Brighton, MI

Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund

The Organization

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund was established with the passage of Public Act 4 of 2013, which required Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to provide up to $1.56 billion over 18 years to a health fund that benefits Michigan residents with a focus on children and seniors. Since 2014, the Health Fund has awarded more than $200 million in grants to nonprofits all around Michigan. Their 376 grantees include small community-based organizations, government agencies of all sizes, healthcare systems and major research universities, from the dense cities of Southeast Michigan to the farthest reaches of the Upper Peninsula. As of 2020, they grant more than $35 million annually.

The Health Fund also conducts non-grantmaking activities, like contracting with partners for research, evaluation and policy focused on their priority areas. They also host events, help build organizations’ capacity, convene collaborations and serve as thought partners and advisors. The Health Fund aims to use their resources beyond grant dollars to improve healthcare in Michigan; however, they do not lobby, litigate or make loans.

Position Overview

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund is seeking a proven leader who is passionate about improving the health and wellness of Michigan residents and committed to the Health Fund’s organizational strategy. The new CEO must have a high level of empathy for the well-being of others, especially Michigan’s older adults and youth population. The right candidate will have experience in the nonprofit sector, a track record of collaboration, and a deep understanding of Michigan’s diverse communities, political landscape and persistent health challenges.

The ideal candidate is a visionary and thought leader with a management style that draws upon the current culture of the organization and the expertise of a seasoned team. The candidate should be respectful and empowering of others, while willing to collaborate closely with the COO on oversight, recruitment, management and evaluation of the staff.

The CEO should be an expert communicator who can articulate key messages about the organization and interact clearly, effectively and knowledgeably with directors, employees, stakeholders and the public. At the same time, the candidate should trust the organization’s communications and program staff to serve as ambassadors for specific needs and issues. In addition, the CEO should have an interest in serving statewide and philanthropic partners, learning from others, understanding needs and opportunities, and nurturing collaborative efforts.

The new CEO should be passionate about improving the health of Michigan residents. But more than any specific background, the Health Fund seeks a leader committed to service who can work with a range of people from diverse demographics, backgrounds and philosophies. The Health Fund believes this is paramount in building relationships and working with those with varying life experiences and viewpoints.

The candidate should come to the role having already exhibited success collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders, convening people with common interests, and advancing an organization’s goals in a collegial, transparent and participatory manner. The candidate should also have experience successfully executing a strategic plan.

The new CEO must be able to navigate the Health Fund’s relationships with the legislative and executive branches of state government without wading into partisanship. These partnerships are important, nuanced and critical to growing the Health Fund’s impact.

The Health Fund seeks a candidate with experience in a top leadership position, preferably in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector. At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is expected. Formal education at the graduate level is preferred.

How To Apply

Michigan Health Endowment Fund is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and to a practice of diversity, equity and inclusion as reflected in our values. The Health Fund aims to attract and retain a diverse and dynamic team to contribute to its mission.

To apply, submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/2T8xO3M (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). While the process will continue until a candidate is hired, for best consideration submit your materials by July 21, 2021.

For more information about Michigan Health Endowment Fund, please visit: https://mihealthfund.org

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