Cornerstone Alliance · 1 week ago
Director of Community Development
Benton Harbor, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$75K/yr - $95K/yr
5+ years expCornerstone Alliance is the lead non-profit economic development organization for Berrien County, Michigan. The Director of Community Development is responsible for managing and executing community development projects and initiatives that enhance Berrien County’s quality of place, economic growth, and long-term sustainability.
ConsultingNon Profit
Responsibilities
Manage the day-to-day execution of projects, from planning to completion
Develop work plans, timelines, and performance measures for projects led by the SVP
Coordinate with municipalities, developers, consultants, and other stakeholders to keep projects on track
Prepare and present regular status reports to leadership, partners, and funders
Manage placemaking projects, downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and community enhancements
Oversee implementation of public realm improvements, business district upgrades, and other quality-of-life initiatives
Ensure projects align with broader strategies and support workforce attraction and retention
Support SVP in stakeholder engagement by ensuring commitments are followed through with clear action steps
Facilitate communication between municipalities, developers, community partners, and Cornerstone Alliance staff
Organize convenings, workshops, and public engagement sessions to advance project goals
Assist communities and development partners in navigating land use planning, zoning, building plan review and development regulations
Assist in due diligence, feasibility studies, and redevelopment planning for priority sites
Track milestones in site readiness, infrastructure improvements, and redevelopment projects
Ensure compliance with agreements, incentives, and funding requirements
Serve as the primary facilitator for commercial tax abatement processes
Work with companies and municipalities to provide education on available tools and benefits
Assist businesses with preparing and submitting abatement applications
Coordinate with municipal partners to ensure smooth review, approval, and compliance processes
Manage grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with reporting and performance requirements
Track and monitor budgets for assigned projects, working closely with the finance team
Support preparation of grant applications, reports, and funding requests
Work closely with the Economic Development and Finance teams to ensure project alignment with organizational priorities and financial stewardship
Provide project support to other departments as needed to advance shared strategic objectives
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Urban Design, Business, or a related field
5–7 years of experience in project management, community development, or economic development
Demonstrated success in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, contractors, and consultants
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to move multiple projects forward simultaneously
Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
Ability to translate strategic direction into actionable steps and results
Preferred
Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Urban Design, Business, or a related field
Familiarity with municipal tools (DDA, BRA, TIF, RRC) and redevelopment processes
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement Plan
PTO + Sick Time
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Wellness Stipend
Flexible Schedule / Remote Work Policy
Company
Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit organization which is an investor-governed economic development organization.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Gregory C. Vaughn
Sr. Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
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