Head of Partnership, Michigan Central

Ford • Detroit, MI

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Michigan Central is an impact organization that brings together innovation, culture, community, and entrepreneurship to help shape what’s next for Detroit and beyond. Its 501(c)(3) organization advances its work by building programs and partnerships that deliver meaningful, measurable community benefit.

Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Partnership sets strategic direction and leads partnership development in support of the organization’s charitable and community-impact mission. The role translates purpose into priorities, impact goals, and partnership strategies; aligns internal teams and external stakeholders; and oversees progress toward intended outcomes. It connects philanthropic and community engagement, partnership and government affairs, education and talent, innovation, and programming around shared priorities, measures of impact, and accountability for execution.

The position is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week. This is a leadership level 4 role. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Significant leadership experience in strategy, partnerships, philanthropy, community impact, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to shape organizational strategy and translate it into practical priorities, measurable outcomes, and accountable plans.
• Experience developing and managing complex partnerships across multiple sectors, such as nonprofit, philanthropic, education, government, community, or industry.
• Strong understanding of community-centered and impact-focused work, including listening, trust, collaboration, and accountability.
• Experience working with or alongside 501(c)(3) organizations; familiarity with charitable purpose, nonprofit governance, and tax-exempt organizational considerations.
• Strong relationship-building, facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills, including the ability to engage senior executives and community stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic judgment, including the ability to use evidence and learning to guide decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in or with Detroit-area communities.
• An advanced degree or specialized training.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and ongoing refinement of Michigan Central’s strategic plan, aligning it with the organization’s goals.
• Develop an impact framework to assess the reach, quality, and outcomes of programs and partnerships.
• Maintain a clear focus on community impact and on the needs of Michigan Central’s community, government, philanthropic, and industry partners.
• Identify potential partners across nonprofit, philanthropic, educational, community, government, industry, corporate, and innovation sectors.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key partners and represent the organization in strategic discussions.
• Oversee the partnership portfolio strategically, identifying opportunities to deepen effective collaborations and addressing partnerships that are not meeting expectations.
• Help ensure community perspectives inform strategic planning, partnership and program development, and impact assessment.
• Support strategies that build trust, expand participation, and create sustained value for Detroit and Michigan residents and communities.
• Connect philanthropic priorities and available resources with programs and partnerships that advance the organization’s charitable mission.
• Provide strategic direction for partnerships with government, education, workforce, talent, industry, and innovation organizations.
• Identify opportunities to align partner resources, expertise, and networks in support of charitable goals.
• Ensure partnership commitments are clear, appropriately governed, and supported by realistic measures of progress.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• 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.
• 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