By Lori Latham
Kent County

The Kent County Plan Coordinator Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hire a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.

Grand Rapids/Kent County was one of 13 communities throughout the U.S. who participated in the national initiative, Gateways for Growth, with each community developing a localized plan. The community-led plan is structured around helping refugees and immigrants overcome barriers in five categories: civic engagement, economic development, safe and connected communities, education, and equitable access to services.

 

“Between 2016 and 2018, our immigrant community grew by more than 5,000 residents. With nearly $1.1 billion in spending power, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans is both the right thing to do and economically beneficial,” said Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Sales & Marketing Omar Cuevas. “These neighbors are making critical contributions to the local economy and adding to the rich cultural fabric that collectively creates a great community.”

 

The Steering Committee is now accepting applications for candidates to work with community stakeholders to implement the plan’s recommendations and strategies.

 

“The Welcome Plan Coordinator will play an integral part in executing initiatives geared toward making Kent County more welcoming to immigrants and refugees,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “We are excited to fill this important position and to work with community members to bring this plan to fruition.”

 

This part-time contracted position will be under the supervision of the newly established Kent County Inclusion Office with guidance and direction from the Welcome Plan Steering Committee. Additionally, the coordinator will collaborate with community stakeholders.

Qualifications for this position include: 

• Project management, budget management, and community engagement experience
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  
• Ability to effectively coordinate the implementation of long-term projects

• Skills in organizing complex projects with multiple components and stakeholders
  
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
  
• Ability to effectively promote and engage people during events both in the community and during
  interactions with key stakeholders
  
• Ability to be creative and flexible
  
• Ability to facilitate a consultative process with individuals, sub-teams, and large groups.
  
• Demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and cross-cultural experience
  
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms
  
• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Administration, Social
  Work, or related field preferred
  
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
  
• Grant writing experience preferred 

“Our immigrant community has faced and overcome challenges and systemic barriers, but much remains to be done,” said West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros. “We look forward to selecting a Welcome Plan Coordinator to help us implement the plan and bring meaningful change to our immigrant community.”

Those interested in the Welcome Plan Coordinator position can apply at https://www.accesskent.com/RFPWorkbench/LoadPublicTableAction.action by 5 p.m. on July 13. Applicants with questions about the position can attend a pre-bidding conference on June 29.