Senior Vice President of Next Steps

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

Salary: Competitive Salary, BOE

Senior Vice President (SVP), Next Steps Job Summary:

Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives affected by homelessness through shelter, recovery, housing, and supportive services. The Senior Vice President (SVP), Next Steps serves as the executive leader responsible for the strategic, operational, financial, and programmatic oversight of Next Steps — MTM’s workforce development and social enterprise initiative.

Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer and serving on the MTM Senior Leadership Team, the SVP leads both the Business Enterprise Operations (revenue-generating initiatives, employer partnerships, and earned-income strategies) and the Nonprofit Workforce Development & Training Programs, including Workforce Development, Momentum, and Next Steps training pathways.

This role ensures that Next Steps operates as a high-performing, mission-aligned, and financially sustainable enterprise that integrates business excellence with transformational workforce programming for individuals facing barriers to employment. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with strong business acumen, workforce development expertise, and a passion for creating sustainable employment pathways within a Christ-centered mission.

Senior Vice President (SVP), Next Steps Key Responsibilities:

Provide executive leadership for all Next Steps business and workforce development operations
• Oversee revenue-generating social enterprise activities and workforce training programs to ensure strategic alignment and sustainable growth
• Develop and implement sustainable business models that expand employer partnerships and generate earned income
• Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic business partnerships that expand employment opportunities and workforce pathways
• Lead strategies that increase employer engagement, job placements, and workforce program impact
• Provide strategic oversight for Workforce Development, Momentum, and Next Steps training initiatives
• Design and implement workforce training pathways that align with community needs and industry demands
• Monitor program outcomes including job placement rates, retention metrics, and long-term participant success
• Ensure workforce programming aligns with MTM’s mission and evidence-based workforce development practices
• Oversee grant compliance, reporting requirements, and funding maximization
• Develop diversified revenue streams including grants, partnerships, contracts, and earned income
• Strengthen brand awareness and position Next Steps as a premier workforce development partner in the community
• Oversee departmental budgets, financial performance, forecasting, and operational efficiency
• Ensure financial stewardship across both business enterprise and nonprofit workforce programs
• Build strong partnerships with employers, social service organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies
• Foster collaborative solutions that address homelessness, employment barriers, and workforce access
• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams across business and workforce development functions
• Conduct regular performance reviews, goal setting, and leadership development for direct and indirect reports
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and mission alignment
• Participate in enterprise-wide strategic planning as a member of the MTM Senior Leadership Team
• Represent Next Steps and Mel Trotter Ministries within the community and regional workforce ecosystem

Schedule & Compensation:

Full-Time, Exempt
• Competitive Executive Compensation, Based on Experience

Qualifications & Skills:

Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in business, workforce development, nonprofit management, educational leadership, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in business operations, workforce development, nonprofit leadership, or social enterprise
• Demonstrated success building sustainable business models and revenue-generating initiatives
• Experience leading complex teams and cross-functional programs
• Proven ability to secure grants, contracts, and strategic partnerships
• Strong financial oversight experience including budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred:
• Master’s or Doctorate degree in a related field
• Experience leading workforce development initiatives or employment training programs
• Experience within nonprofit social enterprise or mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with regional workforce systems, employer partnerships, and workforce funding models

Faith & Mission Commitment:

As a Christian mission, the SVP, Next Steps is expected to:
• Demonstrate an active, personal Christian faith
• Support and participate in the spiritual life of the organization
• Uphold Mel Trotter Ministries’ Statement of Faith, mission, and core values

Apply Now!

Quick Apply Here
Send your resume to: susan.delauter@srgexpress.com
Call us: 616-608-9678 (direct) | 616-608-9681 (office)
Visit us: 1760 44th Street SW, Suite 10, Wyoming, MI 49519 (Inside the Chateau Centre)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Position Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

About Specialized Recruiting Group, an Express Employment Professionals Company:
Specialized Recruiting Group is a professional and executive search firm specializing in engineering, operations, human resources, and other critical roles. Since 1996, we’ve connected talented professionals with companies that align with their values and goals. We are driven to help people succeed and are passionate about making a positive impact.

Apply Now