Coldwater Foundation
Job Title:
Director of Operations Direct Supervisor:
Coldwater Foundation Executive Director Location:
Grand Marais, MN
About Coldwater Foundation Coldwater is a faith and leadership development ministry operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. We are a small, close-knit team who value unity, relationship, and intentionality. Each summer, 15–20 seasonal staff join us to lead wilderness courses focused on deepening commitment to the Christian faith and cultivating the capacity to provide mature leadership. At the heart of our work is a discipleship focus: walking alongside young adults as they grow into Christ-centered leaders.
Mink Lake Wilderness Camp Coldwater owns Mink Lake Wilderness Camp, a basecamp with a 75-year history of outdoor leadership. Located in the Superior National Forest, only 15 miles from both Grand Marais and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Mink Lake is an off-grid property where seasonal staff live in intentional Christian community. Coldwater also maintains a small work space in Grand Marais for full-time and seasonal staff.
Purpose of Position As Coldwater enters a new season of growth, we are seeking a Director of Operations to provide leadership in planning, administration, and organizational management. This role is vital to ensuring that the day-to-day operations of Coldwater remain aligned with our mission, freeing our program staff to focus on ministry and discipleship. The Director of Operations will oversee the organizational backbone of Coldwater — finances, facilities, staff systems, and operational support — while also contributing to the spiritual and community life of our team.
Candidate Qualifications
Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, Organizational Leadership, or related field
Minimum of 2 years professional experience managing a budget
Demonstrated ability to create and implement systems effectively
Skilled in supervising staff and volunteers with care, clarity, and efficiency
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines
Proficient in fundraising and donor care
Commitment to the Christian faith and lifestyle, with eagerness to support Coldwater’s mission and vision
Work Hours Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with seasonal flexibility.
Job Responsibilities 1. Administrative & Organizational Leadership
Work under Executive Director to ensure operations are aligned with mission and vision.
Oversee organizational systems, annual planning, and reporting.
Provide regular business and ministry reports for the Board of Directors.
Collaborate with bookkeeper and accountant to ensure financial integrity and compliance.
Oversee maintenance of Mink Lake Wilderness Camp facility through coordinating volunteer teams and staff.
Lead fundraising strategy, including donor care, annual banquet, general fund development, and staff support raising for seasonal staff.
2. Safety & Risk Management
Implement and enforce risk management and safety protocols (facilities, health, child protection, emergency preparedness).
Ensure compliance with insurance and regulatory requirements.
3. Human Resources & Staff Development
Provide structure for staff meetings and internal communication.
Recruit, hire, and supervise seasonal support staff and volunteers.
Support staff by fostering a culture of unity, accountability, and discipleship.
4. Program & Guest Support
Ensure operational support for programs and guest groups, including food service, lodging, transportation, and scheduling.
Partner with program leadership to align logistics with ministry goals.
5. Ministry Alignment
Actively support Coldwater’s discipleship focus through prayer, mentoring, and spiritual leadership within the staff community.
Ensure that excellence in systems, and Coldwater hospitality and daily operations integrate with ministry values.
Manage personal support raising for this position and maintain active communication.
Compensation Starting salary for this position is $50,000-$75,000 based on experience. The Director of Operations, along with all full-time staff, is responsible to raise support for their position.
Application To apply, please email Cover Letter and Resume to kevin@coldwaterfoundation.org. Feel free to reach out to Kevin Sutton, Executive Director, for more information at above email or phone number: (218) 370-8864.
Deadline for Application is February 1, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Operations Direct Supervisor:
Coldwater Foundation Executive Director Location:
Grand Marais, MN
About Coldwater Foundation Coldwater is a faith and leadership development ministry operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. We are a small, close-knit team who value unity, relationship, and intentionality. Each summer, 15–20 seasonal staff join us to lead wilderness courses focused on deepening commitment to the Christian faith and cultivating the capacity to provide mature leadership. At the heart of our work is a discipleship focus: walking alongside young adults as they grow into Christ-centered leaders.
Mink Lake Wilderness Camp Coldwater owns Mink Lake Wilderness Camp, a basecamp with a 75-year history of outdoor leadership. Located in the Superior National Forest, only 15 miles from both Grand Marais and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Mink Lake is an off-grid property where seasonal staff live in intentional Christian community. Coldwater also maintains a small work space in Grand Marais for full-time and seasonal staff.
Purpose of Position As Coldwater enters a new season of growth, we are seeking a Director of Operations to provide leadership in planning, administration, and organizational management. This role is vital to ensuring that the day-to-day operations of Coldwater remain aligned with our mission, freeing our program staff to focus on ministry and discipleship. The Director of Operations will oversee the organizational backbone of Coldwater — finances, facilities, staff systems, and operational support — while also contributing to the spiritual and community life of our team.
Candidate Qualifications
Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, Organizational Leadership, or related field
Minimum of 2 years professional experience managing a budget
Demonstrated ability to create and implement systems effectively
Skilled in supervising staff and volunteers with care, clarity, and efficiency
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines
Proficient in fundraising and donor care
Commitment to the Christian faith and lifestyle, with eagerness to support Coldwater’s mission and vision
Work Hours Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with seasonal flexibility.
Job Responsibilities 1. Administrative & Organizational Leadership
Work under Executive Director to ensure operations are aligned with mission and vision.
Oversee organizational systems, annual planning, and reporting.
Provide regular business and ministry reports for the Board of Directors.
Collaborate with bookkeeper and accountant to ensure financial integrity and compliance.
Oversee maintenance of Mink Lake Wilderness Camp facility through coordinating volunteer teams and staff.
Lead fundraising strategy, including donor care, annual banquet, general fund development, and staff support raising for seasonal staff.
2. Safety & Risk Management
Implement and enforce risk management and safety protocols (facilities, health, child protection, emergency preparedness).
Ensure compliance with insurance and regulatory requirements.
3. Human Resources & Staff Development
Provide structure for staff meetings and internal communication.
Recruit, hire, and supervise seasonal support staff and volunteers.
Support staff by fostering a culture of unity, accountability, and discipleship.
4. Program & Guest Support
Ensure operational support for programs and guest groups, including food service, lodging, transportation, and scheduling.
Partner with program leadership to align logistics with ministry goals.
5. Ministry Alignment
Actively support Coldwater’s discipleship focus through prayer, mentoring, and spiritual leadership within the staff community.
Ensure that excellence in systems, and Coldwater hospitality and daily operations integrate with ministry values.
Manage personal support raising for this position and maintain active communication.
Compensation Starting salary for this position is $50,000-$75,000 based on experience. The Director of Operations, along with all full-time staff, is responsible to raise support for their position.
Application To apply, please email Cover Letter and Resume to kevin@coldwaterfoundation.org. Feel free to reach out to Kevin Sutton, Executive Director, for more information at above email or phone number: (218) 370-8864.
Deadline for Application is February 1, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr