Director of the Lansing Regional SmartZone

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is seeking a dynamic, creative, passionate, and experienced program/project manager to join one of the top economic development organizations in the nation. This role will support the Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) programming needs of LEAP’s Small Business and Innovation Department (SB&I). If you’re a professional program/project manager with public board management expertise and a passion for economic and community development, we want to talk to you! 

For You 

Job Type: Full-time employee, FLSA Exempt Status 

Pay: $67,500.00 - $80,000 annual salary range commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience.  

Benefits: 

• Competitive health insurance offering, including dental and vision 
• 401(k) program with 1:1 employer match up to 6% and immediate vesting 
• Additional ancillary benefits such as annual performance pay bonuses 
• Best-in-class paid time off and paid holidays 
• Health savings account 
• Fully paid life, short- and long-term disability insurance 

Location: This position is an in-person role which will spend Tuesdays and Thursdays time at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) in Downtown East Lansing which is managed by the MSU Research Foundation, a parking pass will be provided. Mondays, Wednesdays for this role will be at LEAP's office which islocated in a historic redeveloped building in the heart of Lansing’s REO Town district with free parking, immediate access to the River Trail, and a short walk or bike ride to downtown Lansing. LEAP operations with both hybrid and flex schedule options.  Fridays will be spent working with partners in the community.  

Direct Reports: Grants Administration Manager    

Reports to: Harrison Leffel-Jones, VP of Small Business & Innovation  

Application Deadline: Interviews to begin as soon as possible. Open until filled.   

To Apply: Upload cover letter, resume, and three professional references at: https://www.purelansing.com/about/careers-and-internships/  

Position Summary 

As a key member of LEAP’s SB&I team, this position serves as a strategic facilitator and convener for tech entrepreneurship in the Lansing region. The role focuses on overseeing the operational and administrative functions of the Lansing Regional SmartZone, including coordination of the associated Joint Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)—a publicly appointed board. This person will ensure transparency, collaboration, and effective communication among key stakeholders and partner organizations. 

The Joint LDFA, which oversees the Lansing Regional SmartZone, is undergoing a time of great change. This role will work alongside public and private stakeholders to advocate for legislative changes and local public policy that foster a thriving tech economy. 

This position requires someone who thrives on building relationships across sectors, has political and strategic acumen, and brings both energy and curiosity to economic development. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable in collaborative office settings and heads-down project work and enjoys working with private businesses to build meaningful programs that drive results. 

Summary of Key Responsibilities 

Overall Key Skill Set:  

1. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively 
2. Manage existing programs and develop new ones that support the region’s high-tech ecosystem 
3. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure program alignment with organizational goals and cross-department metrics 

Client Engagement  

1. Manage relationships with 75+ existing Lansing Regional SmartZone clients 
2. Proactively identify and connect with 5+ new high-tech or high-growth companies monthly 
3. Serve as a community manager for companies based in the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) 
4. Onboard clients, ensuring they understand LEAP’s services and how to access the broader regional ecosystem 

Public Board Oversight: 

1. Manage and lead a 13-member publicly appointed board with quarterly meetings 
2. Report to the State of Michigan, MEDC, and regional stakeholders 
3. Facilitate inclusive and transparent board meetings 
4. Maintain agendas, documentation, and follow-up actions to ensure accountability and momentum 

Stakeholder Engagement: 

1. Cultivate relationships with government agencies, investors, industry associations, and educational institutions 
2. Represent LEAP and the Lansing Regional SmartZone at public events and forums (may include several events per week) 
3. Collaborate with LEAP’s marketing team to promote programming and strengthen community awareness 

Budget Management: 

1. Oversee a $450,000 annual budget for the Joint LDFA board and related programs 
2. Ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational and public funding requirements 
3. Identify and pursue grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to grow the program 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience in entrepreneurship, business management, consulting, public policy, or related field 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders and juggle competing priorities 
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate and refine program approaches 
• Proven operations, program, or project management experience, preferably with public-sector collaboration 
• Experience working with startups or entrepreneurs in the tech sector preferred 
• Demonstrated success guiding public boards and leading board meetings 
• Digital fluency with cloud-based collaboration tools; experience with HubSpot or a similar CRM is a plus 
• Familiarity with Michigan’s startup and tech ecosystem, particularly in the Greater Lansing region 
• Reliable transportation required for travel within the region (mileage reimbursement policy in place) 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences 
• Willingness to attend evening meetings and events as needed 
• Self-directed, results-oriented, and highly organized 
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information 
• A client-centered, sales-oriented mindset is essential 

Learn more about our team and apply at: 

https://www.purelansing.com/careers/ 

LEAP is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, racial or cultural characteristics, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status. LEAP also complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding nondiscrimination in every location we operate. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination.