.
- Familiarity with mobility innovation, particularly within the advanced aerial sector (e.g., eVTOL, drones, urban air mobility).
- Experience working in a startup environment or with startup acceleration programs.
Work will be performed in a highly integrated manner and will require a minimum of 4 days onsite per week at Michigan Central's innovation district in Detroit, MI.
OUR VALUES
At Michigan Central, we are guided by values that reflect our commitment to inclusion, innovation, and impact:
- Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and strive to create a workplace where every voice is valued, and individuals from all backgrounds feel empowered to contribute.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership to drive progress and deliver solutions that benefit society as a whole.
- Innovation: We are passionate about exploring bold ideas and pushing boundaries to shape a more sustainable and equitable future.
- Integrity: We are committed to acting with transparency, accountability, and respect in all that we do.
Michigan Central is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status.
Contract, Full-Time (40 Hours per Week), Potential for Extension after Dec. 31, 2026
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role