About North Kent Connect Established by the local community and church leaders 50 years ago, North Kent Connect (NKC) started as a grassroots initiative to aid low-income families in northern Kent County. Today, we're a thriving $1.4 million organization with 19 dedicated team members and dozens of dedicated volunteers focused on providing essential services to our neighbors including fresh, healthy food, clothing, rental and utility assistance, access to transportation and many other support programs. NKC is a Christian organization on a mission to improve lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence. Our bustling campus houses a healthy food pantry, thrift store, garden, and space for our community partners like West Michigan Works and Disability Advocates of Kent County.
As an organization running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), we're clear about our future. With distinct vision, structure and processes and everyone rowing in the same direction, we're aligned and focused on our 3-Year Picture and 10-Year Target, which are clearly outlined on our two-page strategic plan.
About the Executive Director opportunity Our current Executive Director/Visionary is retiring after 11 years of successful leadership. This moment in our organization's history calls for an inspirational and tenacious leader with a deep passion for people in poverty and the systems working against them, a vision for driving sustainable growth, and an aptitude for fundraising.
The Executive Director of NKC is a visionary leader responsible for driving the organization's strategic growth. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Integrator and the Leadership Team, the Executive Director sets the organization's culture, spearheads community engagement, and leads fundraising efforts. This role is to be the "face" of NKC, to dream big, to sell the vision, open doors, engage the community, and deepen relationships with our major donors.
Our ideal candidate will champion NKC's mission, inspire stakeholders, and foster innovative solutions to address poverty-related challenges including accessibility to attainable housing, reliable transportation, and fresh food. They will also possess a bachelor's or advanced degree (or relevant equivalent experience), at least 5 years of non-profit (or similar) executive leadership experience and will:
Embody the Three Core Values of NKC People First: Treat everyone with respect, helpful, kind, fantastic service Dynamic: Passionate about mission, enthusiastic, proactive, resourceful Aligned: United toward a common goal, collaborative, camaraderie, fun Be a Visionary | With an entrepreneurial spirit, maintain alignment with NKC's Core Focus, 10-year Target and 3-Year Picture. Understand that this is not an operations management role, rather a guide for the organization and the leadership team. Familiarity with EOS principles is ideal! Steward our Culture | Foster a positive, trusting, inclusive, authentic and accountable organizational culture and lead with warmth, humility and transparency. We are a strong, supportive team who engages in healthy debate and discourse. Employ Big Ideas & Growth Focus | Bring a spirit of innovation to the programs with an eye toward piloting new ideas that will maximize existing impact and employ entrepreneurial mindset and business savvy to identify and execute strategic initiatives for growth. Advocate for the Underserved | Broad knowledge of the policy environment relevant to food insecurity, rural transportation challenges, homelessness, and other issues prevalent in low-income families. Engage Deeply with our Community | Inspire action from stakeholders through public speaking, compelling storytelling, advocacy and passion for the mission. The candidate should be a natural at galvanizing the community to give of their time, talent, and treasure. Cultivate Resources | Refine fund development strategies, foster sustainable partnerships (with individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups, foundations, etc.) and secure funding to support NKC's mission. Provide Spiritually Inclusive Leadership | While this is not a evangelical organization nor role, the Executive Director must be comfortable leading a faith-based environment, and inclusive and inviting to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, professions, and faith traditions. Establish a Strong Board Partnership| Build, cultivate, and nurture a true partnership with the Board of Directors, built on mutual respect and trust. Our board is healthy, strong, engaged and aligned. About You + North Kent Connect In addition to a flexible work environment, strong team culture and newly renovated building, we proudly offer:
Competitive base salary Generous PTO and holiday time including facility closure between Christmas and New Years Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life & AD&D Insurance 401(k) retirement plan with company match About Next Steps If you're a visionary leader passionate about driving sustainable change and empowering individuals in need, we invite you to join us in our mission at North Kent Connect and apply today with your cover letter.
We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only essential values but also powerful drivers of our innovation and success both internally and with our clients. We invite individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, hairstyles, or any other characteristic to join us in our mission. Together, we will build a company that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us, driving positive change within our organization and our clients. Job Posted by ApplicantPro
