President

The Ruth Mott Foundation seeks an experienced and visionary nonprofit or philanthropic leader to serve as its next President. Based in Flint, Michigan, the Foundation is dedicated to working with the community to connect people, ideas, and resources for a vibrant and inclusive Flint.

The Foundation fulfills its mission through grantmaking and impact investments guided by a strategic plan that is currently focused on the northern half of the city and four key priorities that were identified by the community: youth, safety, economic opportunity, and neighborhoods. The Foundation also operates and runs community programs at Applewood, the historic Mott family estate, as a vital community asset for learning, engagement, and inspiration.

As of the end of 2024, the Foundation held assets totaling $271 million and distributed $9.3 million through its grantmaking and Applewood operations. Of that amount, $4.9 million supported grants, $2.7 million funded Applewood programs, and $1.7 million covered administrative costs. Construction of a new pavilion at Applewood accounted for $1.9 million in capital expenditures. The Foundation’s impact investments accounted for $2.3 million through program-related investments in 2024. The President reports to a 10-member Board of Trustees and leads a dedicated team of 33 full-time and 7 part-time employees.

This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven, energetic servant leader who is passionate about community revitalization and equity. Over the past decade, the Foundation has emerged as a trusted and respected leader in Flint, thanks to its strategic focus and deep commitment to community listening and engagement. The next President will be charged with sustaining this momentum and further strengthening the Foundation’s leadership role.

Applewood is increasingly important as a community space, learning hub, and platform for external engagement. The next President will continue to thoughtfully integrate Applewood’s work with the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy to maximize community impact.

In addition, the President must build and leverage partnerships with external organizations and engage in sustained, meaningful dialogue with Flint’s civic leaders and residents who are deeply committed to transformative change. Flint is a community where one can truly see the impact of their efforts.

This position is based in Flint, Michigan. The successful candidate must demonstrate a willingness to relocate to Flint or elsewhere within Genesee County. The Ruth Mott Foundation's Grantmaking team currently works a hybrid schedule, with three days in person and two days remote each week.  

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Karen Avery is leading this search with Lehman Robinson and Caroline Corry.

The Ruth Mott Foundation looks to recruit team members that are as economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse as the community it serves. It is committed to diversity and inclusion in all of its forms, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, height, weight, protected genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.