Place-Based Strategy & Operations Lead

Stand Together; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Stand Together is seeking an experienced operations leader to advance the Radius initiative in West Michigan. This role bridges strategy and execution, collaborating with community partners to translate vision into action while staying adaptable and results-focused.

The role requires strong judgment, relationship-building, and the ability to operate across internal teams and local stakeholders. It is based in Grand Rapids with a hybrid work model that includes remote work from home days.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in strategy, operations, philanthropy or related field.
• Experience vetting, analyzing, recommending, and stewarding investments (grants or similar).
• Strong project management skills across cross-functional efforts.
• Experience building or operationalizing measurement, evaluation, customer feedback, or learning systems.
• Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and build trust.
• Strategic thinking with ability to execute and follow through on details.
• Exceptional communication skills; ability to clarify ambiguity and align others.
• Adaptive approach; comfortable in evolving, fast-paced environments.
• High degree of judgment, humility, and professionalism.
• Curiosity and a learning mindset.

Responsibilities

• Partner with nonprofit, civic, faith, business, and philanthropic leaders to shape and operationalize the West Michigan Radius strategy.
• Vet, evaluate, and steward grants, ensuring alignment with priorities and outcomes.
• Drive clarity in complex work by organizing people, priorities, and next steps across stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver clear stakeholder updates and reporting on progress and insights.
• Lead deployment of the Radius measurement platform (Thrive Lights and CFM) in Grand Rapids; support adoption and learning loops.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives from concept to execution, navigating ambiguity.
• Create lightweight systems and rhythms to improve coordination and accountability.
• Engage in continuous learning by applying insights to strengthen strategy.
• Represent the organization in the West Michigan community and deepen engagement.

Skills

Strategy

Operations

Philanthropy

Stakeholder management

Project management

Measurement platforms

Communication

Adaptability

Judgment & professionalism

Curiosity

Tools

Thrive Lights

CFM

Job description

Stand Together is seeking an experienced operations leader to advance the Radius initiative in West Michigan. This role bridges strategy and execution, collaborating with community partners to translate vision into action while staying adaptable and results-focused.

The role requires strong judgment, relationship-building, and the ability to operate across internal teams and local stakeholders. It is based in Grand Rapids with a hybrid work model that includes remote work from home days.