CED Corps

Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM)•Tyler Heights, WV

9d•$3,636 - $3,636•Onsite

About The Position

CEDAM is seeking ten CED Corps members for the 2026-27 program year to be placed within host organizations in Michigan. These members will effect positive change for residents, gain community development and economic development experience, and lead impactful local projects. CED Corps members will serve full time in their host organizations during their 11-month term, starting October 2026. They will work directly with their host organization to implement planning and zoning best practices, increase community engagement, and support cross-collaboration at the local level. The added capacity provided by CED Corps members will allow host organizations to achieve their community development goals and improve the lives of the residents they serve.

Requirements

A desire for service.
Strong interest and/or background in community economic development, planning, coalition building and/or community organizing, and communications or a combination of such interests.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work within a team or as an individual.
Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications.
Required to work the standard office hours of their host organizations.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations in conjunction with some post secondary education is essential for success.
Experience facilitating a meeting with people who have more experience than them.
Complete their work without someone reminding them to do it.
Experience overcoming obstacles in work situations in the past.
Experience managing multiple professional relationships.
Comfortable working outside of the typical 9 am - 5 pm to attend community events.
Ability to use or teach oneself new software in a fast-paced role with little oversight.

Nice To Haves

No specific background or degree is required of CED Corps members!

Responsibilities

Implement planning and zoning best practices.
Increase community engagement.
Support cross-collaboration at the local level.
Complete projects that vary by host organization, but will increase capacity through systems development, resource creation, and volunteer engagement to advance community development in Michigan.
Research examples of key municipal planning documents from other communities that integrate RRC best practices, and help customize it to reflect the unique needs of your host community.
Increase transparency about municipal projects by implementing strategies to communicate with residents.
Initiate and/or strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, including but not limited to business owners, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and school district.
Support efforts to draft or update key municipal planning documents, such as the public participation plan, economic development strategy, or marketing plan.
Support community efforts in developing ways to include residents and their feedback in long-term community planning and visioning.
Talk to residents about the opportunities they see for their community and empower them to get involved.
Support the recruitment and management of volunteers to support community events.
Receive training and professional development on topics such as: An introduction to community economic development, Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) best practices, The development process, Managing conflict and meeting facilitation, Resume and networking tips.
Participate in statewide networking, including representing CEDAM and the MEDC at statewide conferences and summits, attending professional development days together as a cohort, and participating in a National Day of Service.