About this role
Job Description:
Salary: $69,000/year
Our efforts in Michigan have been consistently recognized!
Recent Awards:
Michigan Top Workplaces - 2015-2025
Crain's Detroit Business Private 200 - 2025 (and Crain's Cool Places to Work!)
Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation - 2012-2025 (and Metro Detroit!)
Do you have a passion for making a difference in someone’s life? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills, experience and empathetic nature to work for a progressive, forward-thinking and family-owned company where creativity is encouraged? Are you goal driven? Then this position is for you! We are seeking a dynamic and team-oriented individual to join our spirited team.
Scope of Position: The Special Projects Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for special initiatives and workforce development programs across Southeast Michigan. This role ensures contract compliance, program performance, facility coordination, partner engagement, and continuous improvement while maintaining strong relationships with funders, community partners, and internal teams.
Essential Functions:
Program and Strategic Leadership
o Lead the Macomb County High School Young Professionals (HSYP) team and oversee the planning, implementation, and performance of HSYP programming
o Assist Program Managers and staff with planning and implementing special programming and events, including Career Acceleration Programs (CAPs)
o Support implementation of strategic initiatives
o Maintain a positive partnership with funders by attending meetings, engaging in proactive communication, discussing best practices, presenting program innovations and responding timely to requests for data, feedback, documentation, etc.
o Assist in the development of RFP responses and new business opportunities.
o Address customer escalations and operational concerns
o Monitor program expenditures and budget performance, providing recommendations to leadership and ensuring fiscal compliance
o Ensure assigned programs meet contractual deliverables and performance expectations
o Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
AJC Operations
o Oversight of EDSI’s programs at the Wayne American Job Center (AJC)
o Report maintenance issues to the facilities manager and provide follow-up as needed
o Facilitate quarterly partner meetings of all service providers and partners housed in the AJC, ensure AJC partners can schedule use of common spaces and share any key building information with AJC partners
o Oversee emergency readiness efforts including the site emergency plan and coordination of fire drills/safety inspections, emergency alert system tests and on-site records
o Report AJC infrastructure expenses and partner space utilization to funder for Infrastructure Funding Agreements (IFAs)
o Point-of-contact with and responsible for re-procurement of janitorial and security services
o Communicate with funder to activate/deactivate alarm codes and keys and distribute to AJC staff
Staff Leadership
o Directly supervise designated staff through performance management, coaching, professional development, and accountability practices
o Establish individual and team performance goals aligned with program objectives
o Address human resource and staff concerns
o Support recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding activities
Education and Experience Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree required
· Strong leadership skills
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Knowledge of workforce development systems, WIOA-funded programs, education initiatives, or community-based programming preferred
· 2+ years of leadership experience
· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
· Primary work location will be in Wayne; must have ability to travel to EDSI’s other work locations in Wayne, Macomb and St. Clair counties as needed
· Valid driver’s license required
Bring your expertise to EDSI and live our values every day: Show Up, Smile and Support!
EDSI is a progressive, forward-thinking, family-owned company that is Certified Evergreen.
EDSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.