Sr. Director of NDFU Foundation

North Dakota Farmers Union; Jamestown (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation seeks a Sr. Director to drive growth, lead education initiatives for youth and cooperatives, and oversee cross-department programs.

You will guide governance, secure funding, and build sustainable partnerships with NDFU and partners to advance the foundation's mission and impact. The role requires strategic leadership, team development, and robust fundraising capabilities, with collaboration across multiple departments and with the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience with boards, donors, and partners.
• Experience in program design, analysis, and evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to develop strategic plans, budgets, and program goals.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and building sustainable revenue.

Responsibilities

• Provide governance support and strategic leadership with Board and president.
• Lead and mentor program directors and administrative staff.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure cohesive cross-department communications.
• Develop and manage budgets and financial reporting.
• Build partnerships with NDFU, cooperatives, and external organizations.

Skills

Governance

Strategic leadership

Team leadership

Fundraising

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

About the NDFU Foundation:

The North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation advances the mission of North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) by strengthening the people, cooperatives, and communities that surround and support family agriculture. We fulfill this commitment by educating youth and developing future leaders, promoting cooperatives, connecting consumers to agriculture, and fostering partnerships that create vibrant, resilient communities where NDFU members live, work, and lead.

Purpose of the Role:

The Sr. Director of the Foundation is responsible for driving the growth of the NDFU Foundation, including growing and building youth education and cooperative education programs. In addition to providing leadership to the directors overseeing these programs, this role provides governance support, strategic leadership, management, and direction of the NDFU Foundation. This executive level position is responsible for designing cross-departmental programs and initiatives, leading multi-organizational collaboration and team coordination, and building partnerships and organizational sustainability to support the foundation's purpose, mission, and goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance Support and Strategic Leadership
  • Work with the Board of Directors and president to develop and execute a strategic plan to grow Farmers Union Camp and significantly expand the reach of education programs among youth and young adults.
  • Draft and implement organizational plans, strategies, program goals and objectives, prepare budgets, and assess outcomes with program directors that improve organizational performance and effectiveness, enhance value, and identify growth opportunities.
  • Collaborate with NDFU to identify and co-create opportunities and programs that enhance engagement, increase involvement, avoid duplication, and create value for NDFU youth, young adults, and cooperatives.
  • Analyze, evaluate, modify, and improve programs, projects, and activities on a continual basis.
  • Regularly report to the Board of Directors on foundation activities and programs, including financial status, personnel matters, program progress, and new developments.
  • Develop, strengthen, and manage effective partnerships with NDFU, cooperatives and other organizations.
• Management and Team Leadership
  • Establish an aligned and high-performing workplace that focuses on serving the mission and purpose of the foundation through collaboration engagement, commitment, and shared accountability.
  • Lead, coach, and develop program directors (2) and administrative staff (1) and oversee the implementation and fidelity of programs and initiatives.
  • Ensure effective operations of day-to-day activities, coordinating with and between the foundation, NDFU, and partners, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Ensure consistent messaging and timely and integrated communication strategies across the Youth Education and Co-op Education departments and with NDFU.
  • Administer the budget adopted by the Board of Directors and ensure execution of financial transactions and operations in accordance with the policies set by the governing board.
  • Develop and ensure maintenance of a relationship/customer database or system to monitor and update contact information, program participation, engagement, relationships, etc.
  • Maintain written procedures for various job functions.
• Fundraising and Financial Sustainability
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ensures self-sufficiency by 2030.
  • Establish annual and multi-year revenue goals that diversify funding sources and build sustainable support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other partners.
  • Cultivate and steward donors and funding partners by developing meaningful relationships, communicating the organization's impact, identifying opportunities for increased investment, and ensuring consistent recognition and engagement of supporters.
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, major gifts, planned giving, special initiatives, and strategic partnerships that advance the organization's mission and expand its capacity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Highly motivated, self-starter.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, program design and analysis.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, meet deadlines, and provide project management.
• Knowledge of management techniques, fundraising principles, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team to strong performance.
• Ability to analyze data, including financial data, and produce reports.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, community development, nonprofit management, business administration, philanthropy, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in community engagement, membership development, communications/marketing, fundraising and development, or nonprofit/education settings.
• Experience leading a team and working with boards, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Willing to consider the right candidate with relevant experience.

Working Conditions:

• Position may be based in either Bismarck, ND or Jamestown, ND.
• Flexible schedule; must be available for some day, evening, and weekend work when necessary.
• Travel as needed.

North Dakota Farmers Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.