Naturally MN Executive Director

About the Job

About Naturally MN

Our vision is to make Minnesota THE destination for food, agriculture & consumer packaged goods innovation. We connect and elevate our ecosystem by offering educational, networking and advisory resources to our members and entrepreneurs. Naturally MN is a community-led, public-private partnership that brings together corporations, investors, foundations, government and skilled volunteers to support Minnesota's entrepreneurs across the entire food system and value chain.

Launched in 2016, we are part of a larger national network called the Naturally Network, which has 10 other chapters across the country. Naturally MN acts as the front door for all entrepreneurs and helps navigate them to the right resources at the right time to advance their business in Minnesota and beyond. Naturally MN is a program of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the Carlson School of Management.

Position Details

This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for the independent development, delivery and measurement of Naturally MN, a program that fosters connections to support Minnesota entrepreneurs and promote our region as the leading hub of innovation in the food, ag and consumer packaged goods industries. It seeks to establish Naturally MN as the recognized voice for MN's food and ag entrepreneurs, while serving as the spokesperson for the state and industry at national forums, convenings and conferences.

The position is independently responsible for securing the financial resources to fund its programs, through the development of executive-level relationships from across the business community and public sector. The position develops critical relationships with food/agriculture entrepreneurs, senior executives, foundations, universities and public sector to identify, develop and deliver programming that engage stakeholders and deliver value to all partners.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Relationship and Community Development (20%)

Develop key relationships and convene industry leaders across all sectors of food/agriculture/beverage community - from seed to plate

Lead contact for food/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs to understand ongoing needs, successes, etc.

Lead contact for senior executives, VP, C-level executives and CEOs in food/agriculture/beverage community

Identify and engage VP, C-level executives, CEOs, investors and accelerators at the national level to participate in events and opportunities for food/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs

Identify national and global opportunities for Naturally MN and its partners to participate in to promote Minnesota entrepreneurs and innovations

Recruit and lead advisory board to support outreach, programming and sponsorship activities.

2. University Engagement (10%)

Support and participate in the delivery of complementary Holmes Center programming, while embracing the brands of the University, Carlson School and Holmes Center

Develop and maintain senior organizational relationships and foster collaboration with deans, department chairs and directors from broad range of University units (UMF Foundation, CFANS, Tech Comm, iOE, related centers) involved in food/agriculture; leverage University-wide assets and related programs

Develop and execute programs and related projects for undergrad and graduate students to connect and support food/agriculture/beverage entrepreneurs in Minnesota

3. Naturally MN Program Development & Execution (30%)

Develop short and long-term plans and annual goals for expansion of program, including business development strategies to target and secure new partners and sponsors

Build upon Food, Ag, Ideas Week Conference to improve connectivity and create global platform/voice for Minnesota food and ag industry

Create and execute programming & events that engage sponsors and delivers value to all partners

Recruit, supervise and mentor shared support staff and interns

Develop and implement scalable processes to create connections between entrepreneurs and resources - mentors, vendors, partners, funding, etc

Leverage relationship with national Naturally Network for programming.

Support development of related organizations that support MN food/ag/beverage entrepreneurs

Develop impact metrics and ongoing reporting for existing grants and endowments supporting Naturally MN

4. Secure Resources and Financial Sustainability (30%)

Independently lead development of relationships and securing of resources and financial commitments from alumni, corporations, governmental sources and other prospective benefactors.

Identify and pursue sponsorship, engagement and development opportunities by engaging and influencing senior executives at VP-level and C-level in the Twin Cities business community and beyond.

Develop and present proposals for new grants and donations to secure endowment for Naturally MN.

Ensure financial responsibility and management of annual operating budget at a surplus.

5. Lead Naturally MN marketing efforts (10%)

Position Naturally MN as the recognized voice for MN's food and ag entrepreneurs, while serving as the spokesperson for the state and industry at national and global conferences

Develop & execute marketing plan to promote Naturally MN (as part of the University) and its programs, promoting success stories to statewide and national audiences

Speak at national and global conferences to promote MN as leader in food and ag innovation

Develop and manage content on website, newsletter, social media platforms, including resources and events

Lead coordination of external partners for PR, communications, advertising Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of experience
• At least 5 years of industry experience in food or agriculture industry
• Demonstrated ability to lead, build, and scale impactful programs and/or organizational initiatives
• Demonstrated project management capability
• Demonstrated strategic communication skills

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelors or masters degree in area relevant to entrepreneurship or food or agriculture industry
• Demonstrated ability of strategic organizational leadership and delivery of programming
• Prior experience convening and coordinating a broad range of stakeholders
• Prior fundraising experience
• Passion for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Minnesota
• Interest in supporting student entrepreneurs and innovators

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $130,000 - $145,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach any required materials as noted below.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Materials below are required for the application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position does not qualify for H1-B Sponsorship

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.