Executive Director

Executive Director

Job Type: Full Time

Application Deadline: 06/10/2025

Salary: USD $100,000-$125,000 annually

Location: On-site in Detroit, MI

Experience level: Executive

Areas of Focus: Community Development, Housing & Homelessness, Poverty

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) seeks a community-oriented and passionate Executive Director to lead the organization in its next chapter following the retirement of its founder.

The DHDC was founded in 1997 with the aim of increasing the quality of life and creating opportunities for the predominantly Hispanic and Latinx community in Southwest Detroit. Today, the DHDC serves over 5,000 people annually in its mission and in support of its vision to effectuate a thriving, culturally vibrant, and safe community in which everyone has quality opportunities for self-determination, education and personal wealth.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic vision, financial health and long term sustainability, program innovation, and day-to-day operations of the DHDC while championing its mission and vision.

ABOUT YOU

You are a deeply mission and community-focused leader invested in championing the needs of the people you serve. You have a visionary, growth mindset and are a skilled relationship-builder who knows how to develop rapport and trust with a variety of stakeholders. You are a seasoned leader who is both adaptable and adept at managing changing environments while modeling stability and continuity of vision and mission. Most importantly, you are guided by an innate respect and appreciation for diversity of cultures, background, experiences, and perspectives, ensuring equity and inclusion are top priorities in your work and in your purpose.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop a long-term strategic plan for the organization following an assessment of current challenges and opportunities in the landscape
• Assess existing operations and processes, providing fresh perspectives while respecting the organization’s strong foundation and mission
• Establish and strengthen relationships with government agencies, funders, and community partners to enhance the organization’s impact and influence

Organizational Management and Leadership

• Assesses organizational capacity to implement strategies and identifies gaps in systems
• Conducts performance reviews for direct reports
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a dedicated staff of XX to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven work culture

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Oversee a complex budget with diverse and overlapping source funds
• Manage spending, monitor budget compliance, and mitigate financial risks, emphasizing cost neutrality and optimization
• Accountable for the operational and fiscal integrity within policies set by the board
• Serves as principal fundraiser and friendraiser for the organization
• Cultivates relationships with current and prospective funders and supporters, especially individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors and partners with the aim of securing fiscal stability and strong financial solvency
• Responsible for overseeing grant submissions and grant writing activities including identification of grant opportunities, timely submission of grant applications, and reporting compliance.

Advocacy

• Lead and support community-driven advocacy efforts.
• Strengthen and expand grassroots leadership through inclusive organizing and capacity-building initiatives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of public education strategies that raise awareness of systemic issues affecting the community.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local, regional, and statewide partners to advance shared policy goals.
• Ensure advocacy efforts are grounded in the voices and experiences of the community, with accessible engagement practices.
• Align advocacy work with the organization’s broader mission and ensure integration across programs and initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant experience senior-level nonprofit leadership experience, with a track record of innovation and growth.
• Demonstrated expertise with grant writing and management.
• Strong fundraising expertise, including expanding donor bases, identifying new grant opportunities, and securing major gifts.
• Proven track record in fundraising, grant writing, and financial management.
• Exceptional budgetary prowess, especially in financial management, budgeting, and operations of a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
• Demonstrated expertise developing community partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
• A visionary mindset with the ability to translate strategic goals into actionable plans.
• Strong public speaking, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to synthesize data, and make informed decisions based on that data.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and drive measurable impact.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to inspire stakeholders and elevate the organization’s reputation.
• Demonstrated adeptness at executing complex projects in fast paced environments from concept to implementation.
• Demonstrated discretion in maintaining confidentiality in sensitive situations, exercising flexibility and composure in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments.
• The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Mission Critical Competency Set

Using the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect®, the panel aligned on the following competencies as mission

critical for future Executive Directors of DHDC, to be used as the basis for behavioral interviewing.

• Ensures Accountability*
• Action Oriented
• Community Insight (Business Insight)**
• Manages Complexity
• Courage
• Financial Acumen***
• Builds Networks
• Being Resilient
• Balances Stakeholders
• Strategic Mindset
• Instills Trust
• Drives Vision and Purpose

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience providing a trauma-informed approach to leadership through the creation of safe and supportive environments for staff and community members.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The annual salary starting range is $100,000-$125,000 per year commensurate upon experience and qualifications. DHDC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, paid time off, and additional support for employee well-being. Details will be shared with candidates advancing in the process.

SEARCH TIMELINE AND PROCESS

Candidates should apply in confidence by submitting a cover letter and resume to apply@kjs.consulting. Applications submitted by 06/10/25 will be given priority consideration; anticipated start date is July 2025.

Please, no phone calls or emails to Detroit Hispanic Development Coalition or their staff.

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment, and for maintaining eligibility without sponsorship throughout their appointment.

The DHDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, veteran status, economic status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.