About Minnestar
Since its founding, Minnestar has been a community driven organization, dedicating itself to serving the Minnesota tech & entrepreneurial ecosystem. We put on some of the largest events convening the MN tech community in the spirit of innovation, connection, learning, and fun. Over the years, we have grown beyond solely events, to serve as the hub for any tech enthusiast looking to connect with the MN tech ecosystem and each other.
Our mission is to build, nurture and engage those interested in technology through meaningful connection. We have a set of core values that guide us in our work:
At Minnestar, we are:
- By the community, for the community: We are a home for dabblers, makers, coders, and tech enthusiasts. We thrive in a diverse collection of skills, people, and identities. Minnestar is for everyone – whether you are just dipping your toes into tech, or if you routinely do a deep dive in the 0s and 1s.
- Inclusive & welcoming: No matter if you are giving your very first tech talk, or a second time startup founder demoing your latest project – everyone is welcome and supported at Minnestar events. From nursing rooms to childcare, we seek to create environments that allow everyone to feel safe and bring their best selves.
- Innovators: We are experimenters, tinkers, and always up for trying something new – whether that is building a project using the latest tech, or building a company that meets a critical need. We seek the thrill of creating, and we know our supportive community will have our back.
- Problem solvers: From a stubborn error in a line of code to that tricky legacy project, tech is all about problem solving. It’s no secret that the tech community too faces some serious challenges. Lack of equitable access to technology, racism, algorithmic bias and lack of accessibility prevent us from creating MN as the best place to live, work, and grow. We are committed to identifying and addressing gaps in our community, and building a strong equitable tech community for all.
- Fun! Minnestar events are casual, informal, welcoming and above all fun! You can see the latest tech being built locally, give your first tech talk, and make lifelong connections. We find joy in what we do, and seek to have environments that are fun, energetic, inspiring and not salesy (gross).
Description of role
Minnestar is seeking an Executive Director who can apply their leadership, nonprofit management, and resource development skills to help take our organization and community to the next level.
The ideal candidate would be a self-starter who is passionate about building inclusive communities, and would thrive in both strategic community leadership as well as detail oriented execution.
This position has a flexible remote / hybrid schedule with occasional evening and weekend events. This position has frequent meetings at businesses throughout the Twin Cities, and must therefore have access to independent transportation. Candidates from anywhere in Minnesota are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Fundraising
- The Executive Director is responsible for securing and managing the financial resources necessary to fulfill the mission and work of the organization, alongside the Board of Directors. The ED will set strategy for and lead the successful achievement of an annual development plan and financial goals for individual giving, institutional relations, corporate and business partnerships, events, and stewardship.
- Programming
- The ED is responsible for the creation, marketing, promotion and management of all of our popular annual events and digital resources in collaboration with volunteers, board members and future staff
- Marketing/Communications
- The ED manages all marketing & communications for the organization from planning to content creation including but not limited to: event promotions, email newsletter, blog and website content, and social media
- Also serves as key point of contact for external agency partners and other outside vendors to ensure timelines and deliverables are being met and partners have a full understanding of project success factors
- Operations/Finance
- The ED is responsible for managing expenses, creation of annual budget, and tasks related to preparation of 990 annual tax filing in coordination with treasurer/Board Chair
- Also responsible for organization administration tasks such as paying invoices, receiving mail, depositing checks, managing vendor relationships, responding to organization email and phone inquiries
- Strategic Planning
- In coordination with the Board of Directors, the ED will build upon the strategic vision and 10 year roadmap for the organization. They will work with the Executive Committee to plan the annual board strategy session in order to further achieve these goals.
- The ED will build ongoing strategic relationships and collaborate with community organizations, public and private entities, user groups, etc
- Community Leadership
- The ED will oversee community outreach and engagement of the organization, building effective relationships with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to: sponsors, community organizations, enterprise and startup companies, non-profits, schools, government organizations, etc
- They will represent the organization at public events, and serve as ecosystem leader on metro-wide committees and initiatives
- Board Management
- The ED is responsible for overall management of and regular communication with the Board of Directors to ensure everyone is informed on organization updates and initiatives. They collaborate with the Board and committees on the planning and coordination of meetings, while ensuring strong project management of strategic work.
- Responsible for hiring and management of future staff
- The ED also leads the process to recruit, select and onboard new board members as needed, in partnership with Board Chair/Executive Committee
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- Strong demonstrated professional leadership experience
- The ability and the desire to be the public face of the organization and build connections with individuals, and stakeholders
- A strong track record of fundraising – grant writing experience a plus
- Knowledge and experience in how to run and manage a non-profit organization
- Experience managing and running large community events with a high degree of detail oriented execution
- Strong emotional intelligence, with the ability to listen and communicate effectively with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
- Track record of success managing and delivering results for multiple stakeholders in a fast paced environment
- Is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion with a passion for advancing racial justice and gender equality within our organization and our communities.
- Has excellent written and verbal communication skills and has the ability to communicate the organization’s vision and mission passionately to both internal and external audiences.
The ideal candidate will possess the following personal characteristics:
- Passion for the technology, entrepreneurs and local communities
- Exceptional relationship management skills; ability to connect with people
- Self-starter who is adaptable/flexible
- Detail oriented – able to balance both strategy and execution
- Inclusive with a background in or passion around DEI
- Problem solver & innovative
Compensation
The annual salary range for this role will be $75,000 to $110,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. We also offer paid family leave benefits, a desk and membership at a local coworking space whenever you want it, a flexible work schedule, and the appreciation of a large and growing community!
Application
To express your interest in this role, please submit a one-page letter of interest/introduction that describes why you would be an excellent candidate for this position. Include links to your LinkedIn and any relevant websites. Applications can be sent to hello@minnestar.org, and are due March 24th 2023.
Minnestar believes that a diverse, inclusive staff and community is a fundamental strength. Towards that end, we’re committed to hiring people of all races, ethnicities, religions, ages, sex, genders, sexual orientations, or gender identities. Women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and members of other minority or marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Lastly, if you are interested in this position but do not meet 100% of the qualifications, please still apply!
