Executive Director Midtown Detroit Inc

Midtown Detroit, Inc. has partnered with Mondo Unlimited to help fill the role of Executive Director. The mission at Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is to foster community and economic development in the Midtown and New Center areas of Detroit through collaboration and partnership with local stakeholders. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we work to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses by promoting cultural and social activities, supporting local small businesses, and advocating for the neighborhood’s needs. We provide our members with valuable resources, connections, and opportunities to support their growth and success. Our goal is to make Midtown and New Center vibrant and welcoming places for all to live, work, and visit.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the organization’s goals: To strengthen Midtown’s small business ecosystem; to maintain a clean, safe and vibrant environment in the district; to make Midtown a desirable place to live, work and play through placemaking, distinctive events and public space programming; and to facilitate continued development aligned with the interests of the district’s diverse stakeholders. This role involves managing a Board of Directors, fostering collaborations with key stakeholders, and overseeing the organization’s financial, operational, and programmatic strategies. The Executive Director will oversee fundraising for programming, operations, and ongoing maintenance obligations within the district, leading the development and implementation of initiatives that align with the MDI’s mission. A creative, driven, and diplomatic leader, the Executive Director will inspire excellence, advocate for businesses, champion economic growth, and build strong partnerships to support the development and sustainability of the district.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Programming

Manage day-to-day operations and MDI team (anticipated to be 4-5 staff members), ensuring smooth function of MDI’s programming and services and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
Serve as a point of contact for district stakeholders, including residents, small business owners, anchor institutions, developers, and others.
Oversee maintenance of public spaces including community security, landscaping, flower beds, and irrigation.
Implement free and accessible community programming as developed by the organization, partnering institutions, and other groups.
Work with key staff to assess market needs and opportunities related to small business and real estate development. Develop and implement appropriate programs and advocacy efforts to address those needs and opportunities.
Leverage other organizational resources to expand partnerships into the community.
Create a marketing and branding platform to support the mission of member organizations and programming initiatives.
Develop and implement a district wayfinding program.
Research and share best practices from similar districts across the country and the globe.
Organizational Governance & Leadership

Serve as the primary representative of the organization as an advocate and in collaborations with key stakeholder groups such as residents, developers, small businesses, economic development, and state and local government, as well as other key sectors.
Lead the integration and implementation of the organization’s financial, operations, human resources, and programmatic strategies.
Enhance Board support by facilitating governance decision-making, strategic direction, and budget oversight.
Perform additional strategic vision and governance duties as required including the development of a strategic plan for the organization to prioritize objectives, strategies, and funding sources. This should be done with consideration and engagement of related developments and organizations in Midtown (including the Cultural Center Planning Initiative).
Work with former Executive Director, current Interim Director, and Executive Committee to transfer knowledge and key relationships.
Manage board of directors comprising key district stakeholders and various board committees.
Fundraising & Finances

Identify and secure major funding to support the organization and related programming initiatives.
Develop a five-year fundraising plan to support the operational budget.
Establish and manage annual budgets, tracking financial performance to ensure organizational financial health.
Continue divestiture of the organization’s real estate portfolio.

TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS

The Executive Director will achieve results through collaborative teamwork, drawing on their extensive experience and commitment to the vision for the district. With the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, community members, government officials, and business leaders, they will be a creative, people-oriented, and diplomatic leader. The Executive Director will inspire excellence and support both stakeholders and staff. Clear communication will be central to their leadership style, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration. The Executive Director will value frequent interactions with internal and external stakeholders and excel in time and priority management. Committed to supporting economic development and supporting small business growth, the Executive Director will be adaptable, creative, and results-driven, using innovative solutions to propel the organization forward. A prime candidate will have a strong record of achievement in similar roles or organizations.

Other key competencies include:

Leadership and Diplomacy – Tactfully navigate sensitive or complex community issues while rallying elected officials, stakeholders, and the public around a shared vision.
Creativity, Innovation, and Futuristic Thinking – Imagining, envisioning, and creating new approaches, designs, processes, technologies, and/or systems to achieve the desired result.
Planning, Organizing, and Prioritizing – Collaboratively establish strategic goals while assessing risks, organizing activities, and operationalizing priorities.
Resilience and Flexibility – Readily modifying, responding, and adapting to change with minimal resistance and recovering quickly from adversity.

QUALIFICATIONS

A qualified candidate will have leadership experience in community development, economic growth, small business support, and related non-profit initiatives. A background in strategic planning, with knowledge of planning, zoning, and urban design, is essential. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated success in developing tools for the development and small business community, particularly when it involves working with the public sector and large philanthropic entities. Candidates must be able to work closely with a small team of dedicated professionals and be able to foster collaborations between multi-sector partners and stakeholders. A proven track record of successful large fundraising campaigns is crucial, along with financial oversight skills, budget management, and financial reporting. A successful candidate is willing to work in-person most days, with some flexibility given to the individual’s situation.