Usher's New Look Program Director - Detroit

The Usher’s New Look Detroit Program Director, provides strategic leadership for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of all Usher’s New Look (UNL) programming in Detroit, anchored at the new Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club and extending across the city.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Vision

• Lead the vision and strategy for all UNL programs in Detroit.
• Ensure program alignment with UNL’s creative focus areas:
• • Film & television production
  • Content creation & digital media
  • CGI, AI, and emerging technologies
  • Hair studio & barber studio pathways
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-market partners to mirror and adapt ATL-based models, ensuring goal alignment and consistency across cities.
• Design and oversee innovative programs that connect youth to real-world creative industries and career pathways.

Program Oversight & Management

• Manage all UNL programs, activations, and initiatives
• Oversee program schedules, outcomes, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure programs provide youth with access to the five capitals (human, social, cultural, economic, and wellness), with a strong emphasis on economic and social capital.

Curriculum Design & Evaluation

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum across all UNL programs.
• Ensure curriculum is:
• • Industry-aligned and workforce-ready
  • Youth-centered and culturally responsive
  • Adaptable to evolving creative and technology trends
• Regularly assess program effectiveness and make data-informed improvements.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, manage, coach, and evaluate UNL program staff and instructors.
• Ensure instructors bring relevant industry experience and are equipped to work effectively with youth.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture grounded in accountability and innovation.

Space & Asset Management

• Oversee the effective use and coordination of creative spaces, including studios and program sites.
• Ensure spaces are safe, functional, and aligned with program needs and youth engagement goals.

Partnerships & Social Capital

• Leverage personal and professional social networks to build partnerships with:
• • Entertainment industry leaders
  • Creative professionals and instructors
  • Corporate and community partners
• Expand access to mentorship, internships, exposure opportunities, and capital for youth participants.
• Represent UNL in community, industry, and citywide forums.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the entertainment industry, creative industries, or closely related fields.
• Prior experience as an instructor, program leader, or curriculum designer within entertainment, media, or workforce development.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or citywide programs, including staff and budgets.
• Strong background in youth-centered programming and positive youth development.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Comfort working across creative, corporate, and community environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or alongside:
• • Film and television studios
  • Content creators and digital media teams
  • Technology or AI-driven creative programs
• Existing Detroit and/or national entertainment industry network.
• Experience aligning programs across multiple cities or markets.