Naturally MN Executive Director

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

About the Job

About Naturally MN Our vision is to make Minnesota THE destination for food,agriculture & consumer packaged goods innovation. We connectand elevate our ecosystem by offering educational, networking andadvisory resources to our members and entrepreneurs. Naturally MNis a community-led, public-private partnership that brings togethercorporations, investors, foundations, government and skilledvolunteers to support Minnesota’s entrepreneurs across the entirefood system and value chain. Launched in 2016, we are part of a larger national network calledthe Naturally Network, which has 10 other chapters across thecountry. Naturally MN acts as the front door for all entrepreneursand helps navigate them to the right resources at the right time toadvance their business in Minnesota and beyond. Naturally MN is aprogram of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the CarlsonSchool of Management.

Position Details

This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for the independent development, delivery and measurement of Naturally MN, a program that fosters connections to support Minnesotaentrepreneurs and promote our region as the leading hub ofinnovation in the food, ag and consumer packaged goods industries. It seeks to establish Naturally MN as the recognized voice for MN’sfood and ag entrepreneurs, while serving as the spokesperson forthe state and industry at national forums, convenings andconferences. The position is independently responsible for securing thefinancial resources to fund its programs, through the developmentof executive-level relationships from across the business communityand public sector. The position develops critical relationshipswith food/agriculture entrepreneurs, senior executives,foundations, universities and public sector to identify, developand deliver programming that engage stakeholders and deliver valueto all partners.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Relationship and Community Development (20%)
   • Develop key relationships and convene industry leaders across allsectors of food/agriculture/beverage community – from seed to plate
   • Lead contact for food/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs tounderstand ongoing needs, successes, etc.
   • Lead contact for senior executives, VP, C-level executives andCEOs in food/agriculture/beverage community
   • Identify and engage VP, C-level executives, CEOs, investors andaccelerators at the national level to participate in events andopportunities for food/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs
   • Identify national and global opportunities for Naturally MN andits partners to participate in to promote Minnesota entrepreneursand innovations
   • Recruit and lead advisory board to support outreach, programmingand sponsorship activities.
2. University Engagement (10%)
   • Support and participate in the delivery of complementary HolmesCenter programming, while embracing the brands of the University,Carlson School and Holmes Center
   • Develop and maintain senior organizational relationships andfoster collaboration with deans, department chairs and directorsfrom broad range of University units (UMF Foundation, CFANS, TechComm, iOE, related centers) involved in food/agriculture; leverageUniversity-wide assets and related programs
   • Develop and execute programs and related projects for undergradand graduate students to connect and supportfood/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs in Minnesota
3. Naturally MN Program Development & Execution (30%)
   • Develop short and long-term plans and annual goals for expansionof program, including business development strategies to target andsecure new partners and sponsors
   • Build upon Food, Ag, Ideas Week Conference to improveconnectivity and create global platform/voice for Minnesota foodand ag industry
   • Create and execute programming & events that engage sponsorsand delivers value to all partners
   • Recruit, supervise and mentor shared support staff andinterns
   • Develop and implement scalable processes to create connectionsbetween entrepreneurs and resources – mentors, vendors, partners,funding, etc
   • Leverage relationship with national Naturally Network forprogramming.
   • Support development of related organizations that support MNfood/ag/beverage entrepreneurs
   • Develop impact metrics and ongoing reporting for existing grantsand endowments supporting Naturally MN
4. Secure Resources and Financial Sustainability (30%)
   • Independently lead development of relationships and securing ofresources and financial commitments from alumni, corporations,governmental sources and other prospective benefactors.
   • Identify and pursue sponsorship, engagement and developmentopportunities by engaging and influencing senior executives atVP-level and C-level in the Twin Cities business community andbeyond.
   • Develop and present proposals for new grants and donations tosecure endowment for Naturally MN.
   • Ensure financial responsibility and management of annualoperating budget at a surplus.
5. Lead Naturally MN marketing efforts (10%)
   • Position Naturally MN as the recognized voice for MN’s food andag entrepreneurs, while serving as the spokesperson for the state and industry at national and global conferences
   • Develop & execute marketing plan to promote Naturally MN (aspart of the University) and its programs, promoting success storiesto statewide and national audiences
   • Speak at national and global conferences to promote MN as leaderin food and ag innovation
   • Develop and manage content on website, newsletter, social mediaplatforms, including resources and events
   • Lead coordination of external partners for PR, communications,advertising

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of experience
• At least 5 years of industry experience in food or agricultureindustry
• Demonstrated ability to lead, build, and scale impactfulprograms and/or organizational initiatives
• Demonstrated project management capability
• Demonstrated strategic communication skills

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelors or masters degree in area relevant toentrepreneurship or food or agriculture industry
• Demonstrated ability of strategic organizational leadership anddelivery of programming
• Prior experience convening and coordinating a broad range ofstakeholders
• Prior fundraising experience
• Passion for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation inMinnesota
• Interest in supporting student entrepreneurs andinnovators

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $130,000 - $145,000; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counselingat no cost
• Employee TransitPass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Thisapproach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of ourcommitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered toincoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University iscommitted to attracting and retaining employees with varyingidentities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to andopportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

This position does not qualify for H1-B Sponsorship

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,international corporations, government agencies, and arts,nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-lifeflexibility.