Description

Executive Director
Rochester, Minnesota | Full-Time, Exempt | $75,000 – $95,000

About Collider Foundation:

Collider Foundation is a Rochester, Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to activating, connecting, and empowering entrepreneurs. We serve as a central hub for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem—providing startup support, education, coworking, and storytelling initiatives that help early-stage businesses grow and thrive. Through collaborative partnerships with funders, civic leaders, and community institutions, Collider is building an inclusive economy where entrepreneurship is accessible to all.

Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic, operational, programmatic, and financial leadership to Collider Foundation. As the organization’s chief ambassador and ecosystem connector, the ED spends significant time building relationships with entrepreneurs, funders, partners, and community institutions while overseeing organizational strategy and program quality. The ED takes direction from a 10-person Board of Directors and works closely with them to strategically position and grow the organization.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who excels at relationship-building and fundraising, is comfortable leading grant cultivation efforts, representing Collider in the community, and building the collaborative infrastructure that enables a small, high-impact team to deliver outstanding programming.

Reporting Structure
Reports to: Board of Directors

Supervises: Director of Startup Support; Director of Communications; Director of Community Engagement

Primary Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement (40%)

Develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with Collider’s mission and long-term goals.

Serve as the chief ambassador for Collider, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with entrepreneurs, funders, partners, civic leaders, and community institutions.

Maintain deep engagement with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning Collider as a central connector and trusted resource.

Represent Collider at community events, partner meetings, and public forums; serve on relevant community boards or committees as appropriate.

Identify opportunities to expand or refine services, including 1:1 startup support, education cohorts, coworking, and storytelling initiatives.

2. Fundraising & Development Leadership (30%)

Lead fundraising strategy and major donor/funder cultivation, working collaboratively with staff and board to secure the organization’s annual operating budget.

Personally write or oversee high-priority grant proposals and lead strategic conversations with foundation officers and major donors.

Cultivate and steward relationships with foundations, public funders, individual donors, and corporate sponsors.

Work with development support staff to ensure timely grant reporting, compliance, and donor communications.

Identify and pursue diversified revenue streams, including earned income, sponsorships, and program fees.

3. Program Oversight & Impact (15%)

Oversee program design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement across all offerings.

Ensure high-quality support for early-stage businesses through education, mentorship, and individualized guidance.

Develop and track metrics to assess program impact and communicate outcomes clearly to funders, partners, and the Board.

4. Financial & Operational Oversight (10%)

Develop and monitor the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with nonprofit best practices.

Oversee financial operations and work with contracted bookkeeper to ensure accurate financial reporting, cash flow management, and compliance.

Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, audits, and Board policies.

Implement systems and processes that support efficiency, accountability, and scalability.

5. Team Leadership & Culture (5%)

Lead and support a small, high-impact team of three directors.

Set clear goals, monitor performance, and provide coaching and professional development.

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial organizational culture.

Recruit, onboard, and retain staff in alignment with mission and growth objectives.

Requirements

Required:

7–10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in nonprofit or profit management, entrepreneurship support, business management or acceleration economic development or related field.

Experience with financial oversight, including budget development, monitoring organizational finances, and interpreting financial reports. Does not require hands-on bookkeeping experience.

Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to organizational strategy, growth, or program development.

Strong understanding of early-stage business development and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly in under-resourced or emerging ecosystems.

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications:

Direct experience as a founder, small business owner, or startup advisor.

Track record of raising $500K+ annually across multiple revenue streams.

Experience managing public or government grants, including contracts, reimbursements, and compliance requirements.

Familiarity with the Rochester, MN entrepreneurial ecosystem, including local funders, educational institutions, and economic development partners.

Experience leading organizations or programs through periods of transition, growth, or strategic realignment.

Excellent relationship-building and networking skills; comfort representing the organization publicly and building authentic partnerships.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate impact into compelling narratives for funders, partners, and the public.

5+ years of fundraising leadership experience, including developing strategy, cultivating major donors, and securing funding from foundations, public sources, individual donors, and corporate sponsors.

Demonstrated grant writing experience, including writing compelling proposals, developing budgets, and managing funder relationships. Ability to personally write high- stakes proposals when needed.

3–5 years of people management experience, including supervising staff, setting goals, providing performance feedback, and supporting professional development.

Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, small-team environment, balancing strategic leadership with collaborative execution.

Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and expanding access to entrepreneurship opportunities.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree is a plus, though candidates with demonstrated expertise and a strong track record of success are equally encouraged to apply.