Program Associate/Manager- Commercial Corridor Focus

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) seeks a qualified Program Associate/Manager to join our growing team. Established in early 2016, MMDC is a not-for-profit, community development organization committed to strengthening the communities between and around the eight major anchor institutions in the Memphis Medical District. MMDC seeks applicants who have a proven record of developing, operating and managing programs that strengthen commercial corridors. The Memphis Medical District is home to eight medical and educational anchor institutions and more than 9,500 residents. Together, the institutions have more than 24,000 employees and students, a collective operating budget of $2.7 Billion, are in the midst of more than $3 Billion in planned or current capital expansions, and control more than 250 acres of real estate. The institutions, along with local and national philanthropy support the work of MMDC to revitalize the Memphis Medical District and create a vibrant link between Downtown and Midtown Memphis.

MMDC Program Portfolios

MMDC’s approach is comprehensive and inclusive of residents, employees, students, and visitors to the district. In addition to connecting the dots across the eight institutions, MMDC also focuses on the following six program portfolios:

1. Public Spaces – Parks, Streetscapes, Plazas, and Connections.

2. Safety and Security – Coordination of safety efforts and environmental improvements

3. Programming and Marketing – Activation of spaces and telling the District’s story

4. Community Development – Supporting and connecting the diverse neighborhoods in the district through planning, growing and attracting small businesses, transportation, and other means.

5. Real-estate – Cultivating a rich environment for appropriate development with a focus on creating mixed-use, mixed income places.

6. Anchor Programs – Leveraging institutional demand through - Live Local 901, Buy Local, Hire Local Strategies

Program Associate/Manager Responsibilities

The Program Associate/Manager position will join the program team, reporting to the Director of Programs. This person will focus on MMDC’s community development work – strengthening the commercial corridors in the Medical District. This portfolio currently includes: revitalizing vacant and underutilized storefronts; developing assistance packages for existing businesses; conducting business assessments; actively engaging current and potential businesses in the District; and developing and administering a package of incentives targeting businesses in the District. 

The ideal candidate will be an urbanist with a deep understanding of cities and city building strategies. They will be committed to the regeneration of urban neighborhoods and to working closely with our network of medical and educational anchor institutions, advisers, local businesses and community leaders. The candidate must be an energetic, self-starter, who is well organized, and capable of functioning in a very independent situation. The candidate must be confident working in a fast-paced, start-up environment, and possess a desire to grow within a dynamic and high-performing team. Additionally, the candidate must have:

• Experience with business development, community development and/or economic development programs;

• An understanding of urban planning principles and practices and/or community development principles and procedures;

• Knowledge of economic development finance, redevelopment, and emerging real-estate development trends; and

• Demonstrated passion for developing relationships with business owners. More, we are seeking a candidate with the following attributes:

• Has a positive, open, creative and flexible attitude;

• Is comfortable managing several different types of projects simultaneously;

• Collaborates and openly shares information with team and stakeholders;

• Analyzes data, national trends, and research; and

• Wants to grow with a group of people working to make Memphis a more vibrant place.

  Minimum Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a related field with a minimum of two years’ professional experience OR equivalent work experience (four years related work experience).

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Must be comfortable advocating for your positions and speaking in public.

• Strong organizational skills and commitment to meet deadlines.

• Passion for social, economic and/or civic issues.

• Experience with place-based initiatives (ie. CDC; medical district; innovation district; neighborhood redevelopment). 

0. If you are interested in applying, please submit your resume and cover letter to info@mdcollaborative.org. In your cover letter, let us know why you are interested in this type of work and specifically what your experiences have taught you about how design of the built environment, real- estate and community work together to make great places.

   NO PHONE CALLS. For more information: www.mdcollaborative.org.