Commongrounds is Hiring a New Executive Director
ABOUT COMMONGROUNDS COOPERATIVE
Commongrounds Cooperative is a forward-thinking real estate cooperative focused on cultivating community through cooperatively-owned spaces. Our pilot project is a four-story, mixed-use building located at 414 E. Eighth Street, featuring nonprofit, business, and residential tenants, as well as spaces for visual arts and events. We are committed to providing a dynamic and sustainable environment that enhances the intersection of food, family, arts, and wellness.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARY
Experienced leader passionate about collaborating with tenant and community owners to operate a welcoming and inclusive community hub for food, family, arts, and wellness. Ideally, you’re familiar with a cooperative operating model - we are owned by the people who use our product, in our case, our first- and second-floor building tenants, apartment residents, and community patrons. Oversees operations; fundraising; and owner, partner, and public relations to drive mission and financial sustainability.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (% of FTE)
Fundraising (50%):
Drive fundraising strategy, including developing case for support and donor tables and goals
Serve as primary fundraiser, building and maintaining relationships with individual donors, foundations, and government agencies.
Develop and implement sponsorship opportunities.
Develop collaborative community partnerships to activate Commongrounds community spaces to serve community needs
Finance (20%):
Collaborate with the board to develop the organization's financial strategy, including developing an annual budget for the Cooperative’s operations that delineates projected revenues and expenses.
Oversee the general finances of the Cooperative (including managing bookkeeper, tax matters, and audit), analyze organization performance and project financial performance.
With approval of the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and extensive input from Tenant-Owner organizations , develop the budget.
Facilitate adoption of Open Book Management (goal for implementation in 2026-27)
Strategy, Operations, and Governance (20%)
Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Tenant-Owner (TO) organizations on governance, strategy, and sustainability, including setting annual objectives and key results (OKRs) for the cooperative.
Provide strategic leadership and oversee day-to-day operations, facilitating alignment of building activities with TO priorities and shared Cooperative mission and long-term goals.
Oversee the management of Cooperative staff and contractors including developing OKRs, hiring, firing, performance reviews, salary and benefits administration, policy and general supervision.
Oversee and, as necessary, directly solicit feedback from community owners and tenant owners to develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives, create better business practices and an organizational structure that will optimize performance and operating results.
Oversee commercial property manager contract and hospitality group agreement.
Marketing & Communications (10%)
Cultivate partnerships with external organizations, coalitions, policymakers and other key stakeholders
Represent the organization publicly, including with partner coalitions and relevant networks
Implement a marketing and communications strategy, including ensuring regular communication and engagement with community owners and investors
REQUIREMENTS
Proven track record of fundraising and grant management.
Excellent communication, facilitation, relationship-building, and public speaking skills.
Strong strategic thinking and project management skills.
Overseeing organizational finances and budget.
Demonstrated experience working with governing boards and/or diverse stakeholder groups to facilitate translating a shared vision into clear goals, roles, and priorities; and establishing accountability structures that ensure progress and alignment.
Strong commitment to Commongrounds values, philosophy and cooperative operating model.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards of care for tenant-owners, community owners, investors and other key stakeholders.
Experience managing staff or teams, with a collaborative and supportive leadership style.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, evolving organizational environment.
WORK LOCATION, HOURS, AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Executive Director will work on-site at Commongrounds, located at 414 E. 8th Street, Traverse City, MI.
While most job responsibilities will fall within normal working hours, as a key leadership position this role requires some flexibility to work during evenings and/or weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Executive Director salary will be based on an FTE Salary of $90,000 to $110,000 annually and includes benefits, including health insurance. Benefits also include free access to onsite wellness facilities and potential participation in cooperative programs.
TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your application using the link provided (https://tinyurl.com/ycx8sehj). If selected, you will be invited to participate in a first-round interview which will take place virtually via Zoom in February 2026.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Health insurance
Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
