Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth

Ford Motor • Detroit, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Michigan Central is a hub where founders, industry leaders, researchers, and government collaborate to develop and scale technologies shaping the future of construction and mobility. The Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth will be responsible for cultivating and managing external funding relationships across corporate, philanthropic, and major individual giving channels. This is a frontline role requiring engagement with decision-makers at foundations, corporations, and civic institutions, and will involve developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy. The position reports directly to the Director of Growth and collaborates closely with senior leadership within Michigan Central and its broader network of partners. This role is based onsite in Detroit, MI, five days a week.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in philanthropy, corporate civic giving, impact investing, or related fields — with a demonstrated track record of closing significant gifts or grants.
• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Demonstrate deep, existing relationships with national philanthropic foundations and/or corporate social impact/giving programs — not just a familiarity with the landscape.
• Experience working in or with place-based economic development, workforce development, or urban innovation initiatives.
• Genuine connection to Detroit or a strong motivation to invest in the city's future.
• Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• A compelling communicator who can translate complex work into clear, persuasive narratives for executive audiences.
• Entrepreneurial — comfortable building systems, relationships, and strategy in a high-growth, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year capital strategy focused on philanthropic, corporate civic, and mission-aligned private giving, with a deliberate emphasis on national funders.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospects; lead all stages from cultivation to close to stewardship.
• Set annual revenue targets and report pipeline health and progress to senior leadership.
• Actively expand Michigan Central's presence and credibility within local and national philanthropy and corporate social impact networks.
• Serve as Michigan Central's primary external relationship manager across philanthropic, civic, and corporate partners, owning senior-level touchpoints and long-term engagement plans.
• Develop clear engagement menus for partners (grants, sponsorships, fellowships, convenings) tied directly to Michigan Central's economic development and workforce priorities.
• Lead cross-sector forums and ecosystem convenings that deepen our network and strengthen Michigan Central's position as a national model for place-based innovation.
• Shape how Michigan Central is understood externally as a driver of Detroit and Michigan's economic growth and not just a Ford project.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop a compelling, consistent narrative for Michigan Central's economic development and workforce agenda.
• Create and maintain high-quality fundraising materials: cases for support, investment decks, one-pagers, impact reports, and executive talking points.
• Build and maintain a library of case studies that demonstrate measurable partner and community impact.
• Ensure clear distinction and alignment between Michigan Central's value to Ford and its broader impact on Detroit and Michigan.
• Continuously scan the national philanthropic, corporate giving, and impact-investment landscape for new funding programs, collaborative opportunities, and policy tailwinds.
• Advise Michigan Central leadership on emerging trends in place-based economic development, workforce/skills, and civic innovation.
• Translate market intelligence into concrete partnership and capital strategies.
• Work closely with program and finance teams to align funding strategies with program design and delivery.
• Establish lightweight internal processes for opportunity intake, decision-making, and grant/sponsorship execution.
• Build a culture of stewardship — ensuring program teams follow through on commitments made to funders and partners.
• Maintain accurate records of relationships, opportunities, and outcomes in shared CRM tools.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree