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Executive Director

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Saint Paul

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Ramsey County Historical Society seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact and sustainability.

The Executive Director serves as RCHS’s strategic leader, responsible for advancing the mission, strengthening organizational sustainability, and ensuring strong financial and operational management. This role partners closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to build a shared vision for the future of local history in Ramsey County.

This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role that combines strategic leadership with active engagement in fundraising, community relations, staff development, and organizational operations. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises a senior leadership team. The position is primarily in‑person, with offices at Landmark Center and Gibbs Farm. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for programs, events, and donor engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Vision

  • Partner with the Board to advance RCHS’s mission, values, and long-term strategic plan.
  • Lead organizational planning, goal setting, and performance monitoring.
  • Build a shared vision among staff, board, donors, and our community partners.
  • Ensure programs and interpretation reflect accurate history and the lived experiences of the communities residing in Ramsey County, past and present.

Organizational Management & Operations

  • Accountable for daily operations, oversight of administrative systems, and internal infrastructure.
  • Ensure effective policies, procedures, and compliance systems are in place and managed with a high degree of ethical integrity.
  • Provide active oversight of major projects, grants, and cross‑departmental initiatives, ensuring clear ownership, timelines, and completion.
  • Lead continuous improvement in organizational effectiveness and accountability.

Staff Leadership & Culture

  • Supervise, mentor, and empower senior‑level staff.
  • Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and accountability systems.
  • Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture. Model respectful and emotionally consistent leadership that promotes psychological safety and trust.
  • Ensure staff development, retention, and well‑being.
  • Lead through transparency, integrity, and shared leadership.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

  • Lead and participate in all major fundraising activities.
  • Strengthen individual giving, major gifts, and grant revenue.
  • Partner with development staff and board members on donor engagement.
  • Maintain and grow membership.
  • Maintain and grow revenue streams, particularly at Gibbs Farm. Build familiarity and capacity in government contracting and public funding.
  • Support long‑term sustainability through diversified revenue strategies.

Financial Oversight

  • Provide executive oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
  • Partner with finance staff and board to ensure fiscal accountability.
  • Monitor organizational performance against financial goals.
  • Ensure responsible stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds.

Board Partnership & Governance Support

  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
  • Support effective governance, committee work, and board development.
  • Provide timely, accurate information to support board decision‑making.
  • Partner with board leadership on strategic priorities and evaluation.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

  • Build strong relationships with community organizations, educators, cultural leaders, and Ramsey County agencies.
  • Engage diverse communities around shared history and learning.
  • Represent RCHS with civic leaders, funders, and stakeholders.
  • Strengthen trust and accountability through relationship‑based leadership.

Communications & Public Presence

  • Serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson.
  • Support strong external communications and brand alignment.
  • Advance storytelling that reflects accuracy, inclusion, and relevance.
  • Strengthen public awareness of RCHS programs and impact.

Find full job posting at

Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document with your name and RCHS in the title to

The position will be open until filled. Resume reviews will begin on March 16. Questions may be directed to

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