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Executive Director – Job Announcement
About Lansing Promise
Lansing Promise is a transformative place-based scholarship program working to eliminate financial barriers and provide strategic support for students in the Lansing, MI School District. We ensure every student has the opportunity not only to dream of a better future—but to access and complete the post-secondary education or credential needed to realize it.
Through scholarships, career exploration, college advising, and community engagement, we reach thousands of students in our capital city. Backed by a strong board, dedicated partners, and a forward-looking strategic plan, Lansing Promise is ready to deepen its impact—and we are looking for an effective leader to guide us there.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of Lansing Promise and is responsible for leading the organization in alignment with its mission:
We provide scholarships and support for Lansing students’ journeys to post-secondary completion.
Reporting to the Lansing Promise Foundation and Zone Authority Boards, the ED will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, staff development, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. This is a full-time, exempt position supervising a team of 7 FTEs. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the organization's vision is executed effectively, equitably, and sustainably—while maintaining strong relationships with donors, education partners, and the community.
This is a critical moment in Lansing Promise’s evolution, requiring a leader with strategic clarity, strong fundraising acumen, team-building skills, and a deep commitment to equity and student success.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Implement and monitor the FY25–26 Strategic Plan and drive continuous innovation aligned with long-term goals.
Align staff structure, scholarship strategy, and partner relationships with the organization’s mission and KPIs.
Serve as a champion of postsecondary success and educational equity in the Lansing community and beyond.
Fundraising & Resource Development
Lead all fundraising efforts including major gifts, grants, planned giving, and endowment growth.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic partners.
Collaborate with the Advancement & Communications Director to develop compelling campaigns, reports, and donor stewardship plans.
Staff Leadership & Culture
Directly supervise the Scholarship Director, Advancement & Communications Director, and Operations Director.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture centered on impact, belonging, and accountability.
Lead internal staff development efforts, ensuring that roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations are clear and aligned with strategic goals.
Financial Oversight & Compliance
Partner with the Chief Operating Officer and Finance Committee to develop and manage the annual operating budget and long-term financial strategy.
Oversee responsible stewardship of organizational funds, including scholarship disbursements and administrative operations.
Ensure full compliance with nonprofit regulations, grant requirements, and financial reporting standards.
External Relations & Advocacy
Act as the public face of Lansing Promise with school districts, higher education institutions, government agencies, and media.
Advance the Lansing Promise brand and mission through speaking engagements, media interviews, and public testimony.
Build coalitions that improve the college access ecosystem and align with Promise Zone legislation and policy objectives.
Board Governance & Collaboration
Maintain strong communication and partnership with the Lansing Promise Foundation and Zone Authority Boards.
Prepare and present regular updates on programs, finances, and strategic progress.
Support board development and strategic planning cycles.
Who You Are
You are a seasoned nonprofit, education, or community leader with a deep belief in the power of education. You know how to build strong teams, scale organizations, manage complex partnerships, and lead from a place of humility, courage, and equity.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
5 to 10+ years of executive or senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, education, philanthropy, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts, grant writing, or capital campaigns.
Strong financial and operational acumen, including budgeting, compliance, and reporting.
Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
Track record of working in diverse communities and advancing equity-centered outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in nonprofit management, education, public administration, or related field.
Knowledge of place-based scholarship programs, Promise Zones, or college access strategies.
Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM/data platforms.
Deep understanding of Michigan’s education and funding ecosystem.
Core Competencies
Strategic Thinking & Vision – Ability to lead organizational growth and adapt to complex systems.
Relationship Building – Skilled in engaging diverse stakeholders with authenticity and clarity.
Equity-Centered Leadership – Committed to inclusive practices and systems change for students and families.
Fundraising & Communication – Compelling communicator and storyteller with donor engagement experience.
Financial Stewardship – Experienced in managing budgets, audits, and strategic resource allocation.
Compensation & Work Environment
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $105,000 to $125,000 annually plus performance-based bonus
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities
Location: On-site in Lansing, MI, potential for hybrid after 90 days.
Schedule: Typically Mon – Fri 8- 5pm, Some evenings and weekends required for events, community engagement, or travel
Application Details
The Lansing Promise Board of Directors has engaged Human Resource Management Services to conduct an executive search. Candidates will apply for the position online via www.Indeed.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline of September 5, 2025. Applications must include the following uploaded in .pdf format.
Cover Letter – Tell us why you are passionate about Lansing Promise’s mission and how your experience uniquely positions you to lead the organization.
Resume – Highlight relevant leadership, fundraising, and education-focused experience.
List of References – 3 Professional References. Include Name, Title, Organization, phone number and email address. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
Lansing Promise is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or any other characteristic.
