Community Redevelopment Liaison

Join us as a Community Development Liaison and drive change in Van Buren County by working with local governments to streamline services and boost efficiency. In this dynamic role, you’ll forge powerful partnerships that enhance community resources and advance Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, paving the way for smarter development and access to expert support. Empower communities and kickstart your career in public service with this opportunity to foster lasting growth and improvement

This is an 11-month position where you will typically serve 40 hours a week, normally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends. You will report in person at our office and will be required to travel locally for meetings and community events.

When You Serve With Us:

• Earn a $27,200 stipend payable by bimonthly direct deposit.
• Earn an additional $7,395 education benefit to pay down qualifying student loan debt or to continue your education.
• Access to health insurance program at no premium cost to you.
• Available childcare assistance benefit, if eligible.
• Participate in a 3-day, in-person leadership conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 31 – April 3, 2025
• Receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
  
  

We Welcome You to Apply If You

• Have lived experience or an interest in working with a diverse group of people
• Identify as any generation but are at least 17 years old.
• Possess unexpired proof of status as a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Consent to complete a criminal history check, which is required for all candidates. If this is a concern or you have questions, please reach out to Beth Romeo at bromeo2@lisc.org.
• LISC AmeriCorps is available to everyone eligible to serve. We treat all persons without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law
  
  

This position is made possible through a partnership between Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), AmeriCorps, and Van Buren County. To learn more about LISC AmeriCorps, visit www.lisc.org/americorps. To learn more about Van Buren County visit www.vanburencountymi.gov

Questions or Ready to Apply Now?

Email your resume and optional cover letter to Lisa Ransler at RanslerL@vanburenCountyMI.gov and Beth Romeo at bromeo2@lisc.org. Please include the organization name and position you are applying for in your email. OR Apply through our portal!

Position Summary The Community Redevelopment Liaison will support Van Buren County municipalities in strengthening municipal capacity, fostering collaboration, and advancing redevelopment initiatives. While the role will prioritize guiding communities through the initial stages of the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) process—such as engagement, baseline evaluations, and identifying gaps in best practices—it also provides flexibility to address broader growth and development goals tailored to individual community needs. The position will work closely with local governments, community stakeholders, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Key Responsibilities

Capacity Building

Guide municipalities in aligning with RRC best practices where feasible and appropriate, focusing on:

• Set Up for Success: Assist communities in reviewing the RRC Best Practices Handbook and coordinating initial meetings with the RRC Community Planner to assess readiness
• Engagement: Facilitate RRC training or alternative development workshops tailored to community needs
• Baseline Evaluation: Support communities in evaluating their current processes and identifying opportunities for growth, whether through the formal RRC process or other strategies
• Incorporating Best Practices: Work collaboratively with communities to address identified gaps and prepare them for potential technical assistance grant applications
  
  

Community Engagement

• Organize and facilitate public engagement events, tailoring approaches to suit community dynamics and goals
• Lead public meetings and surveys to gather input for redevelopment and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring alignment with both RRC and broader development objectives
• Foster trust and strong relationships with stakeholders to promote collaborative planning efforts
  
  

Training and Education

• Host 1-2 workshops annually on RRC best practices for municipal staff and stakeholders, providing foundational knowledge to advance redevelopment efforts
• Provide follow-up sessions to address questions and support communities to effectively implementing training
• Ensure communities access MEDC’s online training resources and assist in integrating the lessons into their redevelopment initiatives
  
  

Program Reporting

• Track progress for each municipality, including milestones and engagement activities
• Maintain detailed and organized records of public engagement events, training sessions, and action plans, ensuring accessibility for municipalities and stakeholders
• Prepare periodic reports to meet compliance requirements and document successes
• Provide a comprehensive handoff package to ensure continuity after the liaison’s term
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Individuals with career experience in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred, but significant relevant work or life experience in community development, planning, or related fields will also be considered
  
  

Environment

• This position primarily operates in an office environment but will require frequent travel to municipalities within Van Buren County to attend meetings and public events
• The role may involve occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate public engagement activities
• Collaborative workspaces with access to community resources and tools will be available
  
  

Supervision and Reporting

• The Community Redevelopment Liaison will report directly to the Community Services Director
• The supervisor will provide regular check-ins to support progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with project goals
• The position requires periodic submission of activity reports documenting milestones, engagement efforts, and compliance with program standards
  
  

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills to manage records and ensure timely reporting
• Adaptability and problem-solving abilities to address evolving challenges in community planning
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to collaborative efforts
• Initiative and self-motivation to identify and pursue solutions to community development challenges
  
  

Equal Opportunity Statement

Van Buren County is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

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