Network Partner-Education

ABOUT STRYKER JOHNSTON FOUNDATION

The Stryker Johnston Foundation (SJF) is a private family foundation founded by Ronda Stryker and Bill Johnston and based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. For nearly 30 years, SJF has partnered with organizations and groups that work to strengthen and build thriving, equitable communities.

SJF invests in and partners with organizations and groups working to end intergenerational poverty in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. They follow a relationship-centered philanthropy model that is driven by values, centers relationships, is aware of power dynamics, and prioritizes equity, trust, and ongoing partnerships.

SJF partners with organizations and groups to change the systems and structures that create intergenerational poverty, particularly among Black people, people of color, and other communities that have been left out or left behind. SJF is using its power as a foundation to support, champion, and raise-up the work of people who are making real change in the Kalamazoo community.

The Foundation is led by a Board of Directors consisting of Bill, Ronda, and their three children. The Foundation staff are a dedicated and passionate group of seven, including the Executive Director, all based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Network Partner – Education is a relationship-builder, thought partner, and advocate for equitable learning. Grounded in human dignity and community voice, this role works alongside families, educators, schools, and nonprofits to strengthen educational ecosystems from early childcare through K-12 helping to ensure every child can thrive. Rather than focusing only on technical outcomes, this role emphasizes authentic relationships, trust, and the shared belief that education is a pathway to opportunity and community well-being. This position reports to the Grant Program and Partnerships Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cultivate networks of trust and partnership by connecting schools, families, nonprofits, and community leaders, ensuring that solutions for equitable education are co-created with those most impacted by educational inequities.
• Identify and address systemic barriers across early childhood, K–12, and higher education, working alongside partners to create pathways that nurture student success, family stability, and generational opportunity.
• Support nonprofit and school leaders with capacity-building and program development, honoring their expertise while providing resources and guidance that strengthen sustainability and impact.
• Steward an education-focused grant portfolio through trust-based practices that redistribute resources and power, aligning investments with community priorities to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Engage in continuous learning grounded in both evidence and lived experience, staying up to date on promising practices, data-driven strategies, and people-driven insights to inform decisions that improve educational equity.
• Represent the foundation with humility and accountability in educational coalitions, forums, and convenings, amplifying community voice and contributing to a shared vision of educational justice in Kalamazoo County.
• Bring forward education sector insights that refine the foundation’s broader strategies, ensuring that grantmaking, systems change, and community partnerships work in harmony to eliminate poverty.
• Model a collaborative and reflective team culture, contributing subject matter expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and the responsibility to co-create a more equitable future for all children.

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, Public Policy, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in education systems, philanthropy, or nonprofit leadership.
• Lived experience that grounds the passion and commitment to the work a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in advancing equitable educational outcomes.
• Strong facilitation and cross-sector collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, human dignity, and lifelong learning through community-centered approaches.

Knowledge & Skills

• Cultivate networks of trust and partnership by connecting schools, families, nonprofits, and community leaders, ensuring that solutions for equitable education are co-created with those most impacted by educational inequities.
• Identify and address systemic barriers across early childhood, K–12, and higher education, working alongside partners to create pathways that nurture student success, family stability, and generational opportunity.
• Support nonprofit and school leaders with capacity-building and program development, honoring their expertise while providing resources and guidance that strengthen sustainability and impact.
• Steward an education-focused grant portfolio through trust-based practices that redistribute resources and power, aligning investments with community priorities to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Engage in continuous learning grounded in both evidence and lived experience, staying up to date on promising practices, data-driven strategies, and people-driven insights to inform decisions that improve educational equity.
• Represent the foundation with humility and accountability in educational coalitions, forums, and convenings, amplifying community voice and contributing to a shared vision of educational justice in Kalamazoo County.
• Bring forward education sector insights that refine the foundation’s broader strategies, ensuring that grantmaking, systems change, and community partnerships work in harmony to eliminate poverty.
• Model a collaborative and reflective team culture, contributing subject matter expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and the responsibility to co-create a more equitable future for all children.

NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF ROLE

Location

The Network Partner – Education position is based out of our Kalamazoo office. Currently, SJF staff work on a hybrid schedule.

Availability and Working Hours

This is a full-time position with standard working hours of 8:00 am-5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.

Travel

On occasion, you may be asked to travel domestically / internationally for site visits, conferences and/or foundation gatherings and events.

Nature of Work

This role carries a fluctuating workload due to various deadlines and cyclical processes. It entails extensive keyboard and computer monitor use and exposure to sensitive and confidential information.

The information above is intended to describe the general nature and requirements of this position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. In order to successfully perform this job, individuals must be able to satisfactorily perform the primary roles and responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary roles and responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

Base Salary Range: $110,000-$145,000; actual starting salary within the range will be commensurate with a candidate’s breadth and depth of experience, education, certifications, special skills, and accomplishments.

Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Leave and Benefits:

• Generous paid leave policy
• Collective Rest & Reflection Time: SJF closes their office for at least two weeks each year for collective rest and reflection time (typically one week in the summer and one week in the winter)
• 11 federal holidays
• Generous medical, dental, vision benefits, a wellness program stipend
• General annual 401(k) matching plan

Leave and Benefits:

• Generous paid leave policy
• Collective Rest & Reflection Time: SJF closes their office for at least two weeks each year for collective rest and reflection time (typically one week in the summer and one week in the winter)
• 11 federal holidays
• Generous medical, dental, vision benefits, a wellness program stipend
• General annual 401(k) matching plan

ABOUT STRYKER JOHNSTON FOUNDATION

The Stryker Johnston Foundation (SJF) is a private family foundation founded by Ronda Stryker and Bill Johnston and based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. For nearly 30 years, SJF has partnered with organizations and groups that work to strengthen and build thriving, equitable communities.

SJF invests in and partners with organizations and groups working to end intergenerational poverty in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. They follow a relationship-centered philanthropy model that is driven by values, centers relationships, is aware of power dynamics, and prioritizes equity, trust, and ongoing partnerships.

SJF partners with organizations and groups to change the systems and structures that create intergenerational poverty, particularly among Black people, people of color, and other communities that have been left out or left behind. SJF is using its power as a foundation to support, champion, and raise-up the work of people who are making real change in the Kalamazoo community.

The Foundation is led by a Board of Directors consisting of Bill, Ronda, and their three children. The Foundation staff are a dedicated and passionate group of seven, including the Executive Director, all based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Network Partner – Education is a relationship-builder, thought partner, and advocate for equitable learning. Grounded in human dignity and community voice, this role works alongside families, educators, schools, and nonprofits to strengthen educational ecosystems from early childcare through K-12 helping to ensure every child can thrive. Rather than focusing only on technical outcomes, this role emphasizes authentic relationships, trust, and the shared belief that education is a pathway to opportunity and community well-being. This position reports to the Grant Program and Partnerships Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cultivate networks of trust and partnership by connecting schools, families, nonprofits, and community leaders, ensuring that solutions for equitable education are co-created with those most impacted by educational inequities.
• Identify and address systemic barriers across early childhood, K–12, and higher education, working alongside partners to create pathways that nurture student success, family stability, and generational opportunity.
• Support nonprofit and school leaders with capacity-building and program development, honoring their expertise while providing resources and guidance that strengthen sustainability and impact.
• Steward an education-focused grant portfolio through trust-based practices that redistribute resources and power, aligning investments with community priorities to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Engage in continuous learning grounded in both evidence and lived experience, staying up to date on promising practices, data-driven strategies, and people-driven insights to inform decisions that improve educational equity.
• Represent the foundation with humility and accountability in educational coalitions, forums, and convenings, amplifying community voice and contributing to a shared vision of educational justice in Kalamazoo County.
• Bring forward education sector insights that refine the foundation’s broader strategies, ensuring that grantmaking, systems change, and community partnerships work in harmony to eliminate poverty.
• Model a collaborative and reflective team culture, contributing subject matter expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and the responsibility to co-create a more equitable future for all children.

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, Public Policy, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in education systems, philanthropy, or nonprofit leadership.
• Lived experience that grounds the passion and commitment to the work a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in advancing equitable educational outcomes.
• Strong facilitation and cross-sector collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, human dignity, and lifelong learning through community-centered approaches.

Knowledge & Skills

• Cultivate networks of trust and partnership by connecting schools, families, nonprofits, and community leaders, ensuring that solutions for equitable education are co-created with those most impacted by educational inequities.
• Identify and address systemic barriers across early childhood, K–12, and higher education, working alongside partners to create pathways that nurture student success, family stability, and generational opportunity.
• Support nonprofit and school leaders with capacity-building and program development, honoring their expertise while providing resources and guidance that strengthen sustainability and impact.
• Steward an education-focused grant portfolio through trust-based practices that redistribute resources and power, aligning investments with community priorities to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Engage in continuous learning grounded in both evidence and lived experience, staying up to date on promising practices, data-driven strategies, and people-driven insights to inform decisions that improve educational equity.
• Represent the foundation with humility and accountability in educational coalitions, forums, and convenings, amplifying community voice and contributing to a shared vision of educational justice in Kalamazoo County.
• Bring forward education sector insights that refine the foundation’s broader strategies, ensuring that grantmaking, systems change, and community partnerships work in harmony to eliminate poverty.
• Model a collaborative and reflective team culture, contributing subject matter expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and the responsibility to co-create a more equitable future for all children.

NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF ROLE

Location

The Network Partner – Education position is based out of our Kalamazoo office. Currently, SJF staff work on a hybrid schedule.

Availability and Working Hours

This is a full-time position with standard working hours of 8:00 am-5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.

Travel

On occasion, you may be asked to travel domestically / internationally for site visits, conferences and/or foundation gatherings and events.

Nature of Work

This role carries a fluctuating workload due to various deadlines and cyclical processes. It entails extensive keyboard and computer monitor use and exposure to sensitive and confidential information.

The information above is intended to describe the general nature and requirements of this position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. In order to successfully perform this job, individuals must be able to satisfactorily perform the primary roles and responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary roles and responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

Base Salary Range: $110,000-$145,000; actual starting salary within the range will be commensurate with a candidate’s breadth and depth of experience, education, certifications, special skills, and accomplishments.

Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Leave and Benefits:

• Generous paid leave policy
• Collective Rest & Reflection Time: SJF closes their office for at least two weeks each year for collective rest and reflection time (typically one week in the summer and one week in the winter)
• 11 federal holidays
• Generous medical, dental, vision benefits, a wellness program stipend
• General annual 401(k) matching plan