Partnership Director

Environmental Initiative is a nonprofit organization working to advance social equity and environmental health. We do this by:

• Convening and facilitating conversations among diverse stakeholders to address environmental, economic, and public health issues.
• Managing on-the-ground projects to improve our air, land, and water.
• Planning and hosting events for leaders from nonprofits, communities, business, and government agencies to share information, network, and learn from one another.

We believe building relationships, collaboration, and working across differences are the keys to fostering an inclusive, just, and thriving world.

How to Apply

Complete an online application and upload your resume.

Applications submitted by Friday, May 26, will receive primary consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. Download the job description (PDF) →

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Position Summary

The Partnership Director provides focused leadership for the Midwest Row Crop Collaborative (MRCC). MRCC is made up of leading supply chain companies and global NGOs working together to transform Midwestern production agriculture and ensure soil health, protect clean water, address climate change, and support farm families.

The person in this position will cultivate deep and trusting relationships with the members of MRCC, make connections across member priorities and opportunities, and provide catalytic leadership that drives increased adoption of conservation and regenerative practices in agriculture.

The position will report to Ellen Gibson, Executive Lead, Culture and Strategy, and will not initially supervise any staff or direct reports.

Position Responsibilities

Relationship Building and Engagement

• Build and maintain a network of deep, trusting relationships with leaders in corporate and global supply chain initiatives.
• Seek out relationships with prospective partners and funders from the private sector, nonprofits, government, and people from communities most impacted by environmental and systemic injustice.
• Leverage strengths and facilitate internal alignment and coordination across an Environmental Initiative staff team and with outside contractors.
• Actively contribute to cohorts and coalitions in the field of conservation agriculture, such as Field to Market, Sustainable Food Lab, and Forever Green Partnership.

Fundraising and Communications

• Partner with communications team in the development and execution of communications strategy.
• Work with communications team to communicate project purpose, value, results, and significance.
• Proactively communicate with project partners, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure projects and partnerships are on track and well communicated, both within and outside of the organization.
• Work with the executive team to provide leadership for fundraising and partnership development to advance MRCC’s goals and enhance impact.

Project Management and Leadership

• Manage and co-lead projects, in consultation with internal colleagues and external partners.
• Advise executive team on organizational priorities and policy.
• Develop protocols in alignment and support of organizational priorities and policy.
• Communicate about partnership activities with board members or Environmental Initiative supporters.
• Develop and maintain work plans, budgets, and project timelines.
• Manage and analyze data to evaluate impact of MRCC collaborative projects. 
• Organize and direct the work of project team members.
• Identify, track, and evaluate progress in attaining project goals, deliverables, intended outcomes, and key milestones.
• Collaborate with other staff to design and lead virtual or hybrid meetings, events, and other gatherings.
• Manage project tasks and assignments across a project team, such as engagement strategies, research, analysis, grants and proposal development, report writing, and other activities.
• Align program and project implementation with organizational vision, strategies, and direction.
• Seek opportunities for cross-programmatic collaboration and expansion of partnerships and project work.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Relational orientation with highly developed self-management, active listening, emotional intelligence, and effective leadership skills.
• Preference for working collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Creative problem solver who thrives in adaptive and innovative environments.
• Capacity to navigate conflict and address wide-ranging stakeholder needs.
• Experience managing collaborative projects, preferably including community, business, government, and nonprofit partners.
• Ability to both think strategically and manage details effectively.
• Capable of designing and facilitating effective meetings.
• Experience, interest, or expertise in agriculture, conservation, and/or supply-chain programs addressing agriculture, climate, soil health, water quality, and equitable food systems.
• Intercultural competence.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite and Mac computer systems.

Physical Requirements

This position is remote flexible for candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Environmental Initiative embraces a flexible working environment with the option to work from our office in Northeast Minneapolis or remotely. The person in the position is expected to be physically present for certain in-person meetings or events with Environmental Initiative providing reimbursement for required travel expenses. Relocation expenses will not be provided for any non-local candidates. Occasional lifting, moving, or transporting materials or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds may be required.

A MacBook Pro laptop is provided to all employees, and regular communication with Environmental Initiative staff, contractors, and partners via email, phone, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams is expected.

Learning and Development

Environmental Initiative is committed to the professional growth and development of all staff members. We invite all staff members to develop the skills required to work across differences in identity, culture, and power. We expect that all staff members will do their part to help implement the organization’s strategic plan, in addition to prioritizing the needs of their specific areas of work.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position anticipated to start in July 2023 with an annual starting salary in the range of $85,000 – $95,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Environmental Initiative offers a flexible benefits package to all employees, including paid time off, a group health care plan, dental insurance, health savings (HSA) and flexible spending (FSA) accounts, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 403(b)-retirement plan and matching program.

Environmental Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Environmental Initiative values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply for open positions.