Executive Director
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Job Title: Executive Director
Organization: Smart North
Location: Twin Cities with outreach to Grand Rapids, MN and Deer River, MN
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Please apply by March 15th 2026.
About the Organization Smart North is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing digital equity and opportunities to all underserved communities and creating a level playing field for all Minnesotans to thrive in the 21st century digital economy. We are doing this by expanding grassroots access to leading technologies, related career pathways training, and workforce-readiness skills for youth and adults. We design and deliver inclusive, high-quality programs that reduce digital divides, empower learners, and strengthen pathways to economic opportunity and lifelong learning. Over the last three years since our inception, we have set up and are operating Community Tech Hubs in Minneapolis, Deer River and Grand Rapids, with plans to expand our footprint into other areas in Minnesota. Two of our core programs include empowering and training NextGen (for youth ages 16-24) and The Future is Feminine or TFIF, (for women and all adults aged 18+) with nationally recognized tech certifications and workforce skills, confidence, and real-world experience they need to be successful in the 21st century digital economy. A core part of our work is to provide support services to all our participants to reduce the barriers they face to partake in these opportunities.
The demand for the work we are doing is growing at a quick pace given the fast evolving technology landscape and the growing need to create a level playing field for all Minnesotans.
The Opportunity Smart North is seeking a leader to develop and implement the future forward growth strategy for the organization that maximizes the reach and impact of our work across Minnesota and in line with our vision and mission, in partnership with the Board of Directors.
As the Executive Director, you will be the heart of the organization. You will inherit a solid and trusted legacy of partnerships, completed projects, an engaged and supportive Board, and an opportunity to grow the team, partnerships, funders and our impact. Your mission will be to turn our vision into reality.
Our Promise to You We know the ED role is demanding. We offer a commitment to your professional well-being, such as attending national/regional conferences and/or an annual leadership retreat and other opportunities. In addition, we offer a competitive salary, health benefits, insurance, PTO, a flexible, hybrid work environment. We are an organization that is highly respected and trusted with a soundtrack of record of accomplishing community driven goals and projects, therefore providing you the essential elements to be successful.
Position Summary The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer and strategic leader of the organization. The ED is responsible for advancing the mission, building sustainable systems, strengthening digital equity and education programs, and cultivating strong relationships with funders, partners, and the community. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and measurable community impact.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision
Provide visionary leadership to advance the organization’s mission of digital equity, access to leading edge technologies and related training
Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors
Identify emerging trends in technology, industry needs, digital inclusion, and workforce development to guide program innovation and growth
Program Development & Impact
Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of technology training programs for youth and adults
Ensure programs are inclusive, culturally responsive, aligned with community needs and industry trends
Establish metrics and evaluation systems to measure outcomes, impact, and continuous improvement
Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
Lead fundraising strategy, including grants, government funding, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and earned revenue
Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, donors, and strategic partners
Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal accountability to ensure long-term sustainability
Organizational & Staff Leadership
Recruit, manage, and support a diverse, high-performing team of staff and consultants
Foster an organizational culture rooted in equity, collaboration, and professional growth
Ensure strong operational systems, policies, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
Board, Partnerships & Community Engagement
Partner closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, transparency, and organizational health
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization and leverage the Board as needed
Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, libraries, community organizations, employers, technology & industry partners and public agencies, locally, regionally and nationally, as needed
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree required
7-10 years of senior leadership or management, and operational experience in a nonprofit organization. Additional experience in education, technology, or related fields will be a plus
Solid experience in building and managing high performing and geographically spread out teams
Proven experience in working with Board of Directors
Track record of cultivating and managing community relationships with cross section of stakeholders
Existing repertoire and relationships with employer partners especially Small and Medium businesses
Demonstrated experience in advancing equity-centered initiatives, community-based programs and workforce development and job placements
Proven success in raising over $750,000 in funding from diverse sources
Strong communication (oral and written), relationship-building, and public-speaking skills
Have a background and/or experience with leading edge technology training and education programs such as Digital Design, Cybersecurity, AI, Digital Marketing and others
Proven track record in building and nurturing private and public and academic partnerships
Building regional and national visibility for the organization in the relevant forums
Experience in outreach, building visibility through events and social media channels
Willing to travel and/or drive to Tech Hubs or locations outside of the Twin Cities
Must clear background check
Preferred
Experience in digital equity, STEM education, workforce development, or technology access initiatives
Knowledge of grant writing, grant management (such as federal and state grants, example: DEED), public funding, individual giving, capital campaigns and nonprofit financial oversight
Experience working with diverse, historically underserved communities
Early Adopter or Technophile
Experience in working across Greater Minnesota and adjacent geographies
Core Competencies
Commitment to digital equity, STEM & educational justice
Strategic and systems-level thinking
Collaborative, inclusive leadership style
Self-Starter who is not afraid to dive deep, learn on your own and have bold conversations to drive progress and impact
Open minded and open to listening, learning and sharing internally and externally
Strong financial and operational management skills
Ability to translate vision into measurable impact
Other Information: Physical Demands This job requires simple grasping and fine manipulation, sitting at a desk and using a computer for extended periods of time, moderate use of telephone, standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Requires occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 25 pounds. Also required is:
Ability to assist with event set up for on-the-ground outreach activities, such as moving tables and lifting boxes
Ability to walk up and down stairs
Ability to sit in a chair for long periods of time
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $115,000-125,000. Total annual compensation includes health insurance, PTO, professional development and flexible work options.
How to Apply Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to FutureED@smartnorth.org and provide three references as a part of your resume.
Please apply by March 15th 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer Smart North is an equal-opportunity employer. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Having a board, staff, participants and partners with diverse identities and backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates a creative and vibrant environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive. To that end, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where all employees and associates are included, valued, and supported.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organization: Smart North
Location: Twin Cities with outreach to Grand Rapids, MN and Deer River, MN
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Please apply by March 15th 2026.
About the Organization Smart North is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing digital equity and opportunities to all underserved communities and creating a level playing field for all Minnesotans to thrive in the 21st century digital economy. We are doing this by expanding grassroots access to leading technologies, related career pathways training, and workforce-readiness skills for youth and adults. We design and deliver inclusive, high-quality programs that reduce digital divides, empower learners, and strengthen pathways to economic opportunity and lifelong learning. Over the last three years since our inception, we have set up and are operating Community Tech Hubs in Minneapolis, Deer River and Grand Rapids, with plans to expand our footprint into other areas in Minnesota. Two of our core programs include empowering and training NextGen (for youth ages 16-24) and The Future is Feminine or TFIF, (for women and all adults aged 18+) with nationally recognized tech certifications and workforce skills, confidence, and real-world experience they need to be successful in the 21st century digital economy. A core part of our work is to provide support services to all our participants to reduce the barriers they face to partake in these opportunities.
The demand for the work we are doing is growing at a quick pace given the fast evolving technology landscape and the growing need to create a level playing field for all Minnesotans.
The Opportunity Smart North is seeking a leader to develop and implement the future forward growth strategy for the organization that maximizes the reach and impact of our work across Minnesota and in line with our vision and mission, in partnership with the Board of Directors.
As the Executive Director, you will be the heart of the organization. You will inherit a solid and trusted legacy of partnerships, completed projects, an engaged and supportive Board, and an opportunity to grow the team, partnerships, funders and our impact. Your mission will be to turn our vision into reality.
Our Promise to You We know the ED role is demanding. We offer a commitment to your professional well-being, such as attending national/regional conferences and/or an annual leadership retreat and other opportunities. In addition, we offer a competitive salary, health benefits, insurance, PTO, a flexible, hybrid work environment. We are an organization that is highly respected and trusted with a soundtrack of record of accomplishing community driven goals and projects, therefore providing you the essential elements to be successful.
Position Summary The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer and strategic leader of the organization. The ED is responsible for advancing the mission, building sustainable systems, strengthening digital equity and education programs, and cultivating strong relationships with funders, partners, and the community. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and measurable community impact.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision
Provide visionary leadership to advance the organization’s mission of digital equity, access to leading edge technologies and related training
Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors
Identify emerging trends in technology, industry needs, digital inclusion, and workforce development to guide program innovation and growth
Program Development & Impact
Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of technology training programs for youth and adults
Ensure programs are inclusive, culturally responsive, aligned with community needs and industry trends
Establish metrics and evaluation systems to measure outcomes, impact, and continuous improvement
Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
Lead fundraising strategy, including grants, government funding, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and earned revenue
Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, donors, and strategic partners
Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal accountability to ensure long-term sustainability
Organizational & Staff Leadership
Recruit, manage, and support a diverse, high-performing team of staff and consultants
Foster an organizational culture rooted in equity, collaboration, and professional growth
Ensure strong operational systems, policies, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
Board, Partnerships & Community Engagement
Partner closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, transparency, and organizational health
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization and leverage the Board as needed
Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, libraries, community organizations, employers, technology & industry partners and public agencies, locally, regionally and nationally, as needed
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree required
7-10 years of senior leadership or management, and operational experience in a nonprofit organization. Additional experience in education, technology, or related fields will be a plus
Solid experience in building and managing high performing and geographically spread out teams
Proven experience in working with Board of Directors
Track record of cultivating and managing community relationships with cross section of stakeholders
Existing repertoire and relationships with employer partners especially Small and Medium businesses
Demonstrated experience in advancing equity-centered initiatives, community-based programs and workforce development and job placements
Proven success in raising over $750,000 in funding from diverse sources
Strong communication (oral and written), relationship-building, and public-speaking skills
Have a background and/or experience with leading edge technology training and education programs such as Digital Design, Cybersecurity, AI, Digital Marketing and others
Proven track record in building and nurturing private and public and academic partnerships
Building regional and national visibility for the organization in the relevant forums
Experience in outreach, building visibility through events and social media channels
Willing to travel and/or drive to Tech Hubs or locations outside of the Twin Cities
Must clear background check
Preferred
Experience in digital equity, STEM education, workforce development, or technology access initiatives
Knowledge of grant writing, grant management (such as federal and state grants, example: DEED), public funding, individual giving, capital campaigns and nonprofit financial oversight
Experience working with diverse, historically underserved communities
Early Adopter or Technophile
Experience in working across Greater Minnesota and adjacent geographies
Core Competencies
Commitment to digital equity, STEM & educational justice
Strategic and systems-level thinking
Collaborative, inclusive leadership style
Self-Starter who is not afraid to dive deep, learn on your own and have bold conversations to drive progress and impact
Open minded and open to listening, learning and sharing internally and externally
Strong financial and operational management skills
Ability to translate vision into measurable impact
Other Information: Physical Demands This job requires simple grasping and fine manipulation, sitting at a desk and using a computer for extended periods of time, moderate use of telephone, standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Requires occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 25 pounds. Also required is:
Ability to assist with event set up for on-the-ground outreach activities, such as moving tables and lifting boxes
Ability to walk up and down stairs
Ability to sit in a chair for long periods of time
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $115,000-125,000. Total annual compensation includes health insurance, PTO, professional development and flexible work options.
How to Apply Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to FutureED@smartnorth.org and provide three references as a part of your resume.
Please apply by March 15th 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer Smart North is an equal-opportunity employer. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Having a board, staff, participants and partners with diverse identities and backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates a creative and vibrant environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive. To that end, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where all employees and associates are included, valued, and supported.
#J-18808-Ljbffr