Executive Director

Company: City Parks Alliance
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Organization Minneapolis Parks FoundationLocation Minneapolis, MinnesotaJob Type Full TimeThe Minneapolis Parks Foundation seeks an Executive Director!Are you a visionary leader with a love of parks and Minneapolis? Do you enjoy working with experienced colleagues and a committed board of directors and community partners? Are you ready to manage a strong organization and lead it through a growth phase? Now is the time to use your passion, skills and experience to strengthen our community and impact our urban environment in a positive way.Organization SummaryFounded in 2003, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF) is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that transforms human lives through parks and public spaces by aligning philanthropic investment and community vision. As a thought leader, catalyst, and fundraiser, the Parks Foundation is uniquely positioned to help clarify community interest and drive philanthropic investment, collaboration, and private sector expertise in support of the Minneapolis Park System.The Foundation partners with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) and other public agencies to guide transformative public realm initiatives and by leading private fundraising and implementation support of signature projects. We help donors invest in important park projects in Minneapolis and champion innovations within parks through curated events.As the primary philanthropic partner of the Park Board, the Parks Foundation raises funds in four distinct ways: large-scale capital and programmatic efforts, like North Commons Park and Water Works, Special Initiatives, the People for Parks Fund, and the MPRB-MPF endowment.Community PartnershipIn setting priorities, the Parks Foundation seeks to understand the perspectives of communities and interest groups affected by its decisions. To do so, MPF strives to reflect the whole of the city in its board, staff, and partnerships; actively listens and learns from diverse stakeholders; and is attentive to power dynamics that minimize certain voices in public discourse.The Parks Foundation has a commitment to responsible financial management. With a strong cash flow, a healthy reserve fund, and an annual operating budget of $2.1 million dollars. The organization has raised $16 million toward the $20 million North Commons Campaign. We are in the early stages of developing a strategy and raising funds for an Endowment for the Minneapolis Parks.Position Description: Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks FoundationThe Executive Director is responsible for leading, directing, and managing the Minneapolis Parks Foundation in a manner consistent with the organization's mission, vision, and values.Principal Executive Director Responsibilities include:Strategic Leadership

• Act as the chief spokesperson, advocate, and champion for MPF, assuring that the organization and its mission are highly visible and properly presented to its various publics
• Build partnerships with the leadership of non-profit, public and private organizations
• Act as the primary liaison with the MPRB
• Execute the MPF strategic plan and focus on priorities as identified by the board
• Educate, advocate, and inspire the broader community to enthusiastically embrace MPF's mission
• Establish a robust private and community fundraising strategy to provide support for key MPF initiatives
• Build a fundraising strategy to support the expansion of the newly established MPRB-MPF endowment
• Develop relationships with key donors and serve as spokesperson in donor meetings along with staff members
• Oversee financial management, including budgeting and resource allocation
• Manage investments and a strong cash reserve
• Ensure the organization's financial stability and sustainabilityOperational Management
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, including program development, fundraising, communication, and financial management
  • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations
  • Plan for the operational and financial infrastructure required to support the growth of MPFBoard & Governance
    • Work collaboratively with the board of directors to ensure effective governance
    • Develop, implement and uphold board bylaws, policies and procedures
    • Guide the board by keeping its members fully informed of critical events, trends, and opportunities that will help the board make informed decisions, and create best policies and practices
    • Lead and motivate a small, highly motivated, seasoned staff
    • Foster a positive work environment with an emphasis on collaboration and communication
    • Develop and retain talent
    • Ensure staff alignment with the MPF's mission and strategic goalsRequired Qualifications:
      • 10 years of leadership experience, proven success and experience in the nonprofit and/or government sectors or equivalent
      • Demonstrated experience in leading strategic change and organizational development
      • Strong fundraising skills, with a ability to work from multiple channels including donor relationship management, grants solicitation, and the public to attract revenue, gifts, and grants
      • Experience in financial management, including budgeting and forecasting
      • Demonstrated experience in growing an endowment and deploying a successful capital campaign strategy
      • Highly developed skills in leadership, communication, management, negotiation, conflict management, advocacy, and creative methods of coaching, teaching, and team development
      • Demonstrated skill as an effective communicator, a persuasive influencer, and a good listener
      • Demonstrated experience in staff development to build, expand, and lead MPF staff to accomplish goals and objectives
      • Experience working effectively with an engaged board of directors
      • Exhibits a passion for park preservation and environmental stewardshipMinneapolis Parks Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are actively seeking to create a diverse work environment because teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences. We value a diverse workplace and encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, older members of society, and others from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All employees and contractors of the foundation are responsible for maintaining a work culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with kindness and respect.For more information about the position apply here .Applicants will remain confidential to the search committee unless specifically authorized.
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Keywords: City Parks Alliance, Burnsville , Executive Director, Executive , Minneapolis, Minnesota