Executive Director

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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…