Executive Director

Strategic Consulting & Coaching, LLC is conducting a retained search for Executive Director on behalf of our client, FiftyNorth

Prepared by:
Renae Oswald-Anderson
Strategic Consulting & Coaching, LLC strategic-cc.com

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

FiftyNorth is a vibrant and well-established program serving adults north of age 50 in Northfield and surrounding area. With a $1.25 million annual budget, a state-of-the-art facility, and a strong portfolio of wellness, arts, and educational programming. The organization has built a solid foundation of engagement. Its 2,161 members, 300+ daily visitors, and extended hours reflect a deep and sustained connection to the community. Member engagement across a wide range of programs is at the heart of the organization.

2024 Member Statistics

• Total membership: 2,161 individuals
• 2024 new members: 326
• Total Center uses/visits: 115,138
• Total Land Fitness visits: 62,549
• Total Aqua Fitness visits: 31,697
• Total Zoom uses: 6,175
• Used-A-Bit Shoppe sales: $87,098

Mission

The mission of Fifty North is through programs and services that promote healthy aging and whole person well-being, we inspire, empower, and enrich a community of active, engaged, and connected adults north of age 50.

Vision

FiftyNorth is a vibrant, essential and collaborative organization that enhances the quality of life and sense of purpose of older adults.

Values

   Service Excellence: Being a significant benefit to members, the community and our partners

   Inclusion: Welcoming and treating all with respect and embracing diversity

   Stewardship: Being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible

   Volunteerism: Engaging volunteers in meaningful roles and opportunities that are vital to Fifty North and the greater community

   Collaboration: Pursuing and exploring new information, ideas, and partnerships

FiftyNorth Services:

• Land Based Fitness Classes
• Aqua Fitness Classes
• Art Classes
• Lifelong Learning Classes
• Special Events and Travel
• Center Activities- Book groups, support groups, cards and games, volunteer opportunities
• Used-A Bit Shoppe (household and furniture store in separate location)

POSITION DESCRIPTION-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FiftyNorth is seeking an experienced and dynamic nonprofit leader to serve as the next Executive Director. This position reports to and collaborates with the Board of Directors to establish the organization’s short-and long-term strategic objectives and is ultimately responsible for day-to-day operations of a busy, muti-purpose facility and green space for active older adults.

The primary objective of this position is to oversee the organization’s short- and long- term success, ensuring that financial goals are established and met, that effective new programming for members is developed, and that FiftyNorth is well represented in the community.

This position will provide development to FiftyNorth’s staff, oversee program effectiveness, manage budgets, generate strategic long-term financial and organization plans and relationships, and report to the 12-member Board of Directors.

Management Responsibilities

The Executive Director has six direct reports including: Assistant Director/Fitness Coordinator, Operations and Membership Manager, Lifelong Learning and Community Outreach Program Coordinator, Arts, Volunteer/Dining Program Coordinator, Used-A-Bit Shoppe Manager and a bookkeeper. The total staffing complement includes 10 part- time employees in addition to 10-20 contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Assume responsibility for the organization’s financial success
• Develop annual operating budget and capital budget
• Work closely with the City of Northfield regarding facility rent, repairs, upgrades, and capital needs
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory laws

Fund Development

• Responsibility for developing and maintaining a diverse funding base
• Partner with the Board of Directors, members, and key staff to create fund development and marketing strategies
• Support and participate in fundraising events and other organization-wide activities

Community Relations

• Build and maintain community partnerships to advance the mission of the organization
• Develop new partnerships and collaborations with community organizations and businesses to enhance programs and services at the facility
• Engage in public leadership and outreach on behalf of FiftyNorth members’ unique skills and needs to advance the mission of FiftyNorth
• Recruit and recognize community volunteers

Staff Management and Development

• Recruit and retain qualified staff
• Assure that staff have a clear understanding of organization goals and that delivery of services adheres to those
• Provide ongoing performance evaluation and management for staff, including goal setting, ongoing feedback, and professional development

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage employee and team performance; ensure adequate training for employees; communicate job expectations and coach employees; support employee professional development aspirations; investigate complaints and performance concerns
• Manage and ensure effective employee relations; create an ethical, inclusive, non-discriminatory, and safe work environment; establish effective communication lines/methods; identify and solve employee problems; manage conflict, respond to and resolve grievances

Board of Directors Relations

• Keep Board members current on FiftyNorth’s operations through executive summaries, financial reports, and the newsletter
• Prepare materials for effective Board and committee meetings. Ensure that proceedings adhere to the by-laws
• Partner with Board of Directors to ensure long-range strategic plans for the organization are created and implemented
• Support the recruitment of diverse and connected Board members
• Encourage the Board to take an active role in organizational governance and planning
• Provide Board members with adequate training

Program Management and Development

• Ensure compliance with all organizational fiduciary duties
• Ensure ongoing, quality programming via attendee feedback and evaluation effectiveness tools
• Create new programming to address emerging needs of FiftyNorth
• Strengthen operational capacity including data collection and technology support

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DESIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, & ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will possess:

• Commitment and passion for mission
• Strong, clear, calm, and consistent communicator
• Able to listen
• Strong decision-making skills; approach leadership with an open mind and focus on collaboration
• Business acumen
• Visible and available to staff and board

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in social services, business administration, or a relevant field, or equivalent work experience. Bachelor’s degree strongly
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience and/or management experience in a leadership position; preferably with a nonprofit organization
• Experience fundraising and compliance with all related requirements
• Experience working with and/or reporting to an engaged Board of Directors is preferred
• Maintained a valid Minnesota driver’s license

Compensation
$95,000 -$115,000 depending on qualifications

Location
Northfield, Minnesota (onsite required)

Deadline to Apply
October 15, 2025

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Renae Oswald-Anderson, MPNA
Partner, Strategic Consulting & Coaching, LLC Phone: 651-387-1612
Email: roanderson@strategic-cc.com