Monica Duncan
Summary
Mission-driven nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience leading social-impact organizations toward sustainability, equity, and growth. Skilled in translating vision into actionable strategies that strengthen early childhood systems, build community partnerships, and enhance organizational capacity. Recognized for cultivating inclusive cultures, securing funding, and inspiring cross-sector collaboration to achieve measurable community outcomes.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
Thrive Community Building — Community Development Institute (CDI)
05.2019 - Current
- Provide strategic vision and oversight for programs supporting early childhood organizations nationwide.
- Lead development and implementation of operational strategy in collaboration with executive leadership and board members.
- Manage a multi-million-dollar grant and contract portfolio, ensuring compliance, fiscal responsibility, and measurable outcomes.
- Chair Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, cultivating an inclusive workplace culture and improving staff engagement and retention.
- Establish and sustain strategic partnerships to expand resources and drive community impact.
- Guide marketing and fund development efforts to advance visibility and long-term financial stability.
Regional Director of Early Childhood Services
IFF
03.2016 - 09.2019
- Directed early childhood initiatives across the Midwest (prenatal to age 8), aligning systems development and quality improvement with state and local goals.
- Managed and monitored grant budgets exceeding $5M to ensure compliance and achievement of strategic outcomes.
- Delivered consulting and technical assistance to improve capacity and quality among early childhood providers.
- Represented IFF at regional and national forums, advancing policies that strengthened community and economic development.
- Fostered partnerships with education, public, and philanthropic stakeholders to scale programs and increase community reach.
Michigan Director
First Children’s Finance
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Developed statewide strategies for expanding early childhood programs and enhancing financial viability of service providers.
Adjunct Faculty
Baker College
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Taught undergraduate courses in Human Services, Psychology, and Education with a focus on applied leadership and ethics.
Executive Director
South Oakland Shelter
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Guided policy, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and launched successful fundraising campaigns.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Florida A&M University
Doctor of Social Work -
Capella University
01.2029
Skills
- Program Development & Impact Evaluation
- Strategic Partnership & Community Engagement
- Organizational Sustainability & Capacity Building
- Grant & Fiscal Management
- Public Speaking, Training & Thought Leadership
- Board Relations & Governance
- Team Development & Collaborative Decision-Making
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Visionary leadership
Accomplishments
- Secured and managed over $15M in grants supporting early childhood and community development programs.
- Led DEI and inclusion strategies that improved employee engagement and reduced turnover by 25%.
- Built cross-sector partnerships that expanded organizational reach across five states.
- Guided strategic planning processes that strengthened sustainability for over 100 nonprofit partners.
Certification
- Board Member, Early Childhood Investment Corporation – Provide governance and policy oversight for statewide initiatives.
- Member, Michigan Alumni Chapter, Harvard Business School Nonprofit Executive Education
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) – Michigan Board of Examiners
- Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Global Leader, World Forum on Early Care and Education
Timeline
Director
Thrive Community Building — Community Development Institute (CDI)
05.2019 - Current
Regional Director of Early Childhood Services
IFF
03.2016 - 09.2019
Adjunct Faculty
Baker College
01.2012 - 01.2014
Michigan Director
First Children’s Finance
01.2008 - 01.2016
Executive Director
South Oakland Shelter
01.1999 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Florida A&M University
Master of Social Work -
Wayne State University
Doctor of Social Work -
Capella University