The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of Minnesota Cannabis College, responsible for overall strategic, programmatic, financial, and operational leadership. The ED advances the organization’s mission of equity-driven cannabis workforce education, serves as primary liaison to state grant partners and funders, and acts as principal signatory on grants, contracts, and formal organizational documents.
Essential Duties — Leadership and Strategy: Develop and implement the strategic plan with Board approval. Serve as primary spokesperson and public representative of the organization. Advise the Board on organizational priorities, risks, and opportunities. Maintain organizational compliance with federal, state, and local requirements applicable to 501(c)(3) organizations.
Essential Duties — Fundraising and Revenue: Lead all revenue development, including state grants (DEED, OCM), foundation grants, individual giving campaigns, and sponsorships. Oversee grant writing, submission, compliance, and reporting. Cultivate relationships with institutional funders and major donors. Direct annual campaigns including statewide giving day participation.
Essential Duties — Programs: Oversee delivery and quality of all training programs, including CannTrain and CanGrow. Supervise program staff and instructors. Ensure programs meet grant deliverables and equity commitments. Guide curriculum development responsive to Minnesota’s evolving cannabis industry.
Essential Duties — Finance and Operations: Prepare and manage the annual budget in coordination with the Board Treasurer. Ensure sound financial controls, accurate reporting, and audit readiness. Oversee facilities, including lease obligations and any grant-contingent facility commitments. Manage contracts, vendors, and administrative operations.
Essential Duties — Board Relations: Support Board governance through timely reporting, meeting preparation, and policy implementation. Assist with Board recruitment, orientation, and development.
Qualifications: Five or more years of nonprofit leadership or equivalent senior management experience; proven fundraising record including government grant management; commitment to racial and economic equity; familiarity with Minnesota’s cannabis regulatory environment preferred; strong financial management, communication, and community engagement skills. Lived experience with the impacts of cannabis prohibition is an asset.
