Executive Director

C4 Executive Director - Contract Position

Who We Are: Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4)

https://c4collaboration.org/

C4 is a dynamic, community-driven organization focused on advancing climate justice and equity in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and beyond. Our mission is to dismantle systemic barriers to environmental justice through collaborative efforts in policy, institutional practices, and direct community engagement. As a newly formed Community Development Corporation, C4 is committed to building sustainable, community-led solutions to address the intersecting challenges of energy justice, housing efficiency, and climate education.

Position Summary

The C4 Executive Director provides overall strategic, operational, and programmatic leadership for C4, ensuring the implementation of its vision, mission, and goals. This contract offers a competitive annual contract range of $70,000-$80,000 annually. Based in Grand Rapids, the role includes flexibility for some remote work. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and collaborates closely with the Executive Committee, community stakeholders, and organizational partners.

Key Competencies and Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation and Development

• Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of all C4 programs, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and community needs.
• Foster community participation in program development through iterative, inclusive processes.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions for program growth and sustainability.
• Regularly assess program impact using data-driven metrics and adjust strategies to meet evolving community priorities.

2. Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, climate justice organizations, public administrators and policymakers.
• Align interrelated systems efforts, including policy changes, institutional practices, and direct service interventions.
• Serve as a bridge between community needs and systemic solutions, fostering cohesion among all partners.

3. Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Leadership Team and Executive Committee to execute C4’s vision and strategic goals.
• Develop and implement organizational policies, processes, and procedures to ensure effective governance.
• Convene and guide the Leadership Team, ensuring transparent reporting and adherence to the organization’s mission.

4. Fundraising and Development

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising plan, including grants, sponsorships, donor cultivation, and events.
• Grant Development: Research, write, and manage grant proposals to secure funding from diverse sources.
• Donor and Sponsor Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with donors and sponsors, providing regular updates on the impact of their contributions.
• Revenue Diversification: Explore innovative funding models, including earned income opportunities and corporate partnerships.

5. Communication and Outreach

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for C4, representing the organization in media, public forums, and with stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and execution of communication strategies, including social media, press releases, and marketing materials.
• Facilitate challenging conversations to build buy-in for systemic change and equitable outcomes.

6. Financial Management

• Guide the Finance Committee in developing and managing the annual budget and financial reports.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of revenue and expenses in partnership with the fiduciary agency.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of grant reports, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

7. Impact Measurement and Evaluation

• Develop and track performance metrics to evaluate the success of programs and initiatives.
• Use data-driven insights to inform strategy and improve organizational outcomes.

8. Team Leadership

• Recruit and retain a diverse and highly qualified team of staff, ambassadors, and volunteers.
• Provide coaching and professional development opportunities to foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Conduct administrative tasks necessary for organizational success.

9. Policy Advocacy and Influence

• Advocate for systemic change through engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Monitor policy developments and align organizational strategies to leverage opportunities for impact.

10. Crisis and Risk Management

• Develop protocols for risk mitigation and crisis management.
• Implement a crisis communication plan to address potential challenges effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experience in nonprofit leadership, community collaboration, and program implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the organization strategically, driving long-term goals and aligning operations with the overall vision and mission
• Strong background in fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement.
• Financial management expertise, including budgeting and grant oversight.
• Proficiency in public speaking and media engagement.
• Commitment to cultural competency and equity-focused outcomes.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, motivate, and manage teams to achieve organizational goals

Contractual Terms

• Competitive annually contracted range of $70,000-$80,000.
• C4 supports remote work with in-person meetings and events required.
• Reports to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

This position is an exceptional opportunity for a leader passionate about advancing climate justice and equity. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, operational expertise, and a collaborative spirit to lead C4 in its mission to create sustainable, community-led solutions.

Availability:

• Must be available during C4 operating hours of are from 8am-4pm
• Some weekends and evenings may be required

Desired Education & Experience:

• This contract requires relevant experience in the position or a combination of related education and professional experience.

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Location:

• This position is based in Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Senior leadership: 4 years (Required)

Location:

• Grand Rapids, MI (Required)

Work Location: Remote

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000