Director, Events And Programs

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. What will you make today?

Michigan Central is a market leading hub for advancing new technologies and programs that address barriers to greater social, economic, and physical mobility. Michigan Central is both a convening place and a call-to-action--for city, regional and international inventors and investors, academics and entrepreneurs, civil society voices and government leaders, and business owners and corporate partners--to advance a more sustainable, equitable future through a collaborative approach to mobility solutions.

Building on Detroit’s rich history as an engine of change, the transformative Michigan Central project aims to strengthen the city’s competitive advantages while inspiring collective action on the most pressing challenges at the intersection of mobility and society worldwide.

The extraordinary array of physical assets within Michigan Central will be utilized to attract a critical mass of activities and people, develop a thriving event business, provide extraordinary public programming, and establish Michigan Central as a destination for Detroiters and visitors. To that end, Michigan Central is seeking a Director of Events and Programming who will serve as a strategic partner to the Head of Curation and Programming. This person will envision what is possible within Michigan Central’s diverse spaces, engage collaborators to bring it to life, and drive the execution and operations necessary for its implementation.

What You'll Do...

As the Director of Events and Programming, you will be the right hand of the Head of Curation & Programming in leading the events and programming of Michigan Central, its partners, and/or third parties. You will co-create all aspects of the development and implementation of a campus-wide Michigan Central event and programming strategy from vision to operations. You will also support the development of an events revenue model and curation of the retail tenancy strategy.

In this position...

• Supporting meeting preparation including finalizing presentations, researching and summarizing background details on meeting attendees, printing materials, or setting up audio/video conferences
• Overseeing client/customer/constituent experiences from conception through post-event review; manage on-site preparations, production, and event breakdown; and ensure consistent, high-level service throughout all phases
• Directing special projects as requested
• Directing all event and programming work streams with impeccable detail: project management of action items and follow-ups
• Building and maintaining a comprehensive database of resources, industry contacts, vendors, and logistics
• Coordinating as needed, with staff, clients, consultants and vendors, and serving as liaison to all constituents throughout the entire event/programming lifecycle
• Locating resources, managing queries and site visits, leading event and programming meetings, troubleshooting questions and strategically problem-solving
• Partner with the Head of Curation & Programming on budgeting, planning, and coordinating the creation of an events revenue model at Michigan Central
• Planning and facilitating logistics for events and programming, including contract negotiations, guest lists, venue preparation, presentation materials, communications, operations, equipment, design, and marketing materials

You'll have...

• You have strong collaborative, interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, negotiation and creative problem solving
• 8+ years of experience directing large-scale events, programs, and activations
• You have an understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and experience in forging alliances between diverse constituencies
• You are able to handle pressure and make informed and strategic decisions quickly
• 5+ years of directing and managing staff, vendors and consultants
• 8+ years of experience building and maintaining positive business relationships
• You have excellent organizational skills, including multitasking, time management, and acute attention to detail
• You are able to interface at all levels of an organization internally and externally, navigating the needs of multiple cross-functional stakeholders
• You are detail-oriented, with excellent written and verbal communication, and judgment

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• Established and active employee resource groups
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Tuition assistance
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized backup childcare, and more
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage

For a detailed look at our benefits, click here:

2023 Ford New Hire Benefits Summary

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

At Ford, the health and safety of our employees are our top priority. Vaccination has been proven to play a critical role in combating COVID-19. As a result, Ford has made the decision to require U.S. salaried employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless employees require accommodation for religious or medical reasons. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or an approved medical or religious exemption.

Candidates for positions with Michigan Central must adhere to Ford Motor Company guidelines, including legal authorization to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Michigan Central is a neighborhood built on inclusive values and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

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