Position Summary

The Executive Director provides leadership and oversight for the day-to-day operations of the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association (MNGLCA). This role focuses on organizational growth, partnership development, fundraising and sponsorship efforts, contractor coordination, and public representation of the organization. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to implement organizational priorities while ensuring programs, events, and outreach efforts are carried out effectively across Minnesota. This position coordinates the work of the Events and Communications Coordinator and Financial Coordinator and serves as the primary operational point of communication between the board, contractors, partners, and sponsors.


Required Qualifications

  • Strong understanding of agriculture, grazing, conservation, or land stewardship
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
  • Ability to work independently and manage priorities without daily supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, sponsorships, or funding opportunities
  • Proven administrative and organizational skills
  • Professional and trustworthy  communication
  • Reliable high-speed internet for remote work
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in nonprofit leadership, management, or organizational operations
  • Experience coordinating a team
  • Familiarity with NRCS, SWCD, MDA, or conservation-related organizations
  • Experience with sponsorship development, fundraising, or grant writing
  • Background in business development, entrepreneurship, or revenue growth
  • Ability to tow a medium enclosed trailer for events and field days


To Apply

Please submit the following

  • A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and agricultural background
  • A resume or professional biography
  • Two to three professional references
  • One agricultural reference preferred


Applications Due June 26th, 2026

Expected Start Date September 1st, 2026


Submit application to:

hiring@mnglca.org


Questions:

Star Nelson

(507)838-0569

Full Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

  • Lead MNGLCA’s day-to-day operations through clear systems, communication, and delegation
  • Translate priorities into annual work plans and measurable goals
  • Collaborate with the team to review and update organizational strategic priorities
  • Communicate organizational priorities clearly to team and partners
  • Maintain organizational records, contracts, membership information, and communications
  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit, grant, and regulatory requirements
  • Prepare and deliver written executive summaries for monthly board meetings
  • Maintain timely and accurate administrative work, reports, and follow-up communication


Revenue Development and Fundraising

  • Develop and implement fundraising strategies focused on grants, sponsorships, and donors
  • Maintain relationships with sponsors, donors, and funding partners
  • Support or lead grant applications alongside the Financial Coordinator


Financial Oversight and Compliance

  • Work with the Financial Coordinator to support the organization’s long-term financial health
  • Monitor budgets and financial reporting
  • Assist with annual budget preparation and financial planning
  • Support audits, financial reviews, and grant compliance activities


External Relations & Public Representation

  • Serve as MNGLCA’s primary public representative across Minnesota
  • Represent MNGLCA at field days, grazing schools, conferences, meetings, and events
  • Build relationships with producers, agencies, organizations, and agricultural partners
  • Foster positive relationships with producers across diverse grazing systems and backgrounds


Membership & Communication

  • Support growth and retention of MNGLCA membership
  • Oversee newsletters, social media, outreach, and member communication
  • Maintain clear, professional communication that reflects MNGLCA’s mission and values 
  • Prepare communication materials for members, sponsors, partners, and the public


Event Oversight

  • Provide strategic oversight of MNGLCA events in coordination with the Event Coordinator
  • Support development of new educational programming and outreach opportunities


Team Coordination

  • Coordinate the work and deliverables of team members
  • Provide regular communication, direction, and operational support
  • Serve as the primary operational point of contact between the board and team
  • Ensure activities remain aligned with organizational priorities