Council of Michigan Foundations
Network Partner-Affordable Housing
Council of Michigan Foundations, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States, 49006
The Stryker Johnston Foundation (SJF) is a private family foundation based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was founded in 1995 by Ronda Stryker and Bill Johnston. We partner with organizations and groups that work to strengthen and build thriving, equitable communities. We invest in and partner with organizations and groups working to end intergenerational poverty in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. We strive to use a relationship centered approach in all we do. We see this approach as one that is driven by values. It is centered on relationships. It is aware of how power works. It prioritizes equity, trust, and ongoing partnership. It is an ongoing practice for SJF. We actively work to include relationship centered principles, values, and practices in everything we do, including our granting. We are working with our partners to end the cycle of poverty in Kalamazoo County. We are using our power as a foundation to support, champion, and raise up the work of people who are making real change in our community.
Position Description The Network Partner – Affordable Housing will help co-create a future where every person has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. This role is rooted in community voice and justice, working with residents, nonprofits, developers, and policymakers to build housing systems that support stability and thriving neighborhoods. The Network Partner will facilitate cross-sector partnerships, manage housing‑related grant portfolios, and strengthen community capacity to address systemic housing inequities. This position reports to the Grant Program and Partnerships Director.
Responsibilities
Build and activate networks of trust and collaboration among housing advocates, urban planners, nonprofit leaders, and residents, ensuring that those most impacted by housing instability help shape solutions for their own communities.
Identify systemic barriers to affordable housing—including inequities in zoning, financing, and access—and work with partners to advance collaborative solutions that prioritize dignity, stability, and generational opportunity.
Partner with nonprofit housing organizations and grassroots leaders to strengthen leadership, sustainability, and organizational capacity, walking alongside them as a partner rather than a gatekeeper.
Steward a housing‑focused grant portfolio grounded in equitable, trust‑based practices that redistribute resources in ways that reduce poverty and expand access to safe, affordable housing for families across Kalamazoo County.
Engage in continuous learning and reflection by staying current on evidence‑based and promising housing practices, integrating both data‑driven analysis and community‑driven insights into philanthropic decision‑making.
Represent the foundation with humility and accountability in housing coalitions, advocacy forums, and conferences, amplifying community voices and ensuring Kalamazoo County’s local lessons inform broader housing equity efforts.
Synthesize insights from the housing sector to inform the foundation’s broader learning and strategy, aligning grantmaking and systems‑change efforts with the responsibility to reduce the housing burden, increase housing stability, and promote generational land/home ownership.
Model a collaborative, equity‑driven team culture, contributing housing expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and the responsibility to co‑create a community where safe, stable housing is a foundation for families and communities to thrive for generations.
Qualifications Professional Experience
Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree preferred in Urban Planning, Community Development, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field.
5+ years of professional experience in affordable housing, community development, or related sectors.
Lived experience that grounds the passion and commitment to the work a plus.
Demonstrated expertise in housing systems, housing equity, or neighborhood revitalization.
Strong collaboration and facilitation skills, with ability to connect across diverse sectors.
Commitment to equity, trust‑based philanthropy, and community‑driven solutions.
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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Position Description The Network Partner – Affordable Housing will help co-create a future where every person has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. This role is rooted in community voice and justice, working with residents, nonprofits, developers, and policymakers to build housing systems that support stability and thriving neighborhoods. The Network Partner will facilitate cross-sector partnerships, manage housing‑related grant portfolios, and strengthen community capacity to address systemic housing inequities. This position reports to the Grant Program and Partnerships Director.
Responsibilities
Build and activate networks of trust and collaboration among housing advocates, urban planners, nonprofit leaders, and residents, ensuring that those most impacted by housing instability help shape solutions for their own communities.
Identify systemic barriers to affordable housing—including inequities in zoning, financing, and access—and work with partners to advance collaborative solutions that prioritize dignity, stability, and generational opportunity.
Partner with nonprofit housing organizations and grassroots leaders to strengthen leadership, sustainability, and organizational capacity, walking alongside them as a partner rather than a gatekeeper.
Steward a housing‑focused grant portfolio grounded in equitable, trust‑based practices that redistribute resources in ways that reduce poverty and expand access to safe, affordable housing for families across Kalamazoo County.
Engage in continuous learning and reflection by staying current on evidence‑based and promising housing practices, integrating both data‑driven analysis and community‑driven insights into philanthropic decision‑making.
Represent the foundation with humility and accountability in housing coalitions, advocacy forums, and conferences, amplifying community voices and ensuring Kalamazoo County’s local lessons inform broader housing equity efforts.
Synthesize insights from the housing sector to inform the foundation’s broader learning and strategy, aligning grantmaking and systems‑change efforts with the responsibility to reduce the housing burden, increase housing stability, and promote generational land/home ownership.
Model a collaborative, equity‑driven team culture, contributing housing expertise while embracing humility, shared learning, and the responsibility to co‑create a community where safe, stable housing is a foundation for families and communities to thrive for generations.
Qualifications Professional Experience
Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree preferred in Urban Planning, Community Development, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field.
5+ years of professional experience in affordable housing, community development, or related sectors.
Lived experience that grounds the passion and commitment to the work a plus.
Demonstrated expertise in housing systems, housing equity, or neighborhood revitalization.
Strong collaboration and facilitation skills, with ability to connect across diverse sectors.
Commitment to equity, trust‑based philanthropy, and community‑driven solutions.
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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