Executive Director

IgniteMN is seeking a locally based, relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and sustainability. This role is ideal for a nonprofit leader with a proven fundraising track record, deep experience working with boards of directors, and a strong commitment to being present and engaged in the Red Wing community and surrounding region. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief strategist, funder steward, and public face, balancing hands-on leadership with long-term vision.

The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to advance IgniteMN’s mission of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, resources, and connections. Success in this role requires demonstrated experience securing and managing grant funding, cultivating partnerships, and translating strategy into effective programs and operations. This is a highly collaborative, community-embedded role for someone who values place-based economic development and understands the importance of trust, relationships, and local presence in nonprofit leadership.

Location: Red Wing, MN (on-site; must be local or able to commute daily to Red Wing)

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Annual Salary: $85,000-105,000 plus benefits, including: 401K with 3% match, dental and vision coverage, PTO, travel reimbursement, and cell phone stipend

Reports To: Board of Directors

Send cover letter and resume to: Info@ignitemn.org 

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
• Lead the board and staff in strategic planning and execution of the plan
• Develop, pitch for approval, and maintain the organizational budget
• Schedule, prepare agendas, and support effective board meetings
• Provide regular updates on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities
• Track progress against strategic goals and ensure alignment with board priorities
• Collaborate with the grant writer and fundraising committee to support long-term sustainability

• Secure and maintain long-term funding sources for the organization
• Lead the staff to ensure all grant obligations, milestones, and reporting requirements are met
• Coordinate with subcontractors and partners to align work with grant deliverables
• Support audits, evaluations, and funder communications as needed
• Partner with the grant writer to ensure program execution aligns with funded proposals

• Communicate clearly with all existing and potential stakeholders about the impact of the organization on the communities served 
• Represent IgniteMN at local and regional meetings, events, and convenings
• Build and maintain strong relationships and collaborate with:
• City of Red Wing and regional municipalities
• Red Wing Downtown Main Street (DTMS) and local business groups
• Funders, sponsors, and ecosystem partners
• Coordinate with partners, including MTN, DTMS, and SBDC, to ensure service quality and programming alignment
• Act as a connector between IgniteMN and the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Oversee day-to-day operations of IgniteMN 
• Ensure programs are delivered with quality, consistency, and impact
• Manage vendors, subcontractors, and consultants
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial stewardship in collaboration with the Board
• Uphold IgniteMN’s mission, values, and community-centered approach
  

• 5 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, economic development, entrepreneurship support, and/or a related field
• Demonstrated experience working with boards, funders, and community partners
• Proven fundraising track record in the nonprofit sector
• Strong understanding of grant-funded programs and compliance requirements
• Proven relationship-builder with deep community engagement skills
• Excellent communication, organization, and strategic thinking abilities
• Comfortable working across strategy, operations, and external representation
  

This role requires a strong local presence. Candidates must live in Red Wing or within a reasonable commuting distance and be available to work on-site in downtown Red Wing and attend local and regional meetings regularly.

• Experience working within rural or regional entrepreneurship ecosystems
• Familiarity with small business development, accelerators, or advising programs
• Experience collaborating with chambers, SBDCs, or regional economic development organizations
  

The Executive Director of IgniteMN plays a critical role in strengthening local businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring Red Wing remains a vibrant place to start and grow a business. This position offers the opportunity to lead with impact, build meaningful partnerships, and help shape the region’s economic future.

IgniteMN supports entrepreneurs and business owners to start and grow their businesses through education, resources, and connections. Through accelerators, advising, partnerships, and community-driven programming, IgniteMN serves entrepreneurs at multiple stages of growth while strengthening the broader regional ecosystem.