Michigan Labor Foundation

Executive Director

Based in Lansing, MI
(Hybrid)

 

Position Opening: Executive Director 
Reports To: Board of Directors 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Job Type: Full-Time 
Supervisory Responsibility: Yes – oversees staff as assigned 
Work Location: Hybrid (based in Lansing) 
Effective Date: October 2025 

POSITION OVERVIEW: 
The Executive Director serves as a visionary and strategic leader, managing the Michigan State AFL-CIO Labor Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the Michigan State AFL-CIO, which represents more than one million working people across the state. 

The Executive Director is responsible for providing day-to-day management of Foundation programs and staff, while also leading fundraising and development initiatives. The person in this role is a skilled nonprofit leader with experience in organizational strategy, program development, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement—particularly in labor, legal, and educational spaces. 

Where legally permissible, the Executive Director will also collaborate with Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates (501(c)(4)) on shared strategic initiatives, ensuring strict compliance with applicable nonprofit and tax laws. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supervise and support Foundation staff, contractors, and volunteers. 
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development activities. 
• Oversee performance evaluations and implement accountability systems. 
• Report to and work in partnership with the Officers and Board of Directors. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Leadership & Strategy 

• Provide operational oversight and strategic direction aligned with the Foundation’s mission. 
• Represent the Foundation publicly and serve as a key leader within the Michigan labor ecosystem. 
• Collaborate with the Michigan AFL-CIO and, where applicable, Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates on joint efforts. 

Fundraising & Development 

• Lead all development efforts, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising events. 
• Maintain strong relationships with individual, corporate, philanthropic, and labor donors. 
• Design and implement a comprehensive fund development strategy. 

Program & Partnership Management 

• Direct programmatic initiatives including labor history education, community services, legal outreach, and democratic engagement. 
• Develop new programs in collaboration with unions, universities, legal professionals, and community partners. 

Operations & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance and financial regulations. 
• Oversee budget development and financial management in partnership with the Officers and Board of Directors. 
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for staff, programs, and reporting. 

External Relations & Advocacy 

• Represent the Foundation in external meetings, conferences, and events as directed by the Officers. 
• Build and sustain partnerships with stakeholders including unions, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies. 

CORE COMPETENCES 

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Demonstrated ability to lead a mission-driven organization, align operations with long-term goals, and build partnerships across sectors. 
• Fundraising & Resource Development: Proven success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and implementing sustainable fundraising strategies to support program growth. 
• Program & Operational Management: Experience overseeing nonprofit programs, staff, and budgets with strong attention to compliance, efficiency, and impact. 
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Skilled in building coalitions and representing the organization with unions, community partners, donors, and public stakeholders. 
• Equity-Driven Leadership: Commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational culture, programs, and external relationships. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in labor studies, nonprofit management, public administration, fund development, or a closely related field preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, labor organizations, or related fields. 
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, and grant management. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proven organizational and management skills, including experience supervising staff. 
• Understanding and experience working with the labor movement; knowledge of Michigan’s political and legislative landscape strongly preferred. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. 
• Commitment to economic and social justice. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Primarily office-based, with flexibility for some remote or field work. 
• Travel within Michigan required on occasion. 
• Evening and weekend work may be necessary based on program and event needs. 

How to Apply: 
Please submit a résumé and brief cover letter to HR@miwdi.org with subject line “Foundation Executive Director”. 

Compensation: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00 

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - EEOC 
Our organization is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Organization:
Employees of the Michigan AFL-CIO Federation divisions including the Foundation may work in collaboration with one, or all, of our affiliated nonprofit organizations in the Federation, including: 

Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: our affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy. 

Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation: our affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization established to combat economic and social injustice by connecting the working people with resources within Michigan’s charitable, educational and legal systems. 

Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization was established to unite labor leaders, policymakers, and the general public to educate and advocate for policies, programs, and projects to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.