Council of Michigan Foundations
Network Partner-Education
Council of Michigan Foundations, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States, 49006
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 Description
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 forequitable education are co-created with those most impacted byeducational inequities. Identify and address systemic barriers across early childhood, K–12, andhigher education, working alongside partners to create pathways thatnurture student success, family stability, and generational opportunity. Support nonprofit and school leaders with capacity-building andprogram development, honoring their expertise while providingresources and guidance that strengthen sustainability and impact. Steward an education-focused grant portfolio through trust-basedpractices that redistribute resources and power, aligning investmentswith community priorities to improve outcomes for children andfamilies. Engage in continuous learning grounded in both evidence and livedexperience, staying up to date on promising practices, data-drivenstrategies, and people-driven insights to inform decisions that improveeducational equity. Represent the foundation with humility and accountability ineducational coalitions, forums, and convenings, amplifying communityvoice and contributing to a shared vision of educational justice inKalamazoo County. Bring forward education sector insights that refine the foundation’sbroader strategies, ensuring that grantmaking, systems change, andcommunity partnerships work in harmony to eliminate poverty. Model a collaborative and reflective team culture, contributing subjectmatter expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and theresponsibility 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 nonprofitleadership. Lived experience that grounds the passion and commitment to thework a plus. Demonstrated expertise in advancing equitable educational outcomes. Strong facilitation and cross-sector collaboration skills with diversestakeholders. Commitment to equity, human dignity, and lifelong learning through community-centered approaches. Salary & Benefits
Salary Range $110,000-$145,000 How to Apply
Submission & Closing For consideration, please submit your resume and a cover letter that shares a clear narrative of your experience, values, and your perspective on the role of philanthropy through the position application portal at Network Partner - Education Submission. This search is being conducted by SHARED Strategy Group, LLC. To suggest a prospective candidate or for questions please email Daymian McGuire at SJF@sharedstrategygroup.com . Closing date for submissions is October 23, 2025 at 5 pm ET. People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. SJF is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities. SJF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions. SJF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees as required by law.
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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 forequitable education are co-created with those most impacted byeducational inequities. Identify and address systemic barriers across early childhood, K–12, andhigher education, working alongside partners to create pathways thatnurture student success, family stability, and generational opportunity. Support nonprofit and school leaders with capacity-building andprogram development, honoring their expertise while providingresources and guidance that strengthen sustainability and impact. Steward an education-focused grant portfolio through trust-basedpractices that redistribute resources and power, aligning investmentswith community priorities to improve outcomes for children andfamilies. Engage in continuous learning grounded in both evidence and livedexperience, staying up to date on promising practices, data-drivenstrategies, and people-driven insights to inform decisions that improveeducational equity. Represent the foundation with humility and accountability ineducational coalitions, forums, and convenings, amplifying communityvoice and contributing to a shared vision of educational justice inKalamazoo County. Bring forward education sector insights that refine the foundation’sbroader strategies, ensuring that grantmaking, systems change, andcommunity partnerships work in harmony to eliminate poverty. Model a collaborative and reflective team culture, contributing subjectmatter expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and theresponsibility 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 nonprofitleadership. Lived experience that grounds the passion and commitment to thework a plus. Demonstrated expertise in advancing equitable educational outcomes. Strong facilitation and cross-sector collaboration skills with diversestakeholders. Commitment to equity, human dignity, and lifelong learning through community-centered approaches. Salary & Benefits
Salary Range $110,000-$145,000 How to Apply
Submission & Closing For consideration, please submit your resume and a cover letter that shares a clear narrative of your experience, values, and your perspective on the role of philanthropy through the position application portal at Network Partner - Education Submission. This search is being conducted by SHARED Strategy Group, LLC. To suggest a prospective candidate or for questions please email Daymian McGuire at SJF@sharedstrategygroup.com . Closing date for submissions is October 23, 2025 at 5 pm ET. People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. SJF is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities. SJF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions. SJF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees as required by law.
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