Posted: May 2, 2025
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Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County - Alexandria, MN
Full-time
Application Deadline: N/A
Nonprofit

THE OPPORTUNITY

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County seeks a strategic, servant-minded Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to shape affordable housing in a thriving community while leading a respected affiliate within a global network. 

The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in organizational leadership, a deep commitment to solving affordable and sustainable housing challenges, and a collaborative approach to community engagement. They will have a proven track record of managing nonprofit programs, empowering high-performing teams, inspiring organizational growth, and building trust across a diverse representation of stakeholders. Habitat is seeking a servant leader who listens with intention, communicates transparently, and leads with resilience, curiosity, and integrity. This individual is energized by both strategic vision and hands-on execution, and brings a steady, calming presence.  

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead a team of nine and provide fiscal oversight for a $2.6M budget. Additional responsibilities include:  

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Culture 

  • Champion and operationalize the strategic vision to “double the impact,” ensuring alignment across programs, operations, and fundraising. 

  • Foster a values-driven culture rooted in collaboration, trust, accountability, and continuous learning. 

  • Model servant leadership through promoting a culture of humility, courage, and resilience. 

  • Protect and amplify Habitat’s strong local relationships, national reputation, and organizational legacy. 

Fundraising & Community Engagement 

  • Lead and grow a diversified fundraising program, including a comprehensive campaign. 

  • Build and deepen relationships with individual donors, community leaders, faith partners, and other key stakeholders. 

  • Serve as a passionate ambassador for Habitat’s mission, both locally and within the broader Habitat for Humanity network. 

Operational & Financial Oversight 

  • Ensure financial health and operational efficiency, including preparing annual operational plans and overseeing financing tools (e.g., third-party mortgages, USDA 502 loans). 

  • Monitor infrastructure needs, especially staffing and systems, to ensure a sustainable pace and foundation for growth. 

  • Proactively address regulatory shifts and housing affordability challenges in partnership with staff and the Board.  

Team Leadership & Development 

  • Inspire, coach, develop, and support a dedicated team; foster a healthy, engaged workplace culture. 

  • Empower staff and cultivate leadership at all levels while providing the clarity, vision, and support they need to succeed. 

  • Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that drives results and prioritizes staff well-being and professional growth.  

Board Engagement & Governance 

  • Build a strong, collaborative, and productive relationship with the Board of Directors. 

  • Provide strategic input, clarity of direction, and timely information to guide decision-making. 

  • Strengthen board engagement and identify and recruit a pipeline of future board leaders. 

Desired SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

While candidates can come from a range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate for the Executive Director role exhibits many of the following attributes and experiences described below, but need not possess them all for consideration: 

  • 7+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, housing, community development, or mission-aligned sectors. 

  • Exceptional relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, staff, and community leaders. 

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and capital campaign leadership. Grant writing experience is a plus. 

  • Strong financial management and operational acumen, particularly in navigating mortgage or housing finance structures. 

  • Experience leading organizational change, building teams, and scaling programs. 

  • Strategic mindset paired with decisive action and a calm, adaptive leadership style. 

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic, positive, and inclusive approach in interactions and negotiations across all levels of stakeholders, including underrepresented communities. 

  • Demonstrates servant leadership with a collaborative, engaging, and motivational communication style aligned with Habitat for Humanity’s values. 

  • Familiarity with the Douglas County community is highly desired. 

LOCATION 

This is a hybrid position based in Alexandria, MN.  

Travel

This role will require approximately 10% travel outside of Douglas County, MN, for conferences or other meetings about 3-4 times a year.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is ​​$95,000 - $105,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the hired candidate.  

In addition, Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:   

  • Three weeks paid time off, plus holidays and volunteer time 

  • Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance  

  • Retirement plan with employer matching contribution   

  • Sick, bereavement, and family leave  

  • Flexible work scheduling/Hybrid Scheduling  

  • Professional Development Opportunities  

  • Paid leave for mission travel with Habitat for Humanity International