Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Executive Director
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Red Wing, Minnesota, United States, 55066
IgniteMN is seeking a locally based, relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and sustainability. This role is ideal for a nonprofit leader with a proven fundraising track record, deep experience working with boards of directors, and a strong commitment to being present and engaged in the Red Wing community and surrounding region. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief strategist, funder steward, and public face, balancing hands‑on leadership with long‑term vision.
The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to advance IgniteMN’s mission of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, resources, and connections. Success in this role requires demonstrated experience securing and managing grant funding, cultivating partnerships, and translating strategy into effective programs and operations. This is a highly collaborative, community-embedded role for someone who values place‑based economic development and understands the importance of trust, relationships, and local presence in nonprofit leadership.
Location:
Red Wing, MN (on‑site; must be local or able to commute daily to Red Wing)
Position Type:
Full‑Time, Exempt
Annual Salary:
$85,000‑105,000 plus benefits, including: 401K with 3% match, dental and vision coverage, PTO, travel reimbursement, and cell phone stipend
Reports To:
Board of Directors
Send cover letter and resume to:
Info@ignitemn.org
Key Responsibilities Board Liaison & Strategic Oversight
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
Lead the board and staff in strategic planning and execution of the plan
Develop, pitch for approval, and maintain the organizational budget
Schedule, prepare agendas, and support effective board meetings
Provide regular updates on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities
Track progress against strategic goals and ensure alignment with board priorities
Collaborate with the grant writer and fundraising committee to support long‑term sustainability
Fundraising & Revenue Generation
Secure and maintain long‑term funding sources for the organization
Lead the staff to ensure all grant obligations, milestones, and reporting requirements are met
Coordinate with subcontractors and partners to align work with grant deliverables
Support audits, evaluations, and funder communications as needed
Partner with the grant writer to ensure program execution aligns with funded proposals
Local & Regional Relationship Management
Communicate clearly with all existing and potential stakeholders about the impact of the organization on the communities served
Represent IgniteMN at local and regional meetings, events, and convenings
Build and maintain strong relationships and collaborate with:
City of Red Wing and regional municipalities
Red Wing Downtown Main Street (DTMS) and local business groups
Funders, sponsors, and ecosystem partners
Coordinate with partners, including MTN, DTMS, and SBDC, to ensure service quality and programming alignment
Act as a connector between IgniteMN and the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem
Organizational Leadership & Operations
Oversee day‑to‑day operations of IgniteMN
Ensure programs are delivered with quality, consistency, and impact
Manage vendors, subcontractors, and consultants
Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial stewardship in collaboration with the Board
Uphold IgniteMN’s mission, values, and community‑centered approach
Qualifications & Experience
5+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, economic development, entrepreneurship support, and/or a related field
Demonstrated experience working with boards, funders, and community partners
Proven fundraising track record in the nonprofit sector
Strong understanding of grant‑funded programs and compliance requirements
Proven relationship‑builder with deep community engagement skills
Excellent communication, organization, and strategic thinking abilities
Comfortable working across strategy, operations, and external representation
Local Requirement This role requires a
strong local presence . Candidates must live in Red Wing or within a reasonable commuting distance and be available to work
on‑site in downtown Red Wing
and attend local and regional meetings regularly.
Preferred Experience
Experience working within rural or regional entrepreneurship ecosystems
Familiarity with small business development, accelerators, or advising programs
Experience collaborating with chambers, SBDCs, or regional economic development organizations
Why This Role Matters The Executive Director of IgniteMN plays a critical role in
strengthening local businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring Red Wing remains a vibrant place to start and grow a business . This position offers the opportunity to lead with impact, build meaningful partnerships, and help shape the region’s economic future.
About IgniteMN IgniteMN supports entrepreneurs and business owners to start and grow their businesses through education, resources, and connections.
Through accelerators, advising, partnerships, and community‑driven programming, IgniteMN serves entrepreneurs at multiple stages of growth while strengthening the broader regional ecosystem.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to advance IgniteMN’s mission of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, resources, and connections. Success in this role requires demonstrated experience securing and managing grant funding, cultivating partnerships, and translating strategy into effective programs and operations. This is a highly collaborative, community-embedded role for someone who values place‑based economic development and understands the importance of trust, relationships, and local presence in nonprofit leadership.
Location:
Red Wing, MN (on‑site; must be local or able to commute daily to Red Wing)
Position Type:
Full‑Time, Exempt
Annual Salary:
$85,000‑105,000 plus benefits, including: 401K with 3% match, dental and vision coverage, PTO, travel reimbursement, and cell phone stipend
Reports To:
Board of Directors
Send cover letter and resume to:
Info@ignitemn.org
Key Responsibilities Board Liaison & Strategic Oversight
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
Lead the board and staff in strategic planning and execution of the plan
Develop, pitch for approval, and maintain the organizational budget
Schedule, prepare agendas, and support effective board meetings
Provide regular updates on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities
Track progress against strategic goals and ensure alignment with board priorities
Collaborate with the grant writer and fundraising committee to support long‑term sustainability
Fundraising & Revenue Generation
Secure and maintain long‑term funding sources for the organization
Lead the staff to ensure all grant obligations, milestones, and reporting requirements are met
Coordinate with subcontractors and partners to align work with grant deliverables
Support audits, evaluations, and funder communications as needed
Partner with the grant writer to ensure program execution aligns with funded proposals
Local & Regional Relationship Management
Communicate clearly with all existing and potential stakeholders about the impact of the organization on the communities served
Represent IgniteMN at local and regional meetings, events, and convenings
Build and maintain strong relationships and collaborate with:
City of Red Wing and regional municipalities
Red Wing Downtown Main Street (DTMS) and local business groups
Funders, sponsors, and ecosystem partners
Coordinate with partners, including MTN, DTMS, and SBDC, to ensure service quality and programming alignment
Act as a connector between IgniteMN and the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem
Organizational Leadership & Operations
Oversee day‑to‑day operations of IgniteMN
Ensure programs are delivered with quality, consistency, and impact
Manage vendors, subcontractors, and consultants
Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial stewardship in collaboration with the Board
Uphold IgniteMN’s mission, values, and community‑centered approach
Qualifications & Experience
5+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, economic development, entrepreneurship support, and/or a related field
Demonstrated experience working with boards, funders, and community partners
Proven fundraising track record in the nonprofit sector
Strong understanding of grant‑funded programs and compliance requirements
Proven relationship‑builder with deep community engagement skills
Excellent communication, organization, and strategic thinking abilities
Comfortable working across strategy, operations, and external representation
Local Requirement This role requires a
strong local presence . Candidates must live in Red Wing or within a reasonable commuting distance and be available to work
on‑site in downtown Red Wing
and attend local and regional meetings regularly.
Preferred Experience
Experience working within rural or regional entrepreneurship ecosystems
Familiarity with small business development, accelerators, or advising programs
Experience collaborating with chambers, SBDCs, or regional economic development organizations
Why This Role Matters The Executive Director of IgniteMN plays a critical role in
strengthening local businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring Red Wing remains a vibrant place to start and grow a business . This position offers the opportunity to lead with impact, build meaningful partnerships, and help shape the region’s economic future.
About IgniteMN IgniteMN supports entrepreneurs and business owners to start and grow their businesses through education, resources, and connections.
Through accelerators, advising, partnerships, and community‑driven programming, IgniteMN serves entrepreneurs at multiple stages of growth while strengthening the broader regional ecosystem.
#J-18808-Ljbffr