Executive Director Search

NIA Centre is an African American Cultural Center that was founded in 2011. It serves the underserved, communities of color and the broader Grand Rapids community. The organization’s mission is to become a nationally recognized nonprofit cultural center that celebrates Black Excellence. Its vision is to live in a world where African Americans have equitable financial, business, health, and cultural opportunities that lead to achieving success. They focus on providing programming and events for the underserved, communities of color, and the broader community in the areas of cultural arts, health awareness, entrepreneurship, and wealth building. In addition to growing their team, they are also excited to be developing plans to acquire a larger physical space for an African American Cultural center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If you are interested in joining this growing organization, keep reading for more details!

NIA Centre is seeking an Executive Director who has the skills and competencies to lead the organization and support the organization’s daily operations. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will work to develop strategies and effectively engage with the community to meet the goals, mission, and vision of the organization. Also, the Executive Director must have a strong work ethic and be able to deliver the necessary results to achieve the goals outlined in the organization’s Strategic Plan.

As the Executive Director, you will:

  • Implement the organization’s Strategic Plan and oversee daily operations of the organization and oversee the student internship program.

  • Implement fund development strategies (with a top priority of securing funding within and outside of Michigan) that includes grant research, grant writing, grant submission, grant reporting, and cultivation of relationships with foundations and donors.

  • Develop strategic partnerships with organizations that align with the organization’s mission and vision.

  • Developing programming and events that supports the vision, mission and positively impacts the community. 

  • Facilitate our annual fundraising event

  • Develop a corporate support program 

  • Implement membership engagement events and grow our membership.

  • Develop a volunteer screening process and recruitment plan to increase our volunteer base.

Ideal Characteristics:

  • Strong commitment to the organization’s mission

  • 3+ years of nonprofit leadership experience

  • Demonstrated success in securing grants within and outside of Michigan.

  • Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred but not required)

  • Strong record of increasing the volunteer base of organizations.

  • Experience in working with a membership organization.

  • Strong relationships with business leaders in Grand Rapids

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to provide strategic direction to the organization.

What we offer you:

  • $65,000 annual salary

  • Health, dental and vision insurance

  • PTO 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to Robert Upton, Jr., Board Chair at robert@niacentregr.org no later than Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

NIA Centre is pleased to announce that Kelly, a Senior from Davenport University, will be our new intern! Kelly is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She will assist us with conducting funding development research, feasibility study research, special projects, website upgrades, and corporate sponsorship program research.