Aya House Director
About Us: Aya House is a newly established membership-based space for Detroit's changemakers, providing a hub for healing, learning, and connection. Located in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market neighborhood, Aya House offers holistic wellness programming, professional development opportunities, and networking for leaders driving social impact in Detroit. Founded by award winning entrepreneurs Nina Love and TeQuion Brookins, Aya House serves as the headquarters for Minority Freedom Community Fund and is sponsored by Michigan Black Business Alliance and Black Tech Saturdays. Aya House is the programmatic arm of MotorCity Mimosa LLC, a food and beverage social enterprise.
Position Overview:
The Aya House Director is a full-time (35 hours/week) leadership position responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, managing events, and ensuring an exceptional experience for members and guests. This senior level role requires exceptional organizational and customer service skills. The position starts immediately as a 1099 independent contractor, converting to a W-2 role after a 60-day performance review period.
Reports to: Co-Founders
Supervisory Responsibilities: Aya House Managers, Interns, On-Call Event Staff, and additional employees
Compensation and Benefits:
- $30/hour (35 hours/week) base plus commission*
- Benefits:
- Free venue rentals
- Complimentary Aya House membership
- Networking & professional development opportunities
- Mental health days
- Flexible schedule
- 10 paid vacation days
- Commission & bonus opportunities*
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Aya House Director role is a proud Detroiter who understands the city’s energy, resilience, and community spirit. You’re a high-energy, adaptable leader who thrives in startup environments where opportunities are abundant, and no two days are the same. You see flexibility and evolving roles as a chance to grow and innovate, not as challenges to overcome. Naturally organized (think expertly managed calendars and prioritized to-do lists), you’re just as comfortable brainstorming big-picture strategies as you are rolling up your sleeves to handle the details. You excel at building strong relationships, solving problems creatively, and inspiring those around you with your people-first mindset and a commitment to getting the job done. If you’re passionate about social impact, love working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and want to play a pivotal role in shaping something meaningful for Detroit, this is the job for you.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Member Service & Reception (10%): Welcome and engage members virtually and in-person, manage inquiries, and create a warm and professional atmosphere. Ensure all members are aware of/fully utilizing their memberships. Prepare for onsite and virtual member meetings/Family Dinners. Plan & facilitate member programming.
Facility Management (10%): Ensure the space remains clean, organized, and well-maintained at all times; oversee maintenance requests and coordinate repairs. Coordinate construction and renovation projects with contractors and the City of Detroit. Ensure proper operations of all zones including reception & sundry shop, rental spaces, digital lab, and coworking lounge.
Inventory Management (10%): Monitor and restock supplies and store products in store and online, track inventory, and organize storage areas.
Event Coordination (10%): Oversee event setup, breakdown, food & beverage service and logistics including developing appropriate floor plans and standard operating procedures; ensure smooth event execution and member satisfaction. Conduct all pre and post event communications and purchase/order supplies as necessary. Maintain event management technology and ensure the rental catalogue stays up to date.
Vendor Relations (10%): Liaise with vendors to coordinate event support services, catering, and supplies. Fully manage the Aya House preferred vendor certification program.
Business Development (20%): Conduct outreach to secure memberships, book venue rentals, and develop sponsor & partner relationships. Manage in store retail operations. Generate sustainable revenue through the company’s multiple channels of business activities.
Administrative Support (10%): Manage mail for the company and members, deliveries, and company records; update and organize paper and electronic files.
Marketing Support (10%): Assist in promoting Aya House events and services by capturing content and directing the company’s social media presence & multichannel marketing strategy alongside support staff and third party vendors. Maintain the company’s website, newsletter and printed marketing.
Performance Reporting (10%): Track and report on memberships, venue rentals, and event outcomes to leadership. Plan and facilitate weekly team meetings.
Requirements:
- Must have a minimum of 3-5 years of event management/coordination or hospitality industry experience; 5-10 years preferred.
- Excellent customer service and verbal & written communication skills required.
- Prior sales & retail experience highly preferred. Relevant degree in lieu of experience is acceptable.
- Strong knowledge of Detroit’s social impact/nonprofit ecosystem.
- Must be technologically savvy and enjoy learning new platforms and systems.
- Strong project management skills required, project management certification preferred.
- Food handling certification preferred but not required.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Self-starter with strong organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Proficient in CRM and social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
- Ability to lift 40 pounds, stand, and walk for extended periods with or without assistance.
- Access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license.
- Must live within a 10 mile radius of Aya House.
Resources Provided:
- Dedicated workspace with company email, phone number, and laptop
- On the job training, onboarding, and mentorship support
- Professional development opportunities
*60 Day Performance Metrics for Full-Time Conversion: To qualify for converting to a W2 employee at the end of the probationary period and receiving bonus and commission opportunities, the following metrics must be satisfactorily achieved:
- Generate a minimum of $10,000 in revenue through a combination of strategies including venue rentals, memberships, hosted events and store sales.
- Deliver exceptional member service (measured via feedback).
- Successfully coordinate/execute at least 3 onsite events from inquiry through feedback request.
- Develop reliable standard operating procedures (SOPs) for opening/closing, events, retail sales and inventory management.
- Satisfactory execution of all responsibilities outlined in the position description.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to hello@ayahouse.org. Please include "Aya House Director Application - [Your Name]" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been selected.
