Job Description

ABOUT STRYKER JOHNSTON FOUNDATION

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 OVERVIEW

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 is 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.

Knowledge & Skills

• 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.

NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF ROLE

Location

The Network Partner - Affordable Housing position is based out of our Kalamazoo office. Currently, SJF staff work on a hybrid schedule.

Availability and Working Hours

This is a full-time position with standard working hours of 8:00 am-5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.

Travel

On occasion, you may be asked to travel domestically / internationally for site visits, conferences and/or foundation gatherings and events.

Nature of Work

This role carries a fluctuating workload due to various deadlines and cyclical processes. It entails extensive keyboard and computer monitor use and exposure to sensitive and confidential information.

The information above is intended to describe the general nature and requirements of this position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. In order to successfully perform this job, individuals must be able to satisfactorily perform the primary roles and responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary roles and responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

Base Salary Range: $110,000-$145,000; actual starting salary within the range will be commensurate with a candidate's breadth and depth of experience, education, certifications, special skills, and accomplishments. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Leave and Benefits

• Generous paid leave policy
• Collective Rest & Reflection Time: SJF closes their office for at least two weeks each year for collective rest and reflection time (typically one week in the summer and one week in the winter)
• 11 federal holidays
• Generous medical, dental, vision benefits, a wellness program stipend
• General annual 401(k) matching plan

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 1100 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.

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