Executive Director

POSITION OPENING: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reports To: Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Type: Full-Time

Supervisory Responsibility: Yes – oversees staff as assigned

Work Location: Hybrid (based in Lansing)

Effective Date: October 2025

The Executive Director serves as a visionary and strategic leader, managing the Michigan State AFL-CIO Labor Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the Michigan State AFL-CIO, which represents more than one million working people across the state. The Executive Director is responsible for providing day‑to‑day management of Foundation programs and staff, while also leading fundraising and development initiatives. The person in this role is a skilled nonprofit leader with experience in organizational strategy, program development, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement—particularly in labor, legal, and educational spaces.

Where legally permissible, the Executive Director will also collaborate with Michigan AFL‑CIO Advocates (501(c)(4)) on shared strategic initiatives, ensuring strict compliance with applicable nonprofit and tax laws.

• Supervise and support Foundation staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development activities.
• Oversee performance evaluations and implement accountability systems.
• Report to and work in partnership with the Officers and Board of Directors.

• Provide operational oversight and strategic direction aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
• Represent the Foundation publicly and serve as a key leader within the Michigan labor ecosystem.
• Collaborate with the Michigan AFL‑CIO and, where applicable, Michigan AFL‑CIO Advocates on joint efforts.

• Lead all development efforts, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising events.
• Maintain strong relationships with individual, corporate, philanthropic, and labor donors.
• Design and implement a comprehensive fund development strategy.

• Direct programmatic initiatives including labor history education, community services, legal outreach, and democratic engagement.
• Develop new programs in collaboration with unions, universities, legal professionals, and community partners.

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance and financial regulations.
• Oversee budget development and financial management in partnership with the Officers and Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for staff, programs, and reporting.

• Represent the Foundation in external meetings, conferences, and events as directed by the Officers.
• Build and sustain partnerships with stakeholders including unions, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies.

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
  Demonstrated ability to lead a mission‑driven organization, align operations with long‑term goals, and build partnerships across sectors.
• Fundraising & Resource Development
  Proven success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and implementing sustainable fundraising strategies to support program growth.
• Program & Operational Management
  Experience overseeing nonprofit programs, staff, and budgets with strong attention to compliance, efficiency, and impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
  Skilled in building coalitions and representing the organization with unions, community partners, donors, and public stakeholders.
• Equity-Driven Leadership
  Commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational culture, programs, and external relationships.

• Bachelor’s degree in labor studies, nonprofit management, public administration, fund development, or a closely related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, labor organizations, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, and grant management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational and management skills, including experience supervising staff.
• Understanding and experience working with the…