Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Organization: Freedom House Detroit

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Reports To: Board of Directors

Salary Range: $100,000 – $125,000 (based on experience and fundraising expertise)

About Freedom House Detroit

Freedom House Detroit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families who have fled persecution and are seeking humanitarian protection in the United States or Canada.

Founded in 1983, the organization provides a safe, supportive environment where asylum seekers can rebuild their lives while pursuing legal protection. Services include:

• Safe housing
• Legal assistance
• Medical and mental health care
• Employment support
• Cultural orientation

Through a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, Freedom House Detroit empowers individuals to navigate complex immigration systems and integrate into new communities.

The Opportunity

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead the organization’s strategic direction, operational performance, and financial sustainability while advancing its mission and long-term impact.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will:

• Oversee organizational operations
• Lead a strong director-level leadership team
• Ensure effective delivery of programs and services

This is a high-impact leadership role with a key focus on expanding fundraising efforts, strengthening donor relationships, and diversifying revenue streams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board to establish short- and long-term goals, strategies, and policies
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to support growth and impact
• Align programs, operations, and financial sustainability
• Identify opportunities for expansion, partnerships, and community engagement

Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Oversee all departments and provide leadership to director-level staff
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture
• Ensure cross-functional coordination and operational effectiveness
• Address organizational and programmatic challenges

Fundraising & Development

• Develop and execute strategies to grow private-sector and philanthropic funding
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners
• Strengthen government funding partnerships and grant opportunities
• Represent the organization at community and donor events

Financial Oversight

• Ensure financial sustainability and responsible fiscal management
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and planning
• Maintain compliance with funding and regulatory requirements

Community Engagement & Representation

• Serve as the public face of Freedom House Detroit
• Build relationships with government agencies, community partners, and donors
• Represent the organization at events, conferences, and advocacy efforts

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and grant requirements
• Provide regular updates to the Board on performance and strategy
• Maintain transparency and accountability across the organization

Operational Availability

• Lead within a 24/7 operational environment
• Respond to urgent organizational needs and support continuity of services

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, social work, international affairs, or related field
• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, public sector, or mission-driven organizations
• Proven success in fundraising, donor development, or grant acquisition
• Experience working with boards, community stakeholders, and government partners
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public-facing abilities
• Ability to lead in a dynamic, mission-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or related field)
• Experience working with immigrant communities
• Experience supporting or advocating for LGBTQ populations
• Track record of leading organizations through growth and funding diversification

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned by the Board of Directors to support the mission and operations of Freedom House Detroit.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Freedom House is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, veteran status, marital or familial status, pregnancy, union membership, political affiliation, genetic information, or physical or mental disability, in accordance with applicable laws.