EXECUTIVE PROFILE

PRESIDENT








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On behalf of our client the Northland Foundation, Ballinger|Leafblad, Inc. is conducting a
retained search for a President

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Northland Foundation, President
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ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Created in 1986 by The McKnight Foundation, the Northland Foundation is a regional
foundation serving the seven counties of northeastern Minnesota with headquarters in
Duluth. Like a typical foundation, the Northland Foundation makes grants to support its priority
areas. Atypical for a foundation, Northland is also a business lender, an operating foundation,
and owns/operates three assisted living facilities. Northlands core activities include:
The Grant program that directs resources to nonprofit organizations in three priority areas:
children, youth, and families; opportunities for self-reliance; and aging with independence.
The KIDS PLUS Program, a nationally recognized operating program with eight initiatives
dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth.
The Business Finance program which provides flexible lending to help small and medium-
size businesses to grow and create family-sustaining jobs in the region.
Northland Assisted Living, offering housing-with-services to older adults to age-in-place in
the underserved rural communities of McGregor, Buhl and Hoyt Lakes.
Other special initiatives.
The programs of the Northland Foundation are largely supported by monies raised through
public and private partnerships at the local, state, and national levels. The Northland
Foundation is a leader in partnering with organizations dedicated to improving northeastern
Minnesota's economic vitality and social responsiveness.
The Northland Foundation has a remarkable history of achievement. Since 1986, it has:
Grew an unrestricted endowment to $60 million.
Awarded over 3,600 grants totaling $27 million to nonprofit organizations in the region.
Invested more than $54 million in 500 local and regional businesses which has helped
leverage over $281 million in other investments and assisted in the creation and retention
of 6,600 jobs.
Generated more than $25 million in resources to provide training, technical assistance,
and support to communities in the region through the KIDS PLUS operating program.
Created a permanent endowment which provides resources to support projects and
programs now and for generations to come.
Secured over $100 million in resources, 95 percent of which was raised from sources
outside the region to serve critical needs in northeastern Minnesota.
Selected highlights of Fiscal Year 2013:
Made 246 grants totaling $1,453,182 to nonprofit organizations serving the region.
Responded to the June 2012 flood within days by establishing the Business Flood
Recovery Fund, including raising monies from 13 corporate, foundation, and government
partners which resulted in $364,010 granted to 68 small businesses.
Earned the Program of Distinction designation from Generations United for the KIDS
PLUS AGE to age: bringing generations together initiative.
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Invested $2,688,537 through 21 loans to businesses and nonprofit organizations through
the Business Finance Program.
Partnered with 25 businesses, service organizations, and individuals to support the 2012-
13 KIDS PLUS Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy, which annually engages 50 ninth
grade students and 10 adult mentors.
Presented 53 training opportunities, reaching 1,894 individuals featuring presentations by
experts across a variety of child and youth development topics.
Rolled out web-based Grant Program application and reporting software.
Awarded 28 Minnesota Power Foundation Youth In Philanthropy grants totaling $24,733
to youth-led school and community improvement projects, by a board of 8th-12th grade
students and adult advisors.
Renewed a longtime partnership with Essentia Health including support for grants that
benefit children, families, and older adults as well as the Northland Foundations Thrive
Initiative.
Established a funding partnership the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, securing a $2.5
million grant to implement a three-year initiative to address aging-in-place.

MISSION, GOALS & VALUES

The mission, goals and values of the organization are a strong part of the Foundations culture.
MISSION
The Northland Foundation is a resource for people, businesses, and communities in Northeast
Minnesota working toward prosperity through economic and social justice.
The Foundations purpose is to strengthen families, grow a sustainable regional economy,
cultivate leadership and philanthropy, and foster respect for all.
Through grants to nonprofits, loans to local businesses, KIDS PLUS Program, and other
special initiatives, the Northland Foundation is building a strong foundation for the future of
the Northeast Minnesota region.
GOALS

Be a permanent regional foundation of significant impact.

Respond to the critical needs of the region.

Achieve a level of financial self-sufficiency which accommodates risk-taking, innovation,
proactive grant-making, and program development.




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OPERATING VALUES

Be dynamic and proactive in our efforts to identify and respond to issues.

Clearly communicate the mission, values, and priorities of the Northland Foundation in a
clear and concise manner to the people of the region.

Conduct the business of the Northland Foundation in a highly professional and ethical
manner.

Be broadly accessible to all individuals, organizations, and communities within the region.

Be flexible in our involvement with innovative individuals and ideas, yet to remain focused on
our funding and development priorities.

Be community based and accountable in our decision-making and manner of operating.

Be future oriented in our assessment of regional priorities and in determining new directions
for the Northland Foundation.

Be sensitive, compassionate, and helpful in our relationships with our constituents and in the
pursuit of our goals.


ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

The above-stated mission, goals and values of the organization shape the Foundations
strong internal culture, for which the President sets the tone. The organizational structure is
lean and relatively flat, and staff describe an all hands on deck approach, meaning each
employee understands not only her or his individual role but also all the facets of the
Foundation. There is strong collaboration across all the program areas. When an initiative
requires it, everyone pitches inincluding the President.

Staff retention is exceptionally high. Employees are encouraged to play to their strengths,
build their skills, and grow in their jobs over time. Strategic planning retreats of the
management team, held every six months, as well as all-staff planning sessions held annually
promote collaboration, facilitate communication, maintain focus, provide a venue for exploring
challenges and opportunities, and encourage innovative thinking.

Foundation staff describes the organization as responsive, stable, hard-working, respectful,
flexible, community-minded, entrepreneurial, and mission-focused.

The Northland Foundation has built an enviable reputation as a reliable partner that not only
meets all obligations but goes the extra mile, and for being a regional resource that assists
community members to seek and find their own solutions. The new President will take the
best of the existing culture and practices and build upon them for the future.


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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA AND DULUTH, MINNESOTA



Northeastern Minnesota is a region of beauty and history, a land of special places. Visitors
and locals enjoy the woods and waters of northeast Minnesota which are a great destination for
outdoor recreation ranging from fishing, boating, hiking and biking to camping and canoeing.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) was established in 1978 by Congress
through BWCA Wilderness Act which restricted logging, mining, and most motorized access to
this one-million acre area in northern Minnesota. The pristine yet rugged BWCAW is visited by
more than 200,000 visitors annually and was named one of National Geographic magazines
50 Places to see before you die.

Logging and mining are some of the important industries of the area. Vast deposits of iron
ore in the region make up four distinct ranges that are collectively known as the Iron Range
of Minnesota. Discovered in 1866, it is the chief deposit of iron ore in the United States. Towns
across the northeast region of Minnesota have a pride of place, each one unique, but part of
a great landscape of outdoor splendor and shared interests and values.
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The Northland Foundation serves a region that overlaps the heart of the Ojibwe/Anishinabe
community and has played an important role with positive ties to national and regional tribal
communities. Five of the six bands of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe are located within the
Foundations service region.

Counties and towns throughout the region have distinct local cultures and traditions. St. Louis
County, for example, is the largest county in the region. It extends from the Iron Range in the
north to Duluth in the south and is wildly different from one end to another.

Duluth, Minnesota is the headquarters of the Northland Foundation. Duluth is a city for all
seasons. It has been rated by Money magazine as one of the top four Midwestern small cities,
based on livability and Outside Magazine ranks it in the Top 10 Outdoor Towns in the U.S.
and a Top 10 Dream Town. Duluth is located at the westernmost point of the Great Lakes on
the north shore of Lake Superior, halfway between Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Canadian
border. The City serves as the county seat of St. Louis County and has a population of over
86,000 and population of 184,000 within a 30 mile radius.
A popular regional destination, 3.5 million visitors are attracted to Duluth each year.
Duluth is home to the College of St. Scholastica, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Lake
Superior Community College, Fond du Lac Community College and across the bay, the
University of Wisconsin-Superior.

As the worlds largest, farthest-inland seaport, more than 1,000 vessels arrive in the port each
year. The Aerial Lift Bridge is Duluths most famous landmark.



In June, Grandmas Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the U.S., features a beautiful
point-to-point course that starts just outside of Two Harbors and runs along a 26.2 mile stretch
of the scenic north shore of Lake Superior. In July, the majestic Tall Ships arrive and dock
along the waterfront, Bayfront Festival Park and Harbor Drive.

There is something to do any time of the year. Golfing, skiing, hiking, biking, skating, fishing,
snowmobiling, sailing, are readily available through venues within and surrounding the city.
Interestingly, Duluth has more parks and green space (11,000 acres) than any U.S. city.

In addition to the citys rugged charm, Duluth is a cultural center that boasts a far from ordinary
level of outstanding fine art and performance offerings. Some of the venues include The
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Duluth Playhouse, Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth Art Institute or any number of performing venues on
the college campuses. The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra performs at the DECCs
Symphony Hall. The Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the largest annual outdoor music events
in the Upper Midwest.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
The President is responsible for providing leadership, overall management, and direction for
the organization, with particular emphasis on strategic thinking as well as on maintaining
relationships with a variety of philanthropic, business and community leaders, and other
partner organizations at the local, regional, state and national levels. The President works
closely with an engaged Board of Trustees to develop and implement the Foundations vision,
mission and strategies and is responsible for the effective use of financial, human and other
assets of the Foundation. The President fosters the Foundations effectiveness and relevance
by cultivating excellent relationships with broad array of stakeholders, as well as by instilling
the mission and culture among board, staff, and other partners.

The President reports to a 13-member Board of Trustees. Positions reporting directly to the
President are: Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, Director of Grantmaking, Director of
Business Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Communications and Director of
Development and Special Projects. Sixteen professionals work for the Northland Foundation,
with another 60 employees staffing the three assisted living facilities.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The President of the Northland Foundation will:

Champion and guide implementation of the strategic direction, mission and vision of the
Northland Foundation. Clearly articulate organizational goals with an eye toward financial
and programmatic stability as well as growth for the future.
Nurture excellent relationships in service to the economic and human needs of the region;
play an integral role in fund development by fostering positive interactions with
o formal and informal community leaders throughout the region, state, and nation;
o private and public sector partners and critical funders;
o leaders within philanthropic, nonprofit, and business and economic development
networks;
o leaders and stakeholders in the Native American community; and
o policy makers.
Actively participate in networks and organizations aligned with Northlands mission and/or
critical to development efforts, assuming leadership roles where appropriate.
Conceive of new and guide ongoing efforts to secure and sustain sources of revenue to
support the programs of the Foundation.
Be transparent to the Board of Trustees on program, policy, and financial decisions.
Present a carefully considered annual organizational budget to the Board and ensure that
budgets are well managed, as established by the Board. Collaborate with the Board of
Trustees and Committees.
Exemplify and uphold the internal culture of the Foundation, incorporating both the
organizational history as well as shaping and communicating a vision for the future that
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capitalizes on Northlands strengths, its successful track record, and the well-respected
roles it has established within the region and state.
Ensure that management systems, personnel policies, compensation, administration
practices, employee performance evaluation, etc. are in place to hire, develop, and retain
highly qualified people.
Develop and maintain an inclusive working environment with a welcoming spirit toward
diversity of people and ideas.
Support, develop and retain a talented staff team invested in the Foundations mission.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for this key executive position should be strategic, visionary, and dynamic
leaders. At least 10-12 years of relevant work experience is desired, with a background in
philanthropy, nonprofit, or community leadership required. The President will have an
abiding passion for the Foundations diversity of programmatic work, and a set of values
grounded in economic and social justice. Specifically desired is an individual with
extensive understanding of the broad, critical issues related to children, families and
seniors; as well as economic and community development in northeastern Minnesota. He
or she will recognize the interconnectedness of human, social and economic issues.

The President of the Northland Foundation will bring an extensive background working
with a variety of stakeholder organizations and a good sense of the community
landscape of northeastern Minnesota. He or she will have solid corporate and civic
connections, nurture key relationships, and take an integral role in fundraising. The
successful candidate will be a person of integrity and stature with proven innovative
leadership experience. She or he will understand the Northland Foundations dual and
intrinsically connected roles in philanthropy and economic development and demonstrate
a close affinity with the mission and values.

A minimum of a Bachelors Degree is required with a Masters degree in a related field
preferred. Other essential skills and experience include:
Experience in managing multi-faceted or multi-programmatic organizations.
Thorough grounding in board management, board development, facilitation and
governance principles.
Excellent public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to
make compelling public presentations to large and small groups.
Background and skills in leading, developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
An affinity and ability to work successfully with a variety of stakeholders and encourage
diversity of thought and opinion.
Passion for the mission and culture of the Foundation, the recognized niche that
Northland has carved for itself in the region and state, and place-based philanthropy.
An understanding of the history and evolving relationships with the five other
Minnesota Initiative Foundations and The McKnight Foundation, which founded the
MIFs and remains a critical partner, and commitment to continuing these key
relationships.
A working knowledge of economic and community development programs and
practices in the region.
An understanding of the legislative process and relevant state and federal programs.
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TRAVEL

A significant amount of travel is required to build and maintain critical stakeholder
relationships in locations throughout the region, state, and nation.

COMPENSATION

The compensation package for this position is competitive and attractive. It includes an
executive pay structure and participation in the organizations comprehensive benefits
plan.



FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:


Marcia S. Ballinger, PhD or Lars Leafblad, MBA
Principal Principal
651-341-4840 612-598-7547
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com lars@ballingerleafblad.com










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