Executive Director

Are you passionate about providing opportunities for underserved children and experienced in managing nonprofits? If yes, please read on! About CLN Children’s Literacy Network designs and delivers literacy-based programs that provide equitable opportunities for children to develop a love of reading and books. Through school and community partnerships, CLN connects children and families with books, individualized reading support, and family literacy experiences.

Our work emphasizes evidence-informed practices, accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful family engagement.

About the Role

CLN seeks an Executive Director who enjoys leading a small organization through change and thoughtful growth. Working with the Board, the Executive Director sets strategic direction, builds partnerships and financial support, and ensures that CLN’s programs and operations advance its mission. This is a role for someone who finds energy in identifying possibilities, making decisions amid uncertainty, and turning strategy into action.

Our highly autonomous team brings substantial ownership of its work. The Executive Director provides clear priorities, support, and accountability while giving staff room to exercise their expertise. Success also requires moving comfortably between the big picture and the details, from shaping a partnership or budget to resolving a scheduling issue or reviewing a grant requirement.

Key Responsibilities

Work with the Board and staff to establish priorities, assess opportunities, and guide organizational change. Translate strategy into achievable plans, aligning growth with funding, staffing, and program quality. Team leadership: Lead, coach, and develop an autonomous team of employees and contractors. Clarify responsibilities and decision-making authority, remove barriers, provide useful feedback, and support collaboration and follow-through.

Fundraising and partnerships: Lead fundraising in collaboration with development staff and the Board. Cultivate donors and funders, secure school and community partnerships, and oversee proposals, stewardship, and fulfillment of grant commitments. Programs and impact: Support program staff in delivering, evaluating, and improving literacy programs.

Ensure effective coordination of volunteers, books, and partner relationships, with attention to inclusion, accessibility, and community needs. Finance and operations: Manage the budget and cash flow with the Treasurer, bookkeeper, and staff. Maintain sound financial practices, records, reporting, and compliance; ensure that essential administrative work is completed accurately and on time.

Board and community engagement: Keep the Board informed and equipped to make decisions. Represent CLN publicly, communicate its work and results, and engage partners, volunteers, and supporters in its mission. What you bring Ability to lead in a small organization, with responsibility for people, budgets, and results; enthusiasm for change and strategic growth; and a collaborative leadership style that combines trust with clear expectations.

You can build relationships, secure support, communicate clearly, exercise sound judgment, and follow through on practical details. You care about children’s literacy and equitable opportunity and are willing to learn the practices that guide CLN’s work. Compensation, Benefits, and Work Arrangements Competitive salary of $80,000-$95,000.

Quarterly healthcare stipend. Flexible hybrid work environment with 1-3 in-office days per week in Ann Arbor. Opportunities to engage with partners locally and across the region, including occasional evening and weekend events.