Executive Director

Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO); Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO) in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks an Executive Director to guide mission growth and oversees operations, partnerships, and communications. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising, event coordination, and financial stewardship.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, public speaking, and fundraising experience, plus a passion for employee ownership.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and strategic planning abilities for growing mission-driven organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for regional/state conferences and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing and financial management to sustain and grow the organization.
• Experience organizing education events, workshops and webinars.
• Familiarity with employee ownership models or related economic development concepts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead MICEO’s mission and oversee operations and growth strategy.
• Develop strategic partnerships and represent MICEO at conferences.
• Network with stakeholders and manage multi-channel communications.
• Organize and promote educational events, webinars, and workshops.
• Drive fundraising and grant-writing efforts; manage organizational finances.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Excellent communication

Public speaking

Fundraising

Grant writing

Financial management

Event coordination

Hybrid work experience

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Role Description

The Executive Director will lead MICEO’s mission to grow employee-owned businesses by overseeing operations, developing strategic partnerships, and driving organizational growth. Key responsibilities include networking with stakeholders, managing communications through various platforms, organizing educational webinars and events, representing MICEO at conferences, and supporting business owners in exploring employee ownership options. Additional duties include fundraising, grant writing, and managing the organization’s finances. This is a full-time hybrid role, based in Grand Rapids, MI, with the flexibility for some remote work.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage and grow a mission-driven organization.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills for presenting at regional and statewide conferences and engaging with stakeholders.
• Expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and financial management to ensure organizational sustainability and expansion.
• Experience organizing and promoting educational events, workshops, and webinars.
• Familiarity with employee ownership models, business transitions, or relevant economic development principles (preferred but not required).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, with proficiency in using digital tools for remote communications and project management.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Passion for supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth through employee ownership initiatives.