Executive Director

Friends of the Superior National Forest; Tofte Township (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick time (Earned)

Holiday leave (44 hours)

Cell phone reimbursement ($25/mo)

Computer provided

Mileage reimbursement

Clothing/gear stipend ($200/yr)

Gear cache access

Professional development budget

Job summary

Friends of the Superior National Forest seeks an Executive Director to lead daily operations, shape strategy with the Board, oversee programs, budgets, and compliance, and advance fundraising efforts in a small nonprofit setting.

This part-time role (20 hours/week) aims to move to full-time as capacity and funding grow, requiring strong communication, donor relations, and hands-on leadership across volunteers and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years of nonprofit leadership or management experience.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising (grants, donors, events, or campaigns).
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Grant writing and reporting experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Board.
• Ability to regularly attend volunteer projects, events, and partner meetings in or near the Superior National Forest.

Responsibilities

• Lead organizational leadership & strategy, implementing mission and strategic plan.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising plan with revenue goals.
• Cultivate donor relationships and oversee grant proposals and reporting.
• Manage annual budget in partnership with Board Treasurer and monitor cash flow.
• Oversee bookkeeping, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise staff/volunteers and foster a collaborative culture.
• Represent the organization as a primary spokesperson and build partnerships.

Skills

Fundraising

Budget management

Grant writing

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder relations

Communication

Nonprofit governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Donor databases

Job description

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day management of Friends of the Superior National Forest and works collaboratively with the Board to set the strategic direction of the organization. This includes program oversight, financial management and legal compliance, community relations, and fundraising and resource development to ensure long-term sustainability. In a small nonprofit environment, the ED balances organizational leadership with hands‑on work across the organization's programs and operations. This position reports directly to the Board Chair. This position is currently part-time (20 hours per week), with the goal of transitioning to full-time within the next year, depending on organizational capacity and funding.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Implement the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan
• Work closely with the Board to set priorities and track progress
• Ensure programs are effective, mission-aligned, and measurable
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board
• Lead all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, grants, events, and corporate sponsorships
• With the Fundraising Committee, develop and execute an annual fundraising plan with clear revenue goals
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners
• Track donations and acknowledge donors
• Write and/or oversee grant proposals and reports
• Support the Board in their fundraising roles and engagement
• Identify new funding opportunities and diversify revenue streams
• Develop and manage the annual budget in partnership with the Board Treasurer
• Monitor cash flow and ensure financial health of the organization
• Oversee bookkeeping, reporting, and compliance
• Assist the bookkeeper with Quickbooks Online coding
• Ensure responsible stewardship of funds

Operations and Staff Management

• Supervise and support staff and/or volunteers
• Foster a positive, collaborative organizational culture
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including programs and administration
• Lead volunteers on stewardship projects within the Superior National Forest
• Track volunteer hours and acknowledge contributions
• Maintain inventories of tools, personal protective equipment, and educational materials
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and agency requirements

Community Engagement and External Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization
• Build partnerships with community organizations, stakeholders, and funders
• Increase visibility and awareness through outreach and events

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 3+ years of nonprofit leadership or management experience
• Demonstrated success in fundraising (grants, donors, events, or campaigns)
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills
• Grant writing and reporting experience
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Board
• Ability to regularly attend volunteer projects, events, and partner meetings in or near the Superior National Forest

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a nonprofit Board
• Familiarity with donor databases and other applicable technology
• Experience in a small or growing nonprofit environment
• Personal connection to the Superior National Forest, which includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Training Provided

• Wilderness First Aid certification
• CPR certification
• Leave No Trace certification
• USFS saw certification or re-certification if desired
• Pay rate of $30 per hour, approximately 20 hours per week, with the goal of transitioning to full-time within the next year
• Earned sick and safe time
• 44 hours of paid holiday leave
• $25/month cell phone reimbursement
• Computer provided
• Federal-rate mileage reimbursement when driving a personal vehicle to and from projects or meetings
• Annual $200 clothing or gear stipend
• Access to gear cache for projects
• All personal protective equipment
• Annual professional development and learning budget to support continued education, training, and skill development

Equal Opportunity Employer

Friends of the Superior National Forest is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the Superior National Forest and all public lands are stronger and better when everyone feels welcome and involved in stewardship. We strive to ensure, cultivate, and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff, board members, and volunteers.

Friends of the Superior National Forest does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We welcome all interested persons to apply.