Posting for Open Position

Director of Listening Point Foundationn

Position Overview

The Listening Point Foundation is a nonprofit organization located in Ely, Minnesota. The mission of the Foundation is to preserve Sigurd Olson’s Listening Point and to advance his wilderness philosophy. Believing that everyone has a listening point somewhere, the Foundation aspires to listen to, learn from, and embrace diverse and underrepresented voices as it helps all people find a connection to nature.

The director of the Foundation is responsible for day-to-day operations, development and delivery of programs, fundraising, and the preservation of historic properties and artifacts.

The director’s position is a full-time appointment with an annual salary of $53,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience, and a benefits stipend.  The director is expected to be in Ely, Minnesota, at least part-time and to be available as needed for programs and activities in the evening and on weekends and holidays. A mix of in-person and from-home work is allowed.

Specific Responsibilities

 Operations

  • Establish and maintain a master calendar for operational activities, events, and programs.

  • Provide timely responses to phone, email, and website communications.

  • Process donations and manage constituent database.

  • Maintain the Foundation’s website and social media accounts, updating and posting regularly.

  • Manage finances of the Foundation, including regular coordination with the Foundation’s bookkeeper and Board Treasurer.

  • Prepare and submit, as needed and required, reports to the Board and other entities.

  • Retain and file, as appropriate, Foundation records and documents.

  • Manage, as needed, other administrative and programmatic activities, such as scheduling meetings or ordering supplies.

Program Development and Delivery

  • Maintain, promote, and refine seasonal tours of Listening Point and the Writing Shack.

  • Continue and recruit to the Foundation’s artist-in-residence program.

  • Plan, edit, and publish a twice-yearly newsletter.

  • Collaborate with the Programing Committee of the Board on the development of educational and engagement programs and events.

  • Identify and train volunteers and interns to support Foundation programs.

  • Assess programs on a regular basis and refine as needed.

 Fundraising

  • Implement the Foundation’s fundraising plan and coordinate with the Board’s Development Committee on updates to the plan over time.

  • Establish and maintain active relationships with donors and potential donors.

  • Identify and pursue grants and new funding opportunities when they align with the needs of the Foundation.

  • Track, analyze, and prepare Board reports on fundraising metrics.

Preservation of Properties and Artifacts

  • Collaborate with the Board’s Preservation Committee to maintain and regularly update a maintenance and preservation plan for the Foundation.

  • Consistent with the Foundation’s plan, oversee upkeep, maintenance, and preservation of all Foundation properties.

  • Organize, document, maintain, and facilitate access to Foundation artifacts and archival materials.

  • Engage and coordinate with contracted service providers as needed.

  • Ensure that all preservation activities of the Foundation’s historic structures comply with requirements of the National Register of Historic Places.

Board Relations

  • Communicate regularly with Board officers and other Board members as needed and appropriate.

  • Collaborate with the Board’s executive committee on the preparation of agendas and materials for Board meetings and other board activities.

  • Coordinate with chairs of the board’s committees to facilitate the scheduling and documentation of their meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Familiarity with the writing and achievements of Sigurd Olson and the knowledge required to demonstrate the significance of his work to diverse audiences.

  • At least three years serving in an organizational leadership role or of entrepreneurial activity.

  • Effective communication skills with multiple audiences, in a variety of contexts, and across multiple platforms and mediums.

  • Adept with the use of technology, including office management software, communications platforms, and databases.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision, to be attentive to details, and to complete tasks efficiently and on time.

  • Access to reliable transportation for travel between Foundation properties and for events and activities

  • Ability to work a varied weekly and seasonal schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education or practical experience in literature, the arts, environmental studies, teaching, collections management, historical preservation, or the trades.

  • Success in a role that included responsibility for soliciting funds from donors.

  • Previous experience recruiting and managing volunteers, designing and delivering educational programs, or planning events.

  • Experience working with or serving successfully on the board of a small nonprofit organization.

  • Confidence and willingness to seek solutions to complex problems, to ask for help and work collaboratively when warranted, and to learn from mistakes.

Work Environment and Mobility Requirements

This position requires four-season work in historic structures and outdoor spaces with varied terrain and uneven surfaces, as well as work with hand tools, power tools, computers, and historic artifacts.

An individual filling this position must be able to climb and descend stairs and ladders; to move about on uneven, wet, icy, and snow-covered ground; to work effectively in hot and cold outdoor temperatures, including temperatures below freezing; and to lift objects up to 50 pounds.

Application and Timeline

To apply, submit the following materials to info@listeningpointfoundation.org:

  • Cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position and how your previous experiences have prepared you to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of the position;

  • Resume;

  • Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applicants will begin on January 20th, 2026, and interviews will begin shortly thereafter. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled or closed.

For questions about the application process or the position, please send a message to info@listeningpointfoundation.org. A member of the hiring committee will respond or arrange a time to speak with you.