Executive Director

Executive Director

Organization:
Towerside Innovation District

Location:

Twin Cities, Minnesota
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Reports to:

Towerside Innovation District Board of Directors

Towerside Innovation District is a Twin Cities based 501(c)(3) organization that has been working in collaboration with public and private partners over the last 12 years to transform an overlooked, asset‑rich district at the heart of the Twin Cities into an equitable and restorative demonstration of 21st century urban redevelopment.

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As the region’s first designated innovation district, Towerside has significantly advanced a community‑born vision where collaboration, planning, and investment create a high‑intensity, high‑density mix of places and spaces where working, living, and innovation come together in an equitable, diverse, and sustainable community. Some of the significant collaborative developments include affordable housing units, stormwater system, geothermal district energy system, entertainment and essential services businesses amongst others.

But there is more important work to be done and projects to be completed towards fulfilling the promise of our community‑led vision and evolving needs.

The Opportunity:

Towerside is seeking a leader to continue the implementation of the organization’s 3‑year strategic vision into a lived reality in partnership with the Board of Directors.

As the Executive Director, you will be the heart of the organization. You will inherit a solid and trusted legacy of partnerships, completed projects, an engaged supportive Board, and an opportunity to build a dedicated team. Your mission will be to turn our vision into reality.

Our Promise to You:

We know the ED role is demanding. We offer a commitment to your professional well‑being, such as attending national/regional conferences and/or an annual leadership retreat and other opportunities. In addition, we offer a competitive salary, health benefits, insurance, PTO, a flexible, hybrid work environment. We are an organization that is highly respected and trusted with a soundtrack of record of accomplishing community driven goals and projects, therefore providing you the essential elements to be successful.

What You’ll Do:

The Executive Director (ED) is accountable to the Board of Directors for overall leadership, strategic direction, fundraising, and operational management of Towerside Innovation District. The ED will implement the strategic plan and key projects, grow and steward a diverse network of partners, build a financially sustainable platform for a mission‑driven organization rooted in the principles of environmental urban design, equity and community voice.

• Advance this mission through inclusive partnership‑building, thoughtful acquisition and stewardship of resources, and implementation of a bold, community‑grounded strategic plan.
• Serve as the chief staff leader of this nonprofit organization, build and manage a team (hired and contractors), well‑oiled operating systems, and compliant non‑profit organization.
• Build positive and productive engagement with the Board of Directors, partner with them in implementing the strategic and equity plans and supporting the Board in its governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Be the face of the organization along with the Board in representing the organization with partners, community members, and sponsors locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Strengthen credible and inspiring visibility for the organization through in person and virtual events, and social media channels as needed.
• Champion meaningful, culturally responsive community engagement so that all businesses, residents and historically marginalized communities within the District’s geography inform District priorities, projects, and outcomes.
• Build a financially sustainable organization through annual budget management, efficient and timely fundraising, strengthening current and securing new and mixed sources of funds including partner contributions.
• Building a solid foundation of capturing, analysing/synthesising, and reporting key internal metrics as well as impact metrics on a…