Non Profit: Jobs Landed

I was lucky enough to move back to Michigan in 2011 as part of the Detroit Revitalization Fellows Program, a network of professionals working to build capacity, foster collaboration, and accelerate progress across organizations engaged in revitalizing Detroit. As part of this program, I am employed by the Community Investment Support Fund (CISF), a non-profit subsidiary of Larson Realty Group. CISF is an emerging Community Development Financial Institution, providing below-market-rate loans as well as technical assistance to non-profit organizations that serve low-income communities.

My job is incredibly rewarding, allowing me to work with institutions that enhance the livability of our community and develop creative capital structures that ensures their sustainability. A major component of my position involves actively fundraising to capitalize the fund that allows CISF to make these investments into community projects. In my day to day work, I also draw from skills developed during my two years with a management consulting firm in Washington, DC, which have become useful in finding solutions for CISF's clients and to develop our organizational capacity.

I spent two years working in economic development in Pittsburgh, a city often described as being a model for Detroit, but always intended to bring lessons learned there back to Michigan as I build my career. I couldn't ask to be in Detroit at a better time or to be exposed to a more inspiring network of individuals working to make a difference in our community.

I'm a Michigander, through and through!  Having spent most of my life and many vacations in this lovely state, I have an intense desire to not only see good things happen here, but to be a part of that story.  Michigan is such an amazing place that I have trouble imaging myself leaving and Ypsilanti a gem, often overlooked. I've known about Growing Hope since moving to the Ann Arbor/Ypsi area in 2006 for school and have since made sure to check out what exciting things this amazing organization has going on, from their youth programs to the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmer's Market and the Growing Hope Center urban demonstration farm to their Garden Leadership Training course.  Once I was alerted to an opening, I jumped at the opportunity to join the Growing Hope team and thankfully they felt I was a good fit!  I'm beyond excited to be working to increase opportunities for healthy food access and food consumption in the Ypsilanti area by working with residents to grow their own food.  It is such a powerful experience. My job specifically is in managing the youth programs including after school clubs, summer camps, a youth internship program and gardening programs around residential raised bed installations and leadership training for community gardeners, in addition to doing some work on program evaluation.

My main role as Community Partnership Specialist is to make YDB’s presence known in Detroit and beyond. Whether it’s through social media, press releases or speaking engagements, I serve as YDB’s public relations arm. In addition, I’m currently organizing YDB’s annual fundraiser and talent competition, Showdown in Motown (September 23 at the Majestic Theatre!) and coordinate all community service projects for students and staff.

I actually moved back to the Metro Detroit area after graduation to further my job search when I found this job posting on the Internet. It’s very rewarding to give back to the city where I was born and raised, helping others to make a change in their lives for the better.

The hours are long and because my position is funded through AmeriCorps, the pay isn’t great, but I’m learning new skills that will last me a lifetime.  What I like most about this job is it’s never redundant. Everyday brings a new lesson, a new challenge, new people.

I grew up in Ypsilanti, went East for college/grad school, and was teaching high school in Monterrey, Mexico when I got this job offer. I specifically chose to come to the City of Detroit to work with Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice because I was (and still am) excited about Detroit's opportunity to leapfrog to the forefront as a model sustainable city, but doing so in a way that is inclusive, equitable, healthy, and grows wealth from the inside. Being in Detroit is like being in a constant state of discovery into the past and the future - there is a wealth of both history and innovation. I feel so connected to this city - through the embrace of my neighbors George and May, volunteering with the Mercy Education Project, learning about what it was like to grow up in Detroit in the 80s and 90s from my coworkers, helping out hip hot young food entrepreneurs, advocating for progressive principles through Declare Detroit, meeting die-hard been-through-everything community development warriors through my job, getting reprimanded by the 60s era activists down the block, hearing stories about the rise of New Detroit from a respected mentor, getting to know other Detroiters through the Detroit City Futbol League... I could go on. I love this city - as a planner, as an urbanist, as a do-gooder, as a curious person, as someone who loves interesting stories, different cultures, team sports, creativity, and supporting really cool, inventive ideas.

I coordinate a nutrition and physical education program for middle school students in the Detroit area called Healthy Kids and Kidneys. I also dabble in fundraising, organizing a bowling event in the fall, and I help manage an organ donation program targeting Black Greek organizations throughout the state.

As the ED, I am responsible for the coordination of all organizational activities of the Chamber including programs, membership, board development, fundraising, employment and training.  I direct all planning to carry out Chamber objectives and implement Chamber policies.

Michigan is an exciting place to be working on politics and environmental issues right now. My job is to direct the Michigan League of Conservation Voters' (LCV) political and issue campaigns across the state as well as be our voice in Lansing and the media. The fact that Michigan LCV engages in elections and holds officials accountable with our signature Scorecard, as well as other tools that let voters quickly determine how well their legislators are actually representing them, gives us a unique place in protecting Michigan's Great Lakes, land, and air.

Before working with Michigan LCV, I worked for Congressman John D. Dingell, where I was fortunate to work with him on an array of issues but, in particular, I managed a project that will be his local legacy for the region, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Doing so showed me the importance of supporting good conservation work with strong environmental protections. When the job with Michigan LCV came up that fully encapsulated that realization I took the opportunity. I also now serve on the Board of Directors for the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, which is a different non-profit that is focused on the continued success of the Refuge.

Personally, though, I also just love the region. Detroit is a great city in which to work and play, and my house in Ferndale is walking distance from great nightlife, dining, and other friends. Also, it's a great neighborhood to go running in, populated with impressive old homes and numerous parks.

After working for Congressman John Dingell for two years in Washington, DC, I moved back to Michigan and worked for him from 2006 to 2011. I was excited for the chance to come back home and have a job I really enjoyed. This April I had a chance for another exciting opportunity in the region as I took a position as VP of Government Relations at the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Chamber. Personal and professional connections helped me find this job and I enjoy it. I interface with policy makers, businesses and the community in general to help ensure our area remains a great place to live and work and a vibrant place to do business. I'm grateful that my wife Megan and I can live in southeast Michigan because it really is a wonderful area with tremendous people and a remarkable quality of life. I hope many bright young folks have the same success in finding their jobs here because this is the best place to be.  

City Year, Inc. unites young people from the ages of 17-24 of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders help children stay in school and on track, and transform schools and communities across the United States, as well as through international affiliates in Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England. Just as important, during their year of service corps members develop civic leadership skills they can use throughout a lifetime of community service.

I think I have one of the best jobs anyone can have; no two days are ever the same! As a Program Manager with City Year Detroit, I have the unique chance to see learning and development happen in just about every age group possible in just about every community in the Metro Detroit area. Our service provides a cherished experience for the youth we serve. Whether it's through seeing the light bulb go off when a student "gets it" through the tutoring done in their classrooms, the fun, yet educational activities in After School Programs at their schools or our Saturday-based Service Learning through our Young Heroes and City Heroes programs, the youth who participate in our programs are able to form a bond with someone who cares about their development and wants to see them be the best they can be. If that isn't enough, the transformative community service projects that are completed on alternate Fridays or on days like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, make an impact on the entire community.

City Year provides a great environment for people to learn and grow while serving others. Everyone who serves with us is here because they want to be the change they wish to see in the world. The options available for our Corps Members to feed their need to serve are endless. Regardless of where any of our Corps Members or staff come from, we are all fighting the same battle.

My job allows for me to work and meet an array of volunteers from across the Metro Detroit area. Thousands of volunteers walk through the doors of The Parade Company on a daily basis, eager to work and give a helping hand. My position in particular works specifically with 30+ volunteers who give guided tours around The Parade Company Studios year round. Guests who partake on these guided tours have the privilege to have a behind the scenes look at what it takes to create a float from idea to finished product, how to get involved with The Parade Company along with gaining knowledge about The Parade Company’s many events they put on yearly. I work side by side with the Director of Volunteers and Tour Services to book and coordinate all tours. While working at The Parade Company I have also had the chance to work on many special events.

I am responsible for raising funds (and awareness!) for a local non-profit that is dedicated to helping people improve their lives and communities through gardening and healthy food access.  Through the continued growth of our Downtown Ypsilanti Farmer's Market, our youth nutrition education programs, our Garden Leadership Training series, and, rooting for our own future, creating a Southeastern MI flagship urban agricultural education center, we are educating our community on how to "get their hands dirty."

Essentially, my job is to oversee all day-to-day operations while developing a large-scale strategic plan to advance the mission of our organization.  I'll represent the organization at all events, sessions, and committee meetings as well as approve all operational procedures, policies and standards.
 
Community Network Services is one of the greatest mental health institutions in Southeastern Michigan, serving more than 3,500 clients each year. I'm proud to be working with them to serve our community!

NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work Inc.) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has provided management and leadership development to the nonprofit sector since 1993 with offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit.   My commitment to the social sector has always been strong, and by living and working in downtown Detroit, NEW has given me the opportunity to reach out, support, strengthen, and make a difference in the lives and communities of the nonprofit organizations we serve.  

My career at NEW began as an intern under the CEO in 2009. I learned about internal operations related to social enterprise structures and management.  In the summer of 2010 I transitioned into a Project Management role with regard to marketing and re-branding. Currently, I’m in the unique position of being one of a few conduits that train community members and corporate citizens how to serve on nonprofit boards as well as match their interests with the nonprofit’s needs.  I’ve found through my facilitation experience with various types and sizes of boards and staff that both individuals and communities in Southeast Michigan can be characterized as innovative and resilient.   I chose to live, work, and play in Detroit because I have the opportunity to contribute to and be a part of that culture.

I am a native Detroiter, who travels often but loves Detroit dearly and will probably never stray.   
 
At the MAAH, I am the Human Resources Manager. I am directly responsible for all Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefit administration.  I am the go to  person on staff  for all  questions, concerns, or issues as they relate to the areas I  mentioned above as well as  compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, employee  relations,  training, development, performance management, recruiting, staffing, etc.  I’ve been in HR for 6 years, and working in this capacity is the field I went to college for. My current position gives me the opportunity to obtain hands on experience working in the total HR arena, as it is my responsibility to develop, design, and execute the MAAH’s HR Strategy.
 
Working at the MAAH is a very unique experience.  The environment is very flexible and close knit The  thing that I love the most is that  there is always something going on at the MAAH that the  staff is  welcomed to attend.

In addition to getting my Master's at Wayne State University, I also received a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development at Oakland University.

Starting my career in education, I felt my passion towards nonprofit work grow as I realized the needs of children could not all be meant in a classroom. I serve as a development officer and help identify new opportunities and help with existing campaigns.  In addition I am responsible for running the young leaders society, updating and maintaining our social media, and I serve on the public policy board for the Michigan Association of United Ways. I love knowing about local politics and how political decisions will affect individuals lives. I am inspired everyday by the generosity of our community and the passion that people in Michigan share towards helping each other.