Associate Director - Michigan

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Learn about the energetic, creative people working to ensure every kid has the chance to play—every day.

ABOUT THE POSITION, At Playworks Michigan, we are building the next phase of our growth and impact. We are seeking a results-driven leader to expand partnerships, drive revenue, and strengthen relationships across schools, districts, and communities throughout Michigan and Ohio. This is a high-ownership role for someone who thrives in building from opportunity, closing partnerships, and shaping the future of play-based youth development.

As the Associate Director, you will be responsible for leading revenue generation, partnerships, and growth strategy for Playworks Michigan. This includes building and managing school and district partnerships, corporate and community relationships, and contributing to the region’s financial sustainability. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports directly to the Executive Director.

Specifically, you will

• Lead school and district partnerships and contract development
• Drive revenue generation, including training and development opportunities
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective partners
• Cultivate and maintain corporate and community relationships
• Support regional fundraising and sponsorship efforts
• Represent Playworks externally across schools, districts, corporate, and community stakeholders

Key Responsibilities

• Identify target market segments and establish impact and financial goals
• Own and manage a full sales pipeline from prospecting through close, including identifying opportunities, advancing relationships, and converting partnerships
• Own and meet or exceed revenue targets through contract development and partnership growth
• Develop and execute sustainability plans for school and district partnerships
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on revenue strategy and regional growth
• Partner closely with the Associate Program Director to ensure alignment between partnerships and program delivery, maintaining a strong and consistent partner experience
• Host site visits and build relationships within school, district, corporate, and community networks
• Gather and apply market insights to inform regional growth strategy and opportunity development
• Serve as a key external representative of Playworks across the region
• Exercise sound judgment in prioritizing opportunities and advancing partnerships aligned with regional strategy

Team Leadership

• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of partnership-focused roles
• Supervise and support:
• Associate Program Director
• Regional Partnership Manager

Success in This Role Requires

• Demonstrated ability to generate revenue and close partnerships
• Strong external presence with the ability to build credibility with school, district, corporate, and community leaders
• Experience managing a full pipeline from prospecting through close
• Strategic thinking and the ability to identify and act on growth opportunities
• Ability to operate independently with a high level of ownership and accountability
• Strong communication and presentation skills across a range of audiences
• Ability to take ownership quickly and operate with increasing independence over time

Required Skills & Experience

• 7+ years of experience in partnerships, sales, development, or a related field, with demonstrated success in revenue generation
• Proven ability to generate revenue and close contracts
• Strong relationship-building and external communication skills
• Experience working with or within schools, districts, or community organizations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet ambitious goals

LOCATION & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Location:This role is based in Southeast Michigan and requires consistent in-person engagement with school, district, and community partners.

Travel:This role includes periodic travel across Michigan and Ohio to support school, district, and partner engagement. Travel may include occasional day trips and limited overnight travel based on partnership and regional needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow professionally.

• This is a full-time, exempt position based in Southeast Michigan reporting to the Executive Director.
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay scales, geographic pay differential, and robust external market data. We highly value transparency in compensation and are therefore committed to adhering to established compensation pay points. The starting salary for this position is $94,800.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plans with employer match of up to 1% of salary, life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
• Generous Flex PTO policy, paid sick and holiday leave.

This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges, and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested.

ABOUT PLAYWORKS: At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities, or board service on a merit basis.