Executive Director

POSITION PROFILE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR –COOKIE
CART

kpCompanies is leading the search for the next Executive
Director for Cookie Cart. The Executive Director is responsible for
the overall management and administration of The Cookie Cart,
including external relations, financial management and leadership
of sales, program and administrative staff. As the spokesperson for
The Cookie Cart, the Executive Director actively develops positive
relations with the community, peer institutions and potential
donors.

THE ORGANIZATION: COOKIE CART

At Cookie Cart, we are more than just a bakery – we are a
vibrant community cornerstone dedicated to empowering youth through
real-world job experience and leadership opportunities. With two
thriving locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we are deeply
embedded in the local communities, collaborating with businesses,
civic groups, and faith communities to foster a nurturing
environment for neighborhood youth.

POSITION:

As the Executive Director of Cookie Cart, you will be at the
helm of an organization that is both a heartwarming bakery and a
transformative youth development program. You will lead with vision
and passion, overseeing all aspects of management and
administration, including external relations, financial
stewardship, and team leadership. Your role is pivotal in
maintaining and elevating our presence in the community, ensuring
that every cookie sold translates into a brighter future for our
youth.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leadership and Culture:  Foster a positive, dynamic
  environment for our youth, staff, and volunteers. Lead with empathy
  and enthusiasm, ensuring a culture of growth, learning, and
  respect.
• Strategic Vision and Board Collaboration: Work closely with our
  Board of Directors to craft and execute a strategic vision that
  propels Cookie Cart forward. Engage staff in the planning process,
  inspiring a shared commitment to our mission.
• Fundraising and Community Engagement: Be the face of Cookie
  Cart, cultivating relationships with donors, partners, and the
  community. Drive innovative fundraising and outreach strategies to
  expand our impact.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee financial management, program
  development, and operational efficiency. Ensure our facilities are
  safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning and growth.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• A seasoned leader with executive experience in nonprofit
  management, operations, fundraising, or related fields.
• Someone with a heart for youth development and a track record
  of working in or with youth-focused organizations.
• A strategic thinker who can communicate and embody the vision
  of Cookie Cart.
• A collaborative leader skilled in building and nurturing
  diverse teams.
• An effective communicator and ambassador, comfortable in
  various public speaking and community engagement roles.
• Experience in fundraising, particularly in cultivating donor
  relationships and innovative fundraising strategies.
• A commitment to building a culture of accountability and
  support within our communities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Below are some typical requirements for an Executive Director.
We recognize that skill sets can be a complex combination of
experiences. If your background does not precisely match these
requirements, but you have a passion for our work, we would love to
hear from you, and we recognize the value of transferable
skills.

• Relevant executive-level experience in a nonprofit or similar
  setting.
• Educational background in nonprofit leadership, organizational
  management, social services, or a related field.
• Proven ability in strategic planning and vision sharing.
• Experience in building strong relationships across a diverse
  group of stakeholders.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit no later than 9:00 pm on Sunday, January 21st. All
submissions are received in the strictest confidence. We encourage
and appreciate early applications.

Equity & Salary Disclosure

We believe in practices that create real equity and pay parity
regardless of background or identity. We freely discuss
compensation with all qualified candidates the first time we
interview them. Saving the salary discussion for the first
conversation allows us to understand the needs of each candidate
fully and to ensure that qualified candidates, even those who’ve
historically been overlooked and/or underpaid, don’t self-select
out of the processes based on salary alone, as our experience and
research suggest. In addition to those who opt out because they
fear the salary may be out of reach for them, we equally don’t want
to miss out on conversations with candidates who are slightly over
the range when in some cases, the total compensation, including
factors such as bonuses, flexibility, and better health benefits,
etc. may exceed expectations. Finally, as a search firm, we always
seek top-notch talent to introduce to our clients. Should the
salary or any other requirement not be a fit, there is often a
chance that someone on our team is working on another position you
may be a better fit for. If you would like to discuss your
qualifications for this role and salary and compensation, call us,
and we’d be happy to discuss.