Program Coordinator, BIZ/Ambassador Program

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ZONE / AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Ambassador Program

OVERVIEW

The Program Coordinator: Business Improvement Zone (BIZ Program Coordinator) provides operational support for the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) Business Improvement Zone and safety programs, working across both field and office environments. The role combines a regular field presence - conducting audits, liaising with clients, and identifying service gaps - with administrative responsibilities including documentation, client communications, invoice review, and support for contracts and proposals. The Ambassador Program is the largest and most resource‑intensive BIZ initiative and represents the primary focus of this role. The BIZ Program Coordinator works under the direction of the Senior Program Manager and collaborates with DDP’s BIZ, Parks and Public Spaces, Safety and Security, Urban Innovation, Marketing, and Events departments. This position is classified as a full‑time (40 hours/week), salaried, exempt position with no direct reports. This position requires full‑time presence either in‑office or in the field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Job descriptions do not typically include every duty or responsibility that a person in the role may be asked to perform. The following is a thoughtful list based on needs. Ambassador Program Support: Support the Senior Program Manager in managing the contracts and agreements needed to deliver the Ambassador Program, including vendor service contracts and leased spaces associated with program operations. Responsibilities may include tracking contract terms and key dates, coordinating compliance with lease and vendor obligations, supporting invoice processing, and maintaining organized contract records. Client and Contract Support: Maintain direct field‑level contact with external clients and event partners as the day‑to‑day operational point of contact for service questions, site assessments, and issue resolution as instructed by Senior Program Manager. Support management of Ambassador contracts, including preparing and packaging proposals and contracts for review, supporting invoice preparation and review, drafting client communications, and maintaining accurate records of contract activity. Field Quality, Audits, and Gap Identification: Serve as the primary field presence and quality intelligence layer across all BIZ‑funded program areas, including Ambassador operations, safety, landscape, infrastructure, and supplemental lighting. Conduct regular field audits and quality control assessments. Identify missed or missing scope, investigate whether issues fall within BIZ responsibility or belong to another party, and coordinate a response or route accordingly. Document findings and coordinate corrective action with the Senior Program Manager or related DDP project lead. Program Administration: Execute program policies and procedures in support of DDP and BIZ goals. Track, document, and report outcomes across program areas in support of BIZ team and Balanced Scorecard goals. Maintain organized records of field findings, corrective actions, and program activity to support reporting and planning. Planning and Budgeting: Support development and implementation of strategies, work plans, and budgets for operational activity as directed. Special Projects: Participate in the development and implementation of special projects that support the mission of the BIZ and DDP citywide.

QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

Skills & Competencies Ability to assess field conditions, identify operational problems, and recommend practical solutions to program leadership. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce clear field reports, client communications, and program documentation, and to draft and package proposals and contracts. High degree of organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities across field and office work without sacrificing quality. Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the field, escalating appropriately to the Senior Program Manager. Comfortable working across a wide range of internal departments, vendors, city agencies, corporate partners, and community members. Knowledge of or interest in the Detroit public space ecosystem, urban infrastructure, or community safety programming preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce or similar platforms a plus. Ability to perform basic hands‑on maintenance tasks in a field environment. Ability to work independently outdoors in varied weather conditions and occasionally on evenings and weekends. Valid driver’s license required. Education & Experience An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction management, facilities management, urban planning, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education (high‑school diploma / GED) and relevant experience. Candidates with trade backgrounds, military service, or non‑traditional career paths are encouraged to apply. Minimum 2 – 3 years of experience in a coordination, operations, or project support role that included both field and administrative responsibilities. Relevant backgrounds include construction or project management, facilities or property management, waste management or municipal services, public works, and event or venue operations. Experience with documentation, contract administration, or invoice processing in a field operations context is a plus. Demonstrated experience coordinating with vendors or contractors, including basic procurement, scheduling, and quality oversight. Comfort performing minor maintenance and repair tasks independently and the judgment to distinguish tasks that can be handled on the spot from those that require a vendor.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

$46,000 to $52,000; based on experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Downtown Detroit Partnership