Executive Director, Minnesota Food & Ag Innovation

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition benefit program

Retirement plans

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a dynamic leader to oversee Naturally MN, a program that connects Minnesota food, agriculture, and consumer packaged goods entrepreneurs with resources and partners. You will shape programming, impact metrics, and national representation, while securing funding and collaborating with university units.

You will build executive-level relationships, manage a small team, and report to the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, advancing Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Minimum BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of experience.
• At least 5 years of industry experience in food or agriculture industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, build, and scale impactful programs and/or organizational initiatives.
• Demonstrated project management capability.
• Demonstrated strategic communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop key relationships and convene industry leaders across all sectors of food/agriculture/beverage community—from seed to plate.
• Lead contact for food/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs to understand ongoing needs and successes.
• Lead contact for senior executives, VP, C-level executives and CEOs in food/agriculture/beverage community.
• Identify national-level executives and investors to participate in events for entrepreneurs.
• Develop and deliver programming that engages stakeholders and delivers value to partners.
• Develop short and long-term plans for program expansion and sponsorships.
• Build upon conferences to promote Minnesota food and ag innovation.
• Recruit, supervise and mentor staff and interns.
• Develop scalable processes to connect entrepreneurs with mentors and resources.
• Leverage the Naturally Network for programming.

Education

BA/BS degree

eight years of experience

Job description

University of Minnesota seeks a dynamic leader to oversee Naturally MN, a program that connects Minnesota food, agriculture, and consumer packaged goods entrepreneurs with resources and partners. You will shape programming, impact metrics, and national representation, while securing funding and collaborating with university units.

You will build executive-level relationships, manage a small team, and report to the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, advancing Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem.