Michigan United

Deputy Executive Director

This position is hybrid in Michigan

 

 

Full-Time/Permanent
Salary: $90,000 – $95,000 (commensurate with experience)
Location: Hybrid in Michigan

ABOUT MICHIGAN UNITED
Michigan United is building a vibrant, inclusive democracy in Michigan where community members are organizing to build power to affect change at local, state, and national levels. We are working to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality by building power. Michigan United defines power as the ability to act, and it comes in the form of organized people and organized money. We focus on issues from a racial, economic, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice lens. We are a hub of people-centered leadership development, issue organizing, and civic power building. We are guided by our Theory of Change.

Michigan United is dedicated to dismantling oppressive systems and transforming lives through tangible victories and leadership development. We believe in the power of a united community driven by a shared vision and strategic action, capable of making significant impacts at local, state, and national levels. Our focus on organizing communities, training leaders, and tackling systemic barriers is crucial in shaping Michigan's future.

Our commitment to a democracy that reflects our base is at the core of our work, guiding us as we organize and mobilize communities, build collective power, and seek just outcomes. We are steadfast in these principles, aiming to create a Michigan where government and our economy are inclusive, accountable, and equitable.

Michigan United's approach is grounded in practicality, driven by our values, and focused on building a state where dignity, equity, and justice are realities, not just aspirations. Through strong relationship-building, continuous leadership development, and strategic collective action, we are paving the way for the radical, systemic changes our communities need and deserve.

Michigan United is a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Deputy Executive Director plays a critical role within Michigan United, serving as a partner to the Executive Director to drive organizational strategy and leading the internal management and development of the organization. The Deputy will be instrumental in enhancing management and cultural practices to support the growth of the organization. This will include ensuring programmatic and managerial excellence aligned with our core values; spearheading the development and execution of an effective, productive, and successful membership structure with democratic processes; and leading successful progress towards Michigan United’s vision and theory of change. The Deputy will lead daily management of the organization, freeing up the Executive Director to lead fundraising and finances, Board management, external relationships, and strategic vision.

Reporting to the Executive Director and overseeing a team of Directors and Managers, the key responsibilities of the Deputy Executive Director include:

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervise the Organizing Director, Training Director, Movement Politics Director, Human Resources Manager, Faith & Justice Director, and Legal Services Program Manager.
• Guide Director-level staff in developing clear work plans to align teams’ activities with long-term power building goals. Provide regular coaching and feedback to enhance manager and team performance, identify development opportunities and support growth, and prevent burnout.
• Strengthen capacity and efficiency across the team through development and ongoing refinement of performance management plans that tie daily activities to long-term goals. Model and coach others on culturally competent conversations to promote accountability for achieving personal and professional goals and adherence to MU’s organizing model.
• Foster a culture of leadership development internally and in alignment with Michigan United’s mission to build leadership and power in Michigan.

 
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development:

• Drive high-level strategic planning processes, contributing to the development and implementation of growth strategies in harmony with MU’s mission and vision.
• Plan and facilitate senior staff and team meetings and internal communication to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Champion a supportive, transparent, and relational work environment, promoting team cohesion and effective collaboration across a diverse and geographically distributed team.

Support Effective Communication and Systems:

• Collaborate with the Finance & Operations Director on continuous improvement of internal systems and procedures and to align resources with strategic goals to ensure effective spending and sustainability.
• Partner with the Data and Technology Manager to support refinement of and adherence to data systems to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with data and organizing teams to produce periodic reports and updates to internal and external stakeholders.

Represent Michigan United:

• When the Executive Director is unavailable, represent Michigan United to a wide variety of audiences, including to the press, in major funder meetings and events, and in organizing and community meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have many of the below strengths, experiences, and qualifications:

• Passionate about economic and racial justice, deeply aligned with Michigan United's vision and theory of change.
• Demonstrated success in building power within multi-racial, working-class communities. Experience with membership-based organizations, unions, and issue-based electoral campaigns is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and draw the best from others. High levels of integrity and honesty are paramount. Experience managing and developing other managers is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and effective organizational development.
• Ability to lead a diverse team with sensitivity and inclusiveness, fostering an environment of creativity and respect.
• The ability to make tough calls and strategic decisions, balance immediate needs with long-term goals, and handle complex situations with wisdom, prudence, and discretion.
• Proactive and self-motivated, able to take initiative, work independently, and drive projects forward without constant oversight.
• Understand that a part of holding people to a high standard will be setting the example and owning it when they mess up, always looking to grow and learn from mistakes.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience. Michigan United also provides the following benefits:

• Health Insurance and a $600/year Health Savings Account or monthly health insurance stipend are available after 90 days of employment
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) after earning at least $5,000 within the preceding two-year period
• Internet and phone stipend of $125 a month
• Generous paid time off policy (subject to blackout dates around primary and general elections)
• Paid sick time policy beginning at 16 hours and accruing up to 80 hours
• Floating Holiday Policy
• Mileage reimbursement policy

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employees can be hybrid but must be based in the State of Michigan. Team members are located throughout the state. There will be in-person events, meetings, and activities. Our work schedule is standard business hours with flexibility. Evenings and weekends are occasionally required. There will be periodic travel around the state, with intermittent out-of-state travel.

TO APPLY
This search is being supported by Callie Carroll of CLC Endeavors. Please send application materials to: MU-DED@clcendeavors.com. Applications should include a résumé and expression of interest, which can be shared either as a cover letter or in another format such as a short video (less than 5 minutes). Statements of interest should communicate your interest and qualifications. The priority application deadline is January 13th, though applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Michigan United is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a racial, gender, and economic justice organization, we actively encourage underrepresented individuals based on race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as those who share the life experiences of the members we serve, to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Michigan United Action, our affiliated 501(c)(4), is building long-term political power and transforming our political and economic system into one that puts people and the planet first. Our main office is in Southwest Detroit, with additional offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Flint.

Michigan United is represented by SOUL of MU & MUA, Statewide Organized United Labor of Michigan United, and Michigan United Action in collaboration with the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, Local 34022. The person hired for this position will not become a bargaining unit member.