Executive Director - Michigan

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow a high-impact organization that is changing lives across Michigan.

As Executive Director, you will provide strategic leadership for Degree Forward while serving as Trio's primary leader and ambassador in the state. You'll oversee program operations, build and develop an exceptional team, cultivate community partnerships, and lead local fundraising efforts that ensure long-term sustainability.

We're looking for a leader who enjoys building—someone who can think strategically while remaining deeply engaged in execution. You'll work closely with Trio's national leadership while having significant autonomy to strengthen and expand our Michigan impact.

What You'll Lead

Organizational Leadership

• Set the strategic vision and direction for Degree Forward in Michigan.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, mission-driven team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with Trio's national leadership to advance organizational priorities.

Program Growth & Operations

• Ensure exceptional program quality and strong learner outcomes across multiple sites.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, budgets, systems, and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision making.
• Lead expansion into new Michigan communities over time.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Serve as the lead fundraiser and external ambassador for Trio in Michigan.
• Build and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes individuals, foundations, corporate partners, and public funding.
• Cultivate and steward major donor and institutional relationships.
• Partner with national leadership to secure philanthropic investments and achieve long-term financial sustainability.
• Engage and activate the advisory board to expand philanthropic support and community relationships.

Community Leadership & Partnerships

• Build trusted partnerships with employers, community organizations, colleges, and civic leaders.
• Serve as the public face of Degree Forward throughout Michigan.
• Strengthen Trio's visibility, reputation, and impact across the state.
• Recruit, develop, and engage a high-performing local advisory board.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, mission-driven executive who combines strategic leadership with operational excellence.

Qualifications include:

• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, education, workforce development, or another mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, managing complex initiatives, and delivering measurable results.
• Significant experience building partnerships, cultivating stakeholders, and representing an organization externally.
• Proven fundraising experience, including securing philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations, or public sources.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Experience growing programs, organizations, or multi-site initiatives is highly desirable.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and leadership abilities.
• Deep commitment to educational equity, economic mobility, and serving working adult learners.
• Knowledge of Michigan communities and statewide networks is preferred.

Why Join Trio?

This is more than an Executive Director role - it's an opportunity to build lasting impact.

You'll join an ambitious national organization at an exciting stage of growth, with the opportunity to shape the future of adult education across Michigan while helping hundreds of working adults transform their lives through higher education.

At Trio, you'll find:

• A mission with measurable impact
• Significant executive leadership responsibility
• The opportunity to grow and scale an innovative statewide initiative
• A collaborative national leadership team
• The chance to build partnerships that strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity

If you're energized by building organizations, leading teams, raising resources, and creating pathways to economic mobility, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to rhonda.myles@trionetwork.org describing your interest in the role and your experience leading organizations, building partnerships, and advancing mission-driven work.

Trio New College Network is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work and encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.