Full-Time Program Director, Made in NYC
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY: Made In NYC (MINYC), an initiative of the Pratt Center for Community Development, was created to support a vibrant manufacturing sector in New York City. Local manufacturing creates employment opportunities for New York’s extraordinarily diverse workforce and gives the city much of its character and soul. Launched in 2001, MINYC assists manufacturing businesses in growing their companies, encourages New Yorkers to buy locally made products, and provides sourcing assistance for designers and manufacturers to purchase goods and fabricate designs locally. Close to 1,300 companies are listed on the MINYC website. MINYC’s recent achievements include:
• A new website launched in 2013 that features detailed profiles of member businesses as well as information of interest to manufacturers and their advocates (see madeinnyc.org);
• Brand and logo redesign in 2013 that is widely used by members on products and websites;
• Growing membership currently comprising over 1300 manufacturers that represent all major industrial and manufacturing sectors in NYC;
• Successful events with high-profile partners to raise awareness and support for local manufacturing, including website launch event with fashion designer Nanette Lepore and Factory Friday tours with Open House NY;
• Sourcing requests and successful matches that have driven sales to manufacturers;
• The development of an advisory board of manufacturers that have invested resources and time in program development;
• News blasts and other outreach featuring data and information about manufacturing businesses and trends.
With the generous support of the New York City Council, Pratt Center intends to dramatically increase awareness of manufacturing in NYC over the next several years. This will be accomplished through development of the MINYC brand, website, and related programmatic initiatives and educational activities, and by assisting companies in improving their marketing and capacity for growth.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Strategic development of marketing and business plans for MINYC, including oversight of consultants, and implementation of a work plan to achieve goals;
• Plan and oversee the implementation of MINYC’s public relations and communications efforts;
• Oversee service delivery to MINYC members such as sourcing assistance, marketing design extension services (potentially with Pratt Institute faculty and students), and other services to be determined;
• Plan, develop and initiate marketing and promotional activities such as factory tours and other events;
• Collaborate with the Development Director and other staff in fundraising efforts for MINYC’s activities;
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the MINYC website, including news postings, updating member profiles, improving visuals, etc.
• Collaborate with Pratt Center staff on data analysis of MINYC members, research and analysis of manufacturing sectors and trends, and other efforts that support Pratt Center’s economic development policy agenda;
• Work strategically with a diverse range of partners, especially business owners and workers, philanthropic foundations, elected officials, public agencies, trade associations, interested civic organizations, and particularly with Local
• Development Corporations that manage Industrial Business Zones;
Supervise a full time MINYC Program Associate (to be hired), Graduate Fellows and Interns;
• Work with faculty and staff of Pratt Institute in departments that have relevant courses such as graphic communications, packaging, video production, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Experience: We seek a highly organized, media savvy, entrepreneurial self-starter with excellent people skills and an academic or professional background that is related to communications, marketing, public relations, and/or urban planning, economic development or urban manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have:
• Four + years of experience and demonstrated expertise in more than one of the disciplines relevant to MINYC’s goals and objectives: business strategy; entrepreneurship; marketing and communications;
• organizational development; public relations and media management; small business development; urban planning; and workforce/economic development, in positions of progressively increasing responsibility;
• Strong marketing and media relations interest, experience and skills;
• Community, political, and/or media organizing experience;
• The ability to work strategically, in both leadership and supportive roles, with a diverse range of partners;
• Excellent writing and public presentation skills;
• Experience with design and management of websites / digital platforms;
• Facility with relevant computer and social media applications;
• Event planning, fundraising, and personnel management experience;
• An outstanding work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and a good sense of humor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Master’s degree in business administration, communications, marketing, public policy, urban planning, or another related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus five years of professional experience.