Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, the James J.

Hill
Center and a retained search for their next Executive Director.

Presents

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

www.jjhill.org

www.ballingerleafblad.com

James J. Hill Center

Executive Director

PRESENTING OUR CLIENT THE JAMES J. HILL CENTER

MISSION
Connecting Business, Entrepreneurs, and Community.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The James J. Hill Center is a private, non-profit business center, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota with
a 2015 operating budget of $1.1M and 12 staff members. The iconic entrepreneur James J. Hill had a
vision to provide the people of Minnesota with a Reference Library to support and grow cultural and
economic development in the state. The James J. Hill Reference Library opened its doors in 1921.
Today the organization is known as the James J. Hill Center (The Hill). It continues to house a
world-class collection of practical business information resources which is considered one of the
most comprehensive business libraries in the country. And the Hills Librarians and Program
Managers are ready to assist visitors with research through books and online databases.
The James J. Hill Centers focus is centered on business, leadership and entrepreneurship, and at the
heart of those three endeavors rest the concepts of community and optimism that are essential to
the success of any idea.
As technology has changed the Hills traditional means of engagement, namely the book, its purpose
as an institution has been clarified around not how it engages but where. In the entrepreneurial spirit
of our namesake the Hill has committed itself to redefining the notion of what it means to be a
library; to change from an institution that allowed connections to happen to an institution that
actively enables and fosters connections across the broad spectrum that is an economy. We seek an
entrepreneurial leader who would be energized by working to accelerate the change underway.
The Hill commits itself and its resources to being an iconic place to learn, convene and connect in
the community, business, the arts, technology, innovation and celebration. The Hills goal is to
provide relevance to its community and to build sustainable and lasting relationships that enable
entrepreneurial activities and economic prosperity by encouraging the exchange of ideas and the
pursuit of solutions.

James J. Hill Center

Executive Director

PRESENTING THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reporting to the Board of Directors (the Board), the Executive Director provides the overall
leadership, planning and management of the Hills staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its
mission. The Executive Director interprets the Hills purpose and programs to governmental,
business and educational organizations, professional organizations and the general public, striving to
influence and create opportunities for support and collaboration.
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors, and works with the Board and
Committees to establish policies and programs, and administer programs. The Executive Director has
four direct reports including VP of Operations, Director of Building Services, Director of Development
and a Director of Marketing.
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Leadership and Management:
Develop strategic plan, annual goals and budget, in collaboration with the Board and its
committees.
Works with the Executive Committee and committees of the Board to prepare for Board
meetings.
Promote and protect the mission and vision of the Hill as established by the Board and
management.
Leads the Hill toward that future, including planning and recommending programs and
policies, and implementing those approved by the Board.
Develops new programs and services that positively impact the business and
entrepreneurial community in St. Paul and surrounding area.
Evaluates program components, measuring results, and utilizing metrics to make
decisions on program management and longevity.
Monitors and adjusts the budget and strategic plans during the course of the year.
Ensure rigorous and consistent quality of financial management and reporting.
Directs the Hills daily operations.
Recruits, selects, and maintains a highly motivated, well-trained, service-oriented staff.
Ensures a working environment where open communication, personal and professional
growth opportunities, empowerment to perform job duties, fairness, dignity, and mutual
respect are priorities.
Fundraising & Public Relations:
Represent the Hill in a leadership capacity at non-profit, educational, corporate &
community events.
Expand grant funding programs, membership and donor programs, and corporate
sponsors.
Manage revenue generating opportunities to meet goals.
Build external relationships/alliances with key community, government and businesses.
Works effectively with St. Paul businesses, entrepreneurs, associations and organizations
to foster economic development in our community.

James J. Hill Center

Executive Director

Rebuild the fundraising base of support by creating successful donor, corporate

sponsors, membership and grant funding programs. Manage all aspects of
communications.
Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities.

THE DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The Executive Director will serve as a visionary internal leader, effectively managing the organization
and identifying key opportunities to strengthen operations and grow and diversify revenue streams.
They will:

Possess a college degree or equivalent experience, minimum of ten years senior leadership
experience with experience successfully executing strategies in partnership with a board of
directors, funders, and/or donors;
Show a track record of innovation and success in business development, revenue diversification
and marketing;
Bring a passion and experience in fundraising and advancement including having met and
exceeded fundraising goals;
Have experience creating and successfully executing a marketing/communications plan,
advocacy initiative and/or fundraising campaign;
Demonstrate experience in program development and/or special events

Specific attributes of the Executive Director include:

High-energy, entrepreneurial self-starter with an inclusive and participatory leadership style

Strategic thinker equally energized by envisioning future & implementing action towards it
Great communicator
o Excellent written and oral communicator, including public speaking
o Connects across generations, cultures and sectors
Easily builds trust-based relationships
o Cultivates and manages effective partnerships with funders and operating partners
o Comfortable working with all types of people at all levels of organizations, including
working as a peer to the leaders of other major philanthropic institutions
Visionary leader
o Able to create a compelling vision for the Hill and excite others to join
o Able to meaningfully include donors, community members and external partners in the
creation and execution of the vision
Tech savvy
o Energized by technological change and able to see possibilities
o Able to use social media effectively and in innovative ways
Understanding of trends in business education and entrepreneurial development
Strong budget management skills, including ability to use resources creatively for maximum
impact
Able to develop and effectively manage and build strong teams
High degree of emotional intelligence and diplomatic savvy

James J. Hill Center

Executive Director

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The compensation package is based on experience and includes participation in the Hill benefits plan.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Lars Leafblad via email. All
inquiries will be treated as confidential and review of materials will begin immediately.

Lars Leafblad, MBA

Co-Founder
612-598-7547

lars@ballingerleafblad.com

Marcia Ballinger, PhD

Co-Founder
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

Civic Search. Reimagined.

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