This position is intended to facilitate greater equitable economic opportunity, further business development in the community, and maintain/develop partnerships for Amplify GR.

Amplify GR is a newly formed nonprofit committed to facilitating increased opportunities for:

• Reinvigorated neighborhood-based economies by attracting employers, fostering entrepreneurship and investment opportunities, facilitating job placements, and expanding workforce development opportunities.
• Access to mixed-income housing by increasing the availability of high-quality housing options in a manner that includes current residents, while fostering community and neighborliness.
• Cradle-to-career educational excellence by supporting the education pipeline in its efforts to produce top-performing outcomes from early childhood through school, culminating in fulfilling careers.

The new nonprofit will strive to achieve system-level alignment, make catalytic investments, and develop strategic partnerships in Boston Square and the Cottage Grove/Madison Square area based on innovative and authentic community engagement.

Our employees experience a meaningful workplace where they can make a valuable and appreciated impact in our communities. Amplify GR's staffing is supported by RDV Staffing. Full-time employees of RDV Staffing are eligible for a robust healthcare program, 401(k) plan with a generous 7.5% match, time off, and other meaningful benefits.

Economic Development

• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders in conjunction with economic development programs including elected officials, government agencies, funders, non-profit organizations and community members.
• Represent Amplify GR in meetings, coalitions and conferences related to economic development initiatives.
• Participate in opportunities and initiatives that align with the City of Grand Rapids Economic Development initiatives, the Right Place and the State of Michigan’s Department of Talent & Economic Development.
• Support fundraising efforts for economic development initiatives.
• Manage budgets and maintain accurate records for economic development initiatives.
• Supervise staff and manage consultants assigned to economic development projects.

Business Development

• Lead relationships, strategy development and implementation of Amplify GR’s entrepreneurship commitment to create spaces for 50 new businesses.
  • Develop business incubator buildings focused on food, retail, maker/industrial, and professional services.
  • Develop processes with other partners to identify tenants. 
  • Emphasize business owners that are reflective of the diversity existent in 49507.
• Collaborate with partners to extend services to AmplifyGR tenants and other neighborhood businesses to facilitate Amplify GR’s commitment of creating 1,000 new jobs in the community.  
  • Building the local employee-employer pipeline.
  • Work with organizations to support job retention with partner employers.
  • Support increased cultural competency and integration of diversity, equity and inclusion of partner employers.
  • Work with organizations to improve efficiency, environmental sustainability and B-Corp work.

Community Partnerships

• Attract and vet employers into the neighborhood alongside commercial brokers and other community partners.
• Develop and implement partnerships to achieve Minority and Women Business Enterprise/local goals.
• Work with partners to expand construction workforce development opportunities for local residents.
• Support work of the Education Director on adult workforce development opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with Entrepreneurship Support Organizations to expand business ownership opportunities within AGR projects.
• Develop crowd-investment initiatives as needed.
• Special projects as assigned.

• Team player able to work effectively with diverse colleagues.
• Passionate about Grand Rapids and the mission of Amplify GR.
• Committed to principles of equitable neighborhood development.
• Experience with public speaking, community engagement processes and meeting facilitation.
• Deep knowledge in one or more of these economic development areas: business development, marketing, strategy, business recruitment, real estate development, business start-ups, community development finance, and talent development.
• Attentive to the voice of the community.
• Innovative and creative thinker, able to provide thought leadership in the field of community and economic development.
• Uncompromised commitment to highest level of confidentiality in all aspects of job responsibilities.

• Minimum of five years of experience in an economic opportunity development and/or strategic implementation role or relatable experience.
• Minimum-Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field of study.