CGF - Lake County Econ. Dev. Aliance (Baldwin)

COMMUNITY GROWTH FELLOW POSITION DESCRIPTION 2026-2027

CEDAM is seeking fellows for the 2026-2027 program year to join one of 10 host sites that are part of the Community & Economic Worker Economic Transition Office's (CWETO) Community Growth Academy (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/economic-transition/community-growth-academy). Fellows will work with their host site, and a broader coalition of local and regional partners, to identify, test and implement strategies for economic growth and resilience to help their communities thrive.

Fellows will be full-time CEDAM employees during their 15 month term starting January 2026, but will work on-site at their host organization. The Community Growth Fellowship integrates significant professional development and networking opportunities. All Fellows will be trained on the Community Transition Playbook, which includes topics such as community and stakeholder mapping, economic diversification and growth strategies, and workforce readiness. Fellows will also have opportunities to connect with state agencies, economic development organizations, and learn from Academy cohort communities across Michigan.

As a fellow, you will have the exciting opportunity to work alongside the first cohort of the Community Growth Academy, the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office's innovative new program to support Michigan communities facing economic transitions. Your work will advance key community priorities, increase local and regional collaboration, and make a lasting impact on Michigan communities!

Host Site Overview:

Lake County Economic Development Alliance is building on its natural and historic assets, including the Idlewild community, trails, lakes, and forests, to foster economic diversification. Leaders are focused on entrepreneurship, housing, tourism, and workforce development. This vision seeks to overcome persistent poverty and transform the county's reputation into one of resilience, creativity, and opportunity.

Fellow Project Focus Areas:

A fellow could help establish an entrepreneurial hub, expand workforce training programs, support downtown revitalization, or advance housing development plans. They may also assist with marketing efforts to strengthen Lake County's tourism economy. Fellows in this role would be able to see firsthand how rural communities use their unique cultural and natural resources as a foundation for inclusive growth.

Coalition Partners:

Lake County Economic Development Alliance · Lake County Chamber of Commerce · MI Works West Central · Lake County Housing Coalition · Township leaders and community volunteers

Qualifications

The appropriate candidate will have a strong interest and/or background in community economic development, community planning, local government, coalition building and/or community organizing, or a combination of such interests. The appropriate candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual and be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications. Fellows are required to work the standard office hours of their host communities.

No specific background or education is required to join the fellowship! But a minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations 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

Scope of Work

Fellows will lead or support projects that vary by community, but potential examples include:

• Creating an economic diversification action plan
• Establishing a workforce retraining program
• Repurposing a vacant site
• Exploring strategies to support local entrepreneurship

The projects identified by each host community are available here (https://cedamichigan.org/programs/community-growth-fellowship/).

Compensation

This position is a full-time salaried position with a generous PTO and benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance. The salary is fixed at $60,000 annually. This position requires some statewide travel for program-required events & training; this mileage will be reimbursed by CEDAM. Fellows must have their own means of travel within their community. Fellows have $500 in funding available for professional development of their choosing. Fellows will also receive a $2,000 relocation stipend and a $2,000 completion bonus at the end of the program.

Professional Development Opportunities

Fellows will receive training and professional development on topics such as:

• An introduction to community economic development
• Planning for economic transitions
• Business retention and expansion
• Managing conflict and meeting facilitation

Fellows will also participate in statewide networking:

• Representing CEDAM and CWETO at statewide conferences
• Attending professional development days in Lansing or other fellow host communities
• MEDA's Economic Development Basic Course

—-

About CEDAM

CEDAM is a nonprofit trade association serving the community economic development industry in Michigan. Our members are nonprofit affordable housing developers, Main Street organizations, community development organizations, community foundations, and municipalities, as well as other organizations working to ensure their communities are financially empowered, equitable, and vibrant. We host conferences and training events, manage programs, and offer funding and capacity-building opportunities. CEDAM is also involved in advocacy at the state and federal level, working on consumer financial protections and community economic development issues.

CEDAM celebrates diversity of all kinds and is committed to providing a welcoming and non-discriminating environment for all who seek to work with us. Candidates can find additional information at cedamichigan.org/about/careers (http://cedamichigan.org/about/careers).

About CWETO

The Community & Worker Economic Transition Office was created in 2023 to help Michigan's workers, businesses and communities prepare for and succeed in a changing economy. The Transition Office focuses on supporting those most at risk from economic disruptions, helping them access new opportunities and build a stronger, more resilient state.

As Michigan shifts to renewable energy and a manufacturing shift from ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles to EV (electric vehicles), the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office is rolling out proactive strategies to reduce risks and increase economic impacts for the workers, communities and businesses impacted by this transition.