About the Organization
Housing North is a nonprofit organization that works to remove barriers and support housing
solutions in 10 counties of Northwest Michigan. We were formed in 2018 and became a
nonprofit in March of 2020. Our formal name is the Northwest Michigan Rural Housing
Partnership. We do business as Housing North.
Our mission is to build awareness, influence policy, and expand capacity so communities can
create housing solutions that meet their unique needs. Our vision is that northwest Michigan
will be a place where people of all income levels can find homes that are safe and affordable.
Executive Director Work Plan/Job Duties
The Executive Director is responsible for leading and executing the administration, programs,
and overall strategic direction of the organization. Other important responsibilities include
fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Housing
North Board of Directors.
Board and committee development: The Executive Director is responsible for leading in a
manner that guides and fulfills the organization’s mission to build awareness, influence
policy, and expand capacity so communities in northern Michigan can create housing
solutions that meet their unique needs, or as defined by the Board of Directors. The ED is
responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and
accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make
informed decisions. In addition, the Executive Director will:
● Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in
policy decisions, fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of the organization.
● Develop Board and committee agendas and reports.
● Facilitate Board and Executive Committee meetings.
● Strategic planning and implementation.
Operational: The Executive Director oversees the general operation of Housing North,
including:
● Establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions
and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
● Planning and operation of the annual budget.
● Manage contractual relationships.
● Conduct purchasing/transactions for supplies, materials, and other organizational
needs.
● Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and
entered into and on behalf of the organization.
● Travel within and outside of the region and working non-traditional hours is expected.
Staffing: Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
● Supervise, collaborate with organization staff.
● Collaborate with key contractors and consultants that support the work of the
organization.
Fundraising & Revenue Development:
The Executive Director will partner closely with the
Director of Community Engagement to secure the resources necessary to sustain and
strengthen the organization’s programs and long-term financial health.
● Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with major donors and key event
sponsors.
● Direct and collaborate with the Director of Community Engagement to build and
maintain strong relationships with foundation partners, including identifying strategic
priorities for grant opportunities.
● Grow partnership-based revenue by building trusted relationships and clearly
demonstrating Housing North’s value and impact.
● Identify and pursue earned revenue opportunities, including technical assistance
services such as housing plans, strategies, and related support.
● Actively engage in the development of diversified revenue streams to support
Housing North’s mission.
Programming: The Executive Director will ensure Housing North’s programs operate
effectively, adapt as needed, and remain aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
● Build and sustain strategic relationships with partner organizations to advance and
amplify Housing North’s mission.
● Design and refine programs that respond to emerging needs and opportunities
identified through the strategic planning process.
● Provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all Housing North programs.
● Collaborate with staff and sponsors to plan, coordinate, and deliver the annual
Housing Summit, which is Housing North’s premier annual event.
Policy Leadership & Advocacy: Advocacy is one of the key pillars of Housing North’s
organizational mission, and a vital component of what the organization does to grow housing
opportunities in the region.
● Work with the Communications Coordinator and Policy Advisor to identify and
advance legislative opportunities aligned with Housing North’s mission.
● Lead timely responses to emerging housing issues, including the development and
release of clear, effective Housing North policy positions.
● Represent Housing North’s priorities and perspective with legislators, state agencies,
and key partners, serving as a trusted regional voice on housing policy.
Communications: Communicating and educating is another key pillar of the organization.
The Executive Director will lead and oversee.
● Serve as Housing North’s primary spokesperson, representing the organization to
constituents, the media, and the broader public.
● Oversee and collaborate with staff to create and distribute consistent, compelling
communications for broad audiences.
● Represent Housing North at key conferences, meetings, and public events, elevating
the organization’s voice and visibility.
● Over the design and delivery of educational events, resources, and facilitated
discussions for both broad and targeted audiences.
● Collaborate closely with staff, board members, and committees to plan and execute
awareness campaigns and public-facing engagement activities.
About You
The ideal candidate is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with a strong commitment to
housing affordability. The ideal candidate will have experience working with a board of
directors, organizational strategy, managing budgets, and supervising staff and consultants.
The individual is comfortable engaging in fundraising, cultivating donor and foundation
relationships, and identifying new revenue opportunities.
Additionally, the ideal candidate is an effective communicator, capable of engaging
policymakers, community partners, funders, and the public on complex housing and policy
issues. The individual is collaborative, adaptable, and energized by the opportunity to lead a
growing organization focused on long-term, regional housing solutions. Other qualifications
include an overall understanding of housing tools and the housing environment, and
experience working for a nonprofit organization.
Additional Information
Housing North’s work environment offers flexibility and support for efficient work at the
office, on travel, and in remote workspaces. This full-time position offers benefits including
group health insurance, SIMPLE IRA with employer matching, combined paid time off, paid
holidays. The salary range is $75,000 to $90,000.
Open until filled.
Please email a resume and cover letter to kent@borealisstrategic.com
Open until filled.
Please email a resume and cover letter to kent@borealisstrategic.com