Executive Director Center for Philanthropy
Grand Rapids, MI (Pew Campus)
Full Time
R104260
Serving as the adaptive and visionary leader of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, the Executive Director shapes and advances the field of philanthropy in Michigan and across the nation. This role is the Center's primary external face, cultivating relationships with foundations, philanthropic organizations, policymakers, practitioners, and academic partners to meaningfully advance effective philanthropy.
The Executive Director champions the Center's thought leadership by translating its research, programming, and convening power into insights that inform the broader philanthropic sector. This includes authoring and amplifying ideas through publications, conferences, policy conversations, and public discourse - positioning the Johnson Center as an indispensable resource and catalyst for the field.
Equally critical, the Executive Director serves as the primary conduit between the Johnson Center and Grand Valley State University, building and stewarding relationships across colleges, university leadership, and faculty to ensure the Center is well-integrated into the broader institutional community and positioned to leverage the full resources and reach of the university in service of its mission.
Internally, the Executive Director provides decisive leadership and oversees the overall administration and management of the Center's operations, aligning strategy, planning, evaluation, communications, and personnel management to ensure outcomes are achieved. This leader is also responsible for the Center's long-term financial health, including fundraising, budget management, endowment stewardship, and revenue growth in partnership with the Johnson Center's Leadership Council and GVSU's Provost and Development offices. This leader fosters a collaborative culture that reflects the integrative nature of the Center's mission - ensuring that its internal work is always in service of its larger role as a convener, connector, and thought leader for philanthropy.
Salary & Benefits:
Minimum starting salary of $150,000, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• A graduate-level degree from an accredited college or university.
• Successful executive leadership experience, including developing and communicating a shared organizational vision and making decisive, strategic decisions in complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience working within or in close partnership with a college or university, including an understanding of academic culture and the ability to build effective relationships with faculty, academic leadership, and administrative offices.
• Substantial experience in the philanthropic sector, with deep knowledge of its challenges, opportunities, and best practices, and an established presence in the field.
• A demonstrated commitment to and passion for the advancement of philanthropy, with a deep interest in strengthening the nonprofit sector.
• Proven ability to serve as a thought leader and spokesperson, with excellent written and verbal communication and diplomatic skills suited to diverse audiences and settings.
• Fundraising acumen, evidenced by leadership or significant participation in major campaigns, grant acquisition, and earned income development.
• Proficiency in budget development, financial management, and endowment stewardship.
• A professional history marked by strong relationship-building, active community involvement, and the ability to cultivate and leverage networks to advance organizational and sector goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across internal teams, university partners, and external stakeholders, fostering cooperation, consensus, and meaningful engagement.
• Proficiency in personnel oversight, project management, and leadership volunteer engagement.
• Proven experience in overseeing the development and refinement of programmatic offerings, informed by sector knowledge and stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding of applied social research and the strategic use of data in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to navigate and thrive within both university and community-based environments.
How to Apply:
Attach your cover letter and resume. Applications missing required documents will not be considered. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Elizabeth Dale mailto:([email protected]). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at mailto:[email protected].
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Application Deadline:
Application review begins May 1, 2026 and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See http://www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7131888
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