Program and Community Relations Manager

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Build a Movement. Grow a Community. Advance Discovery.

Van Andel Institute is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to serve as Program and Community Relations Manager for Purple Community, a high-impact role at the intersection of community engagement, fundraising, and cause marketing.

This is more than a management role. It’s an opportunity to mobilize communities, inspire philanthropy, and accelerate biomedical discovery and science education through one of VAI’s most visible and community-powered initiatives.

Why This Role Matters

Purple Community is the public face of grassroots engagement at VAI. As Manager, you will:

• Turn passion into action through community-led fundraising
• Build partnerships that expand VAI’s reach nationally
• Lead experiences that connect people to purpose

Your leadership will directly fuel research breakthroughs and education programs that change lives.

What You’ll Do

Lead & Grow the Program

• Drive strategy and execution for Purple Community outreach, fundraising, and cause marketing initiatives
• Expand partnerships across community organizations and corporate collaborators in health and life sciences
• Shape a consistent and compelling regional and state-wide presence for Purple Community

Manage & Develop Talent

• Supervise and coach Purple Community Coordinators
• Lead hiring, performance management, and team development
• Foster a high-performing, mission-driven team culture

Drive Engagement & Fundraising

• Oversee cultivation, solicitation, and tracking of community fundraising efforts
• Develop strategies to grow donor engagement and long-term relationships
• Ensure accurate reporting, data tracking, and donor stewardship

Execute High-Impact Events

• Lead planning and execution of community-driven and partner events
• Oversee logistics, budgets, vendors, and on-site delivery
• Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment with brand and mission

Strengthen Systems & Visibility

• Maintain and enhance the Purple Community web portal and materials
• Partner on improvements to prospect management systems
• Amplify visibility through media, partnerships, and community presence

A Successful Candidate Will Have:

• 5+ years of related work experience with at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Non-profit work experience preferred
• Demonstrated relationship and community-building experience and capacity
• Fundraising and event execution
• Event management
• Program strategy building and operational management experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills.

Your Next Steps!

If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! The first step in beginning this conversation is starting your application.

Please submit the following as a single PDF document via the online application:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this role and how this position aligns with your goals
• 3 References (names, how you know them, email and phone number) – Please note: we will not reach out to your references without informing you first

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.   

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.