Company: Towerside Innovation District
Position: Executive Director
Industry: Nonprofit / Urban Development
Location: Minneapolis (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Exempt)
Salary: $115K – $125K per year
Email: staff@towersidemsp.org
About the Organization:
Towerside Innovation District is a nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities focused on transforming an asset-rich urban district into an equitable, sustainable innovation hub. Over the past decade, the organization has partnered with public and private stakeholders to deliver projects including affordable housing, district energy systems, stormwater infrastructure, and community development initiatives.
Role Overview:
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Serve as the chief executive and strategic leader of the organization
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Implement the organization’s 3-year strategic vision alongside the Board of Directors
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Strengthen partnerships, fundraising, and operational systems to advance equitable urban redevelopment
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
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Lead implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and major projects
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Manage organizational operations and build a strong staff and contractor team
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Partner closely with the Board of Directors to support governance and strategic priorities
Partnership & Community Engagement
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Serve as the public face of the organization with community members, partners, and sponsors
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Build and maintain partnerships across public, private, and academic sectors
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Promote inclusive community engagement to ensure diverse voices shape district priorities
Fundraising & Financial Management
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Manage annual budgets and ensure long-term financial sustainability
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Lead fundraising efforts, including securing diverse funding sources and partner contributions
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Track and report organizational performance metrics and impact outcomes
Visibility & Advocacy
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Strengthen regional and national visibility through events, outreach, and media engagement
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Support communications through public presentations and social media engagement
Preferred Experience
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7+ years of leadership experience (Director level or higher)
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Background in nonprofit management, urban development, or real estate development
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Experience working with a Board of Directors
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Demonstrated success raising $500K+ annually through multiple funding sources
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Experience managing district-scale projects such as construction, infrastructure, or public realm initiatives
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Proven ability to build strong partnerships across public, private, and community sectors
Ideal Candidate Traits
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Strong relationship builder and partnership developer
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Emotionally intelligent leader with collaborative approach
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Operationally strong with experience building effective organizational systems
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Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Passion for climate-friendly and equitable urban development
Benefits
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Health insurance
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Paid time off
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Flexible hybrid work schedule
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Leadership development opportunities and conferences
How to Apply:
Send your resume, cover letter, and three references to staff@towersidemsp.org by March 15.
