Lansing, MI

Director, Research and Planning, Council of Michigan Foundations

The Organization

About the Council of Michigan Foundations:
The Council of Michigan Foundations is a leadership organization that serves Michigan philanthropy.  CMF seeks a dynamic and engaged individual to help us advance our mission to lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community.

CMF’s work focuses on emboldening and equipping Michigan philanthropy in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders, and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. Equity is a pillar of our work, and equity is embedded across our priority pillars of policy, practice, and people.
CMF is a leadership organization driven by our values and the power of people, equipped with deep sector expertise and the ability to anticipate and adapt, ever committed to continuous improvement in support of Michigan philanthropy.

Read more about us at: www.michiganfoundations.org

Follow us on social media @michfoundations.

Position Overview

Position: Director,  Research & Planning

Location: Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison in Lansing, Michigan

Reports to: Foundation Liaison, Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison

Position Summary

Michigan’s nonpartisan Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) was created in 2003 at the suggestion of Michigan philanthropic leaders and is supported by the government. The office is the first of its kind, a unique state-level partnership between the State of Michigan, the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and the Foundation Liaison Advisory Committee (FLAC). The work is guided by the mission and goals established by the advisory committee and led by the Foundation Liaison. The newly created director position will work closely with the Foundation Liaison and other members of the team to accomplish the mission of the office through its goals of promoting mutual understanding; serving as a trusted source of data; and facilitating strategic joint investments in three key issue areas with a strong emphasis on social justice and equity for marginalized individuals and communities:

• Strengthening and advancing P-20 education

• Supporting workforce development

• Promoting positive health outcomes

The director will work with the Foundation Liaison to jointly identify opportunities that align with the priorities and within the context of the FLAC approved goals and priorities for the office. The director will also be expected to work closely with the CMF Director of Learning Services and other colleagues to identify opportunities for collaboration with CMF’s network of affinity groups.  The director, with guidance of the Foundation Liaison, will assess available possibilities, refine options, conduct research, plan, convene existing and potential partners, build networks across sectors, and recommend improvements to systems to ensure that more Michigan children and families will thrive.  The director will also work with the Foundation Liaison to promote positive engagement with the Governor’s Office with a specific focus on the Policy team and departmental leadership that aligns with our three issue areas.  The director will be expected to contribute to the overall mission and goals of CMF as appropriate.

This position supervises the program coordinator and may supervise other staff or consultants as assigned.  The director may also represent the office on behalf of the Foundation Liaison as directed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research, develop and recommend new ideas and unique models for programming and convening CMF members and state government officials in partnership with CMF, especially the  Learning Services Team with an emphasis on equity and inclusion.

• Promote research and programming that enlightens and encourages excellence in education, health outcomes, and workforce development.

• Support the Foundation Liaison with maintaining positive working relationships with the FLAC, planning committee meetings including developing the agenda.

• Supervise, train, coach, motivate and support the development of the program coordinator.

• Identify opportunities to develop trusting relationships with Executive Office staff to align, engage and partner on the priorities of the Governor’s Office and Michigan philanthropy.

• Support the development and growth of new relationships and partnerships core to the work that result in more inclusion and equity-centered outcomes across state government and within Michigan philanthropy.

• Support communication strategies that promote the positive work of state government, CMF members and the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison.

• Work collaboratively with CMF Grants Administration and the Foundation Liaison to develop funding proposals, manage contracts and develop written reports.

• Develop an understanding of CMF’s structure, governance, membership and the laws and rules that govern philanthropy and key nonprofit partnering organizations.

• Develop and maintain a current understanding of the structure and key leaders within the Executive branch of Michigan state government.

• Build and maintain a positive, open relationship with the Foundation Liaison to advance the work in service to the Governor’s Office and CMF member organizations.

• All other duties as assigned by the Foundation Liaison.

Minimum Qualifications for the Position

The successful candidate should be a mid-career professional with at least eight years of experience working in the nonprofit, philanthropy, or government sectors with a focus in P-20 education, workforce development or health outcome issues. Seeking candidates with a master’s degree preferred in public or nonprofit administration, public policy, education, health ore related discipline.

• Skills: applied research (evaluation and/or policy research), data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), data reporting, leading the development and execution of plans and initiatives to successfully achieve goals, project management and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Prioritizing work in a fast-faced environment. Experience representing governmental units, nonprofit organizations and/or individuals in public settings and in writing, incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.

• Characteristics: quick learner, self-starter, creative problem solver, organized, detail oriented, appreciates the value of humor and uniqueness of individuals, flexible, demonstrates a commitment to integrity, partnership, collaboration, inclusion, equity, and justice and proven able to infuse these values into daily work as well as well-organized and committed to meeting deadlines. Holds Strong belief in the abilities of all Michigan residents to contribute to thriving vibrant communities given opportunities and access to necessary tools.

• Abilities: works well cooperatively and collaboratively on a small unique team as well as independently; confident facilitator of internal and external meetings, particularly those designed to promote organizational learning. Work in a neutral nonpartisan manner that leads to consensus, work confidentially, manage conflict constructively and successfully, successfully coach and mentor others, prioritize competing demands in a highly time-sensitive environment, quickly identify emergent opportunities.

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and adaptability to emerging technology; experience with Salesforce preferred but not required.

• A willingness to travel within the state and out of state to attend meetings and conferences.

Physical and Mental Activities and Requirements:

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel to perform the duties. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk around to perform the duties. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

• The employee may operate any or all of the following: telephone, cellular telephone, copy and fax machine, imaging equipment, computer, and printer.

• This position may require travel by automobile and airplane.

• This position requires the employee to make decisions in a timely manner and anticipate all of the potential ramifications of decisions made.

• The employee must be able to read and interpret documents, understand/follow complex written and oral instructions, be able to express themselves clearly/concisely, perform mathematical functions and handle multiple, concurrent tasks.

• This position requires regular and predictable attendance with flexibility to work both in office and remotely.

How To Apply

The annual salary range for this director position is $82,000 – $95,000. In addition to salary, benefits include health insurance, a 403b plan with contribution matching, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, paid time off and other benefits.

Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter and resume to Tammie TenBroeke at jobs@michiganfoundations.org. Items must be received no later than Friday, September 3, 2021.

The Council of Michigan Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All correspondence will remain confidential.

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