Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Neighbors of Belknap Lookout (NOBL)

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Part-Time (30 - 35 Hours per Week) | $23–$25 per Hour | Grand Rapids, Michigan

About Neighbors of Belknap Lookout

Neighbors of Belknap Lookout (NOBL, pronounced “noble”) is a resident-led nonprofit organization that has been building community in the Belknap Lookout neighborhood since 1980.

Our mission is to advocate for and enhance the quality of life in the Belknap Lookout neighborhood. Through collaboration, advocacy, and stewardship, we strive to create a safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment for current and future generations.

NOBL organizes community-building programs and events, supports neighborhood leadership development, promotes public safety initiatives, operates the Belknap Collaborative Garden and Belknap Tool Library, facilitates neighborhood committees, and works closely with residents, businesses, institutions, and local government to strengthen our community.

NOBL is guided by four core values

• Community – We listen, engage, and collaborate to build a stronger neighborhood.
• Inclusivity – We welcome and support all residents, workers, and visitors.
• Advocacy – We stand up for the needs and concerns of our community.
• Transparency – We act with honesty, accountability, and integrity.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as NOBL’s lead staff member and is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, implementing Board-approved priorities, supervising staff and volunteers, coordinating community programs and projects, and ensuring organizational compliance and accountability.

The Executive Director works closely with NOBL’s Board of Directors, committees, community partners, contracted accounting professionals, and Fundraising & Grants Director to advance the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

The Executive Director directly supervises the Fundraising & Grants Director and any future staff positions authorized by the Board.

This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and is best suited for a collaborative, organized, and community-focused leader who enjoys working with residents, volunteers, public officials, and nonprofit partners.

Primary Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Program Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Implement the strategic priorities established by the Board of Directors.
• Oversee ongoing neighborhood programs, events, committees, and initiatives.
• Recommend new programs, partnerships, and opportunities that align with NOBL’s mission and community needs.
• Maintain organizational records, policies, and administrative systems.
• Support Board committees and assist with meeting preparation, reporting, and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate NOBL’s participation in major community improvement projects and strategic partnerships.
• Prepare regular reports regarding organizational activities, accomplishments, and emerging issues.

Financial Oversight & Administration

• Work with the Treasurer, Board, and contracted CPA firm to monitor organizational finances and budgets.
• Assist in preparing annual budgets and financial reports.
• Monitor grant expenditures and reimbursement requests
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Support stewardship and reporting requirements related to organizational reserves and future endowment assets.
• Provide regular financial and operational updates to the Board.

Grants & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with funding requirements, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs and other grant-funded initiatives.
• Maintain timely and accurate programmatic and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with City of Grand Rapids departments and funding agencies regarding grant requirements, reimbursements, and reporting.
• Support audits, grant reviews, and organizational compliance activities.

Community Engagement & Communications

• Serve as a primary liaison with neighborhood residents, city agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and institutional partners.
• Foster productive relationships with stakeholders including Corewell Health, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Police Department, and other community organizations.
• Maintain NOBL’s visibility through newsletters, social media, public meetings, and community events.
• Respond to resident concerns and help connect residents with appropriate resources and opportunities.
• Promote volunteer engagement and neighborhood leadership development.
• Support transparent communication regarding neighborhood issues, programs, and projects.

Fundraising & Development Support

• Directly supervise and support the Fundraising & Grants Director.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and establish annual goals for fundraising and grant-development activities.
• Support implementation of fundraising, grant management, donor stewardship, and reporting activities.
• Coordinate organizational priorities with fundraising strategies and grant opportunities.
• Assist the Board and Fundraising & Grants Director in cultivating community partnerships and donor relationships.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment of donations and fulfillment of grant reporting obligations.

Personnel & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Support volunteer committees and neighborhood leadership initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with grant-funded employment requirements and applicable personnel policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, community development, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Three or more years of experience in nonprofit management, program administration, community engagement, project coordination, or a related field.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and volunteers.
• Experience managing programs, budgets, grants, or community-based initiatives.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising and grant administration.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and common office software.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Working Conditions & Benefits

• Part-time position (30 - 35 hours per week)
• Compensation of $23–$25 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Eight prorated paid holidays
• Paid personal time off
• Some evening and weekend availability required
• Local travel within Grand Rapids required

Equal Opportunity Employer

NOBL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented populations.

To Apply

Please submit

• Resume Cover letter Two writing samples demonstrating professional communication, community engagement, grant writing, or related work

Applications should be emailed to

boardchair@belknaplookout.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Additional Information

Because NOBL receives funding through the City of Grand Rapids Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits

• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Grand Rapids, MI 49503