Position Title: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan (Kalamazoo County residency expected per posting)
Compensation: Starting Salary: $225,000 - $250,000 range based on qualifications
To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Posting Dates: Materials are due Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 EST for consideration
Organization Overview
The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation (the “Foundation), is seeking its next Executive Director. The Foundation, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, supports and enriches the cultural, social, and economic life of Greater Kalamazoo by funding nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations across its priority areas: The Arts, Culture, and Humanities; Human Services; Education; Community Development; and Health and Well-Being.
The Foundation is a private foundation and publicly shares annual grantmaking and investment reports as part of its commitment to transparency.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) provides overall leadership for Foundation operations, team, external relationships, and grantmaking. The ED supports the Board in achieving mission and long-term sustainability through strong management, excellent communication, and disciplined execution.
Essential Functions
Board Partnership & Governance
· Build and maintain a strong, trust-based partnership with Trustees and provide proactive communication on matters affecting the Foundation.
· Lead development of annual operating plans; translate strategy into measurable goals and performance reports.
· Prepare and present decision materials for Board actions.
· Ensure Board meetings are well-planned and documented.
Organizational & People Leadership
· Create and sustain a positive, inclusive culture aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
· Recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain team members; set clear expectations and conduct annual performance reviews.
· Guide organizational design, role clarity, and effective cross-functional collaboration; implement corrective action plans when needed.
· Support succession planning and continuous improvement across functions.
Finance, Operations, Compliance & Risk
· Provide executive direction for day-to-day operations and ensure effective internal controls and sound financial practices.
· Collaborate with the VP–Administration to develop the annual budget for Board approval; monitor performance and recommend adjustments.
· Ensure regulatory compliance.
· Oversee vendor selection, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management within approved controls.
· Lead enterprise risk management (financial, legal, reputational, cybersecurity/data privacy, conflicts of interest) with clear reporting to Trustees.
Investment Oversight Support (Trustee Authority)
· Partner with Trustees on spending/payout planning and long-term sustainability, including scenario planning tied to grantmaking priorities.
· Ensure investment operations align with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and annual reporting practices.
Grantmaking Leadership
· Partner with VP–Program to evaluate grant requests, develop recommendations, and prepare Board presentations.
· Ability to independently evaluate, write and submit grant request recommendations.
· Oversee grantmaking communication, reporting, fulfillment, and follow-up; ensure responsive and consistent grantee experience.
· Implement learning and evaluation practices (outcome tracking, grantee feedback, portfolio reviews) to inform strategy and improve impact.
Community & Communication
· Maintain a visible presence in the community; represent the Foundation with integrity and credibility.
· Engage with constituents to understand community needs and identify opportunities aligned with Foundation priorities.
· Oversee official communications and messaging to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with mission.
· Convene key organizations when appropriate to increase collaboration and community impact.
Professional Standards
· Exercise sound judgment and the highest ethical standards, including confidentiality and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
· Senior leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, or adjacent sectors with demonstrated success partnering with a Board of Directors/Trustees.
· Strong people leadership, coaching, and organizational management capabilities; ability to build inclusive culture.
· Financial acumen: ability to interpret and communicate budgets, financial statements, and internal controls; comfort with audit and compliance.
· Understanding of private foundation operations and grantmaking; ability to evaluate grants and articulate recommendations.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills; effective community presence and relationship builder.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; comfort with systems that support grantmaking and operations.
· Familiarity with the Kalamazoo County nonprofit landscape.
· Ability and willingness to reside in Kalamazoo County (per posting).
Work Expectations
· Maintain reliable in-person attendance and punctuality, including readiness for scheduled meetings and events in-office or in the community, and time-sensitive deadlines.
· Occasional evening and/or weekend hours for community events.
· Local and regional travel as required.
Disclaimer
This description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.