Executive Director Progress Michigan

Executive Director Progress Michigan

Progress Michigan (501c4) and Engage Michigan (501c3), collectively the organizations are seeking an Executive Director to oversee the overall strategic direction, program, administrative operations, and fundraising efforts of one of Michigan’s premier progressive communications and advocacy non-profits. The organization is made up of a talented and dedicated staff of communications professionals, creatives, researchers, and support staff.

This is a full-time position that reports directly to the board of directors.

Founded in 2007, Progress Michigan is a 501(c)4 that serves as a communications hub for a wide-ranging activist and non-profit network in the state, advocates for statewide progressive issues and policy stances and works to hold government officials and those in power accountable to the people. Progress Michigan is part of the ProgressNow network, which features 28 state affiliates across the country.

Over the years, Progress Michigan has built a reputation for cutting-edge media and communications work, executing smart and effective paid and earned media campaigns, working alongside partners to build and support their media and public outreach and be a voice for progressive values in the media. The next Executive Director will be responsible for bringing Progress Michigan into its next storied chapter to meet the needs of the Michigan progressive movement in 2026 and beyond.

Engage Michigan operates largely as a capacity building organization for partners, working as a communications and research team for grassroots groups across the state. Engage Michigan largely works with organizations that share the values of inclusion, sustainability, equity, and freedom, and focuses its work in BIPOC, rural and low-income communities. Engage Michigan team members also serve on a variety of coalition structures across various issues.

All candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to Michigan. The organizations work in a hybrid format with much of the work being done remotely, but with regular in-person meetings and events with staff, partners and external stakeholders. The organizations have two offices, one in Lansing and one in Detroit, but have a statewide reach and work directly with partner organizations across the state.

Job Responsibilities

• Creator of the strategic vision for Progress Michigan and Engage Michigan who will guide the organizations to meet future challenges in communications and will clearly communicate the plan and engagement strategy to staff, stakeholders, funders, and partners.
• Oversee the execution of the overall strategic plan and daily operations of the organizations, including but not limited to staff and program oversight and direction, finance and operations, compliance and legal, and Board management and maintenance.
• Serve as the main spokesperson to a diverse audience, including partners, coalitions, funders, and the media.
• Responsible for fundraising strategy and execution, as well as donor maintenance and recruitment to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.
• Develop and maintain partner relationships across the progressive infrastructure in Michigan and nationally as needed to ensure appropriate program collaboration and open communication.
• Work with support staff and legal representation to ensure appropriate compliance protocols are followed

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• 7-10 years of leadership experience in political, non-profit, or professional communications roles.
• Exceptional organizational leadership and staff management skills - demonstrated experience managing, developing, and motivating a seasoned team.
• A strong understanding of progressive infrastructure in Michigan, and a history of successful stakeholder and partner collaboration.
• Acute political and communications acumen, having directed or been a part of strategy creation and execution.
• Excellent writing and editing skills for multiple mediums, and the ability to clearly communicate with staff, partners, funders, and the media.
• Experience with innovative approaches to communications, narrative creation, and using both traditional and new media strategies and tactics.
• A demonstrated ability to fundraise for non-profits, and build and maintain donor relationships.
• An understanding of appropriate and allowable 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 activities.
• Experience creating and managing multi-million dollar budgets.
• Ability to communicate strategy and direction to staff and effectively delegate to reach goals and milestones.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position that will pay a salary of $125,000. Starting salaries are set in advance with no room for negotiation in order to maintain transparency and equity.

Progress and Engage Michigan offer a competitive benefits package which includes health, vision, and dental coverage as well as an unlimited paid time off policy and 401K match.

Progress Michigan is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Research has shown that women and members of historically marginalized groups often only apply to jobs when they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization and we strongly desire applicants with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds: even if you don’t see yourself fully reflected in every qualification listed, we still encourage you to reach out and apply.