Executive Director
Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $95,000-$110,000 commensurate with education and experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday with flexibility, including occasional evenings as needed
Work Location: In-office, community-based, and remote work
Benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions
Ellison Center is entering an exciting period of growth and evolution and is seeking a visionary Executive Director to help shape our next chapter. This role is ideal for a creative, relational leader who believes in the power of relationships, reflection, and community to transform the lives of children and families—and who is energized by the opportunity to build, innovate, and lead meaningful change.
The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive and administrative leader, stewarding the mission, setting strategic direction, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability, strong governance, and meaningful community engagement. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director advances the mission and vision of Central Minnesota’s first and only nonprofit dedicated to early childhood mental health. This position reports to the Board of Directors.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About Ellison Center Ellison Center is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening parent-child relationships and promoting positive child development for children ages 0–5 and their families. We serve Central Minnesota through therapy services, caregiver support, reflective consultation, and training for professionals. Guided by principles of trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and reflective practice, we bring hope, healing, and connection to the communities we serve.
Key Responsibilities Agency Management and Administration
Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with the agency’s mission and strategic priorities.
Lead development and implementation of organizational policies, systems, and procedures to support program quality and operational stability.
Foster a positive, inclusive culture that attracts, retains, and supports high-performing staff and contractors.
Direct talent management, including hiring, supervision, performance evaluation, professional development, and corrective action as needed.
Establish clear accountability structures and performance standards to promote organizational excellence and continuous improvement.
Financial Performance and Sustainability
Oversee agency fiscal integrity by leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee.
Provide strategic leadership in identifying, cultivating, and securing grant opportunities while expanding and optimizing diversified revenue streams to ensure long‑term organizational sustainability.
Provide executive oversight of fundraising strategy, including diversified revenue development, approval of external fundraising initiatives, and supervision of development staff and contractors.
Oversee and direct contract management and procurement for external clinical and professional service providers.
Ensure Ellison provides cost‑effective programs that maintain high‑quality service delivery.
Board Governance
Partner with the Board and committees to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability in accordance with agency bylaws.
Support the Board in setting and evaluating the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication with the Board to support informed decision‑making.
Identify organizational risks, opportunities, and challenges and elevate them appropriately to the Board.
Recommend and drive recruitment of Board and committee members to strengthen governance and impact.
Mission, Strategy, and Community Engagement
Lead development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan.
Serve as a primary ambassador for the agency within the community by building and maintaining relationships with professional, civic, and private organizations.
Enhance the agency’s public image through outreach, partnerships, and advocacy.
Oversee agency participation in collaborative community initiatives.
Qualifications and Requirements
Master’s degree in public administration, leadership, business, social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership, including staff supervision, fiscal management, and board relations.
Strong fundraising and grant writing experience, with the ability to diversify funding streams.
Knowledge of Minnesota statutes related to mental health, child protection, and mandated reporting.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership.
Confident working across diverse communities and interdisciplinary teams.
Strong communicator, mentor, and relationship‑builder with collaborative leadership skills.
Familiarity with infant and early childhood mental health principles and reflective practice.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Local travel required; limited out‑of‑state travel for training.
Why Join Us?
Lead an organization with a strong foundation and exciting growth opportunities.
Collaborate with a passionate, reflective, and supportive team.
Opportunity to shape the future of early childhood mental health services in Minnesota.
Benefits and retirement package.
Ready to Make an Impact? Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to David.Kaczor@greatrivercm.org (Board Chair) with the subject line Ellison Center Executive Director Application. Applications will be accepted until Monday, March 2, 2026.
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Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $95,000-$110,000 commensurate with education and experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday with flexibility, including occasional evenings as needed
Work Location: In-office, community-based, and remote work
Benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions
Ellison Center is entering an exciting period of growth and evolution and is seeking a visionary Executive Director to help shape our next chapter. This role is ideal for a creative, relational leader who believes in the power of relationships, reflection, and community to transform the lives of children and families—and who is energized by the opportunity to build, innovate, and lead meaningful change.
The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive and administrative leader, stewarding the mission, setting strategic direction, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability, strong governance, and meaningful community engagement. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director advances the mission and vision of Central Minnesota’s first and only nonprofit dedicated to early childhood mental health. This position reports to the Board of Directors.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About Ellison Center Ellison Center is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening parent-child relationships and promoting positive child development for children ages 0–5 and their families. We serve Central Minnesota through therapy services, caregiver support, reflective consultation, and training for professionals. Guided by principles of trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and reflective practice, we bring hope, healing, and connection to the communities we serve.
Key Responsibilities Agency Management and Administration
Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with the agency’s mission and strategic priorities.
Lead development and implementation of organizational policies, systems, and procedures to support program quality and operational stability.
Foster a positive, inclusive culture that attracts, retains, and supports high-performing staff and contractors.
Direct talent management, including hiring, supervision, performance evaluation, professional development, and corrective action as needed.
Establish clear accountability structures and performance standards to promote organizational excellence and continuous improvement.
Financial Performance and Sustainability
Oversee agency fiscal integrity by leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee.
Provide strategic leadership in identifying, cultivating, and securing grant opportunities while expanding and optimizing diversified revenue streams to ensure long‑term organizational sustainability.
Provide executive oversight of fundraising strategy, including diversified revenue development, approval of external fundraising initiatives, and supervision of development staff and contractors.
Oversee and direct contract management and procurement for external clinical and professional service providers.
Ensure Ellison provides cost‑effective programs that maintain high‑quality service delivery.
Board Governance
Partner with the Board and committees to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability in accordance with agency bylaws.
Support the Board in setting and evaluating the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication with the Board to support informed decision‑making.
Identify organizational risks, opportunities, and challenges and elevate them appropriately to the Board.
Recommend and drive recruitment of Board and committee members to strengthen governance and impact.
Mission, Strategy, and Community Engagement
Lead development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan.
Serve as a primary ambassador for the agency within the community by building and maintaining relationships with professional, civic, and private organizations.
Enhance the agency’s public image through outreach, partnerships, and advocacy.
Oversee agency participation in collaborative community initiatives.
Qualifications and Requirements
Master’s degree in public administration, leadership, business, social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership, including staff supervision, fiscal management, and board relations.
Strong fundraising and grant writing experience, with the ability to diversify funding streams.
Knowledge of Minnesota statutes related to mental health, child protection, and mandated reporting.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership.
Confident working across diverse communities and interdisciplinary teams.
Strong communicator, mentor, and relationship‑builder with collaborative leadership skills.
Familiarity with infant and early childhood mental health principles and reflective practice.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Local travel required; limited out‑of‑state travel for training.
Why Join Us?
Lead an organization with a strong foundation and exciting growth opportunities.
Collaborate with a passionate, reflective, and supportive team.
Opportunity to shape the future of early childhood mental health services in Minnesota.
Benefits and retirement package.
Ready to Make an Impact? Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to David.Kaczor@greatrivercm.org (Board Chair) with the subject line Ellison Center Executive Director Application. Applications will be accepted until Monday, March 2, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr