Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a visionary and mission-driven Executive Director to lead a nationally recognized nonprofit public defender organization dedicated to advancing justice, dignity, and holistic support for individuals involved in the criminal legal system. Founded in 2019, Kalamazoo Defender serves residents of Kalamazoo County through an innovative model of holistic defense that combines high-quality legal representation with client-centered advocacy, investigation, mitigation, navigation services, and community partnerships. Guided by the belief that people are more than their worst moment, the organization works to address the systemic barriers that frequently contribute to involvement with the legal system while helping clients achieve greater stability and opportunity.
Today, Kalamazoo Defender represents approximately 5,000 clients annually, operates with an $11 million budget, and employs nearly 80 professionals, including approximately 30 attorneys and a multidisciplinary team of investigators, mitigation specialists, navigators, social workers, and operational staff. The organization has become a respected leader in public defense by demonstrating that effective legal advocacy can be strengthened through coordinated support services and strong community partnerships. As Kalamazoo Defender enters its next stage of organizational maturity, the Executive Director will have the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while strengthening systems, strategy, culture, governance, fundraising, and organizational sustainability.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for mission execution, organizational leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising, external relations, governance support, and operational oversight. Working closely with a talented senior leadership team, the Executive Director will guide strategic planning, cultivate an inclusive and accountable culture, strengthen organizational infrastructure, steward public and philanthropic funding relationships, and serve as a visible ambassador for the holistic defense model. The organization seeks a collaborative and strategic leader with executive management experience, a strong understanding of the criminal legal system and its impact on individuals and communities, and a demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, and community well-being.
Kalamazoo Defender offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The annual salary range for this position is $175,000-$195,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include healthcare coverage, retirement contributions, and paid time off consistent with the organization's compensation philosophy and applicable policies. This is a full-time, in-person position based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. For best consideration, candidates should submit a current resume and letter of interest by October 15, 2026. For additional information about Kalamazoo Defender, visit www.kalamazoodefender.org.
To submit a referral for this role, please contact K. Sujata, Principal at ksujata@kittlemansearch.com
Kittleman is the first national executive recruiting firm dedicated exclusively to recruiting chief executive officers and executive directors for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities and philanthropic organizations.
Our mission is to enhance the ability of charitable organizations to achieve their aspirations by recruiting dynamic leaders to serve them.
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