The ideal candidate will be first and foremost committed to the foundation’s mission and will have a current understanding of broad socio-economic, systemic forces affecting the economic wellbeing of children, their families and their communities. S/he/they will be distinguished as a leader in the broad field of economic security, with a strong team orientation, a high tolerance for ambiguity, and the ability to adapt quickly to change.
While no one person will embody all of the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:
• Eight to ten years of significant relevant local and state systems experience in workforce development, community development, economic development, and/or employment equity; familiarity and experience with the grantmaking process as well as strong networks in Detroit and nationally are a plus; Master’s degree in a field relevant to the portfolio is preferred;
• Demonstrated flexible, multidisciplinary thinking required to address the social determinants of economic security and the drive to shape and inform the work based on the immediate issues and opportunities found in communities; understanding of the broad social and economic forces that affect communities and families and shape programming efforts; holistic and multi-dimensional approach to leadership development, organizational change, and community transformation;
• Sophisticated understanding of economic disparities in Detroit and throughout Michigan and the related systems and policy landscapes at the local, state, and federal levels; ability to navigate successfully the different legal, social, and political forces at play in the local governance systems in Detroit; and knowledge of financial systems, capital markets, and economic mobility policy and practices that leverage diverse models and effective strategies for economic security, particularly among underserved communities;
• Expertise in understanding philanthropy’s role in policy development to sustain program success and the current trends, movements, and best practices in developing policy to advance and magnify philanthropic investment and capitalize on emerging opportunities;
• Capacity to develop and implement impactful programs and effectively communicate conceptual program and systems frameworks to grant-seekers and trustees; deep and comprehensive understanding of program design and development, systems, networking, and community change;
• Experience in leading efforts to build coalitions between nonprofits and employers who are committed to creating equitable and sustainable environments for low-wage workers, women, and persons of color;
• Demonstrated success in forging and stewarding partnerships with the private sector, government agencies, foundations, policymakers and stakeholders in economic development, workforce development, and community development organizations in support of children and families;
• The knowledge and sensitivity to effectively work with and support vulnerable communities including appreciation for historical context, discernment of relationship nuances and power dynamics, and understanding of social, racial, and ethnic realities;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs that have impact; ability to think globally while working locally, representing WKKF to a variety of stakeholders and intermediaries in a credible and influential way and with a selfless manner focusing on values and the greater good;
• Successful experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and working effectively with persons from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds; willingness to set aside a personal agenda in favor of organizational and/or community goals and objectives;
• Strong relationship building and communication skills; the ability to have authentic dialogue around sensitive issues including funding priorities, WKKF expectations, and community concerns; highly developed emotional intelligence and active listening skills, and the ability to use interpersonal and political skills in collaborative, diplomatic ways;
• Excellent writing, editing, analytical, and oral communication skills including the ability to collect, review, synthesize, and present information and findings;
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines within designated timeframes, as well as demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities; strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to work both independently, take initiative, and contribute ideas for enhancing performance;
• An optimistic outlook and the humor, integrity, and patience necessary to work within a transformative environment; and
• Ability to travel approximately 50 percent time is required; regular attendance on-site at the Battle Creek headquarters to facilitate interaction and synthesis of the grantmaking programs is required.
