Executive Director

Title: Executive Director

Position: 1.0 FTE

Hours: (40 hrs/week) Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, occasional evenings and weekends

Location: 4905 315th St. W., Northfield with opportunity for remote work

Supervisor: Reports to Board Chair

Position Summary:

Sharing Our Roots (SOR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit and 163-acre farm in Northfield, Minnesota, dedicated to advancing a resilient agriculture system that demonstrates the power to heal our lands, nourish our communities, and prepare emerging farmers.

After a period of strong growth and expansion, SOR has been working to adjust to its current size. SOR is now seeking an Executive Director to adapt our organizational structure to the scale of our work. The Executive Director’s top priorities initially will be to lead the organization by overseeing operations, finance, programs, and staff, while working to fundraise for and hire a more complete administrative team. The ED will also initially be responsible for supporting the cohort of farmers and working to hire a farmer cohort facilitator. Once these initial priorities have been addressed, it is expected that the ED’s workload will shift towards everyday organizational management and governance in partnership with the Board of Directors.

Primary Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

• Lead the organization towards its mission by maintaining a culture of open communication and collaboration, and keeping Sharing Our Roots' justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles at the forefront.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and support to all full-time staff. Regularly meet with Program Managers and other supervisees to identify and respond to program needs.
• Be responsible for hiring and terminating employees, acting as human resources point of contact, and conducting regular performance reviews with staff.
• Facilitate and guide team meetings, retreats, and other staff development.

Strategy, Development, and Finance:

• Work with the Operations Manager to create budgets, monitor and forecast revenue and expenses, complete an annual audit, and drive financial results.
• Create and implement an annual fundraising plan for SOR’s $1.6 million budget.
• Work with a contracted or part-time grants manager to write and report on grants in support of SOR’s annual programming and budget.
• Co-lead the Development Committee to determine fundraising needs for the organization.
• Meet regularly with the Operations Manager to develop and prepare accurate and timely analyses that capture and communicate fundraising results, coordinate and lead annual budget reviews, monthly forecasts, and cash flow.
• Serve as a co-signer for the organization for grants, deposits, and audits as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with program officers and new funders through regular check-ins and invitations to the SOR Farm.

Community Relations and Culture-Building:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with SOR farmers, gardeners, and community partners.
• Work to implement agreements and maintain positive relationships with family and partner organization owners of SOR’s farm land.
• Implement regular communications with SOR’s network of supporters and partners.
• Convene and facilitate farmer cohort conversations and resolve conflict as it arises to support the farming season execution, collaboration and implementation of the commons land agreement.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Northfield and Twin Cities-based partner organizations and educational institutions.
• Work to increase brand visibility and recognition for SOR, support the communications strategy, and the creation of an annual impact report.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Fluent in oral and written English (preference for candidates fluent in oral and written Spanish).
• A bachelor's degree and/or 5+ years in non-profit leadership, supervision, and systems change.
• Strong organizational, analytical, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Interpersonal and intercultural communication skills that contribute to a collaborative work environment with staff, board, and other stakeholders.
• Background in fundraising and development.
• Experience with farming, land management and working outside with a good understanding of seasonal management. .
• Familiarity with and interest in U.S. and Minnesota food systems, racial equity work, food sovereignty, environmental justice efforts, and community-based organizations.
• Experience working in and leading teams with cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Sensitivity and responsiveness to BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ lived experiences and historical trauma.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Must be willing to commute to Northfield as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Expected Salary: $80,000-$85,000 (BOE)
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 120 hours
• Paid Holidays: 19 days
• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST): Up to 6 days
• Retirement Package: SIMPLE IRA (Employer Match = 2%)
• Health Insurance: 100% premium covered by SOR, including health and dental, eligible after 60 days of employment
• Phone Stipend: $25/month
• Professional Development Opportunities

TO APPLY: Please send the following documents in an email to Ana Isabel Gabilondo-Scholz, Board Co-Chair at anagabilondo@gmail.com, with “Executive Director: YOUR NAME” in the subject line. Please include 1) a resume and 2) a cover letter explaining your interests and qualifications, grant writing and fundraising experience, leadership experience, and the names of three professional references.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Sharing Our Roots is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically encourage people from a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply. Sharing Our Roots does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law.

Applicants with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. If you seek an accommodation, please advise in writing at the time you apply.