ORGANIZATION

Center for Technology and Business (CTB)

POSITION
Executive Director

BRIEF
Ballinger | Leafblad is pleased to conduct the
search for Executive Director at CTB

CTB is a nonprofit organization providing

statewide services for North Dakotans, with
staff located in Bismarck and Fargo

www.ballingerleafblad.com
 11+ 20+ 42k+
Programs Years Serving Entrepreneurs
Communities Impacted
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The Center for Technology and Business (CTB), a 501c3, builds North
Dakota’s economic future by creating an entrepreneurial
environment, inspiring innovation, and developing business leaders
throughout North Dakota. CTB's $1M operating budget is primarily
comprised of state and federal government grants designed to support
economic and business development opportunities for underserved
markets. Additional funding is provided through private foundations
and program revenue.
CTB’s programs serve all North Dakotans. Its headquarters are in
Bismarck with staff in both Bismarck and Fargo. CTB hosts the North
Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC) which offers
programming and services designed to advance women’s businesses,
careers, and leadership skills. NDWBC receives federal funds through
grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and
matching funds from the North Dakota Department of
Commerce. SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership
(OWBO) is the only federal government office charged to help
women become full partners in economic development
through small business ownership.
Other CTB programs and services include:
• Innovate North Dakota: a voucher and grant
program available to business owners in North
Dakota. This program provides entrepreneurs access
to venture tools, resources and mentorship.
• Business Coaching
• Office Space and Conference Room Rental
• Business and Entrepreneurial Training
2
 P R OF
N

IL
SITI O

E
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PO
The Executive Director of CTB is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, growth-oriented leader to build on the substantial merits of this
high potential nonprofit organization. With two decades of building strong relationships in communities across the state, CTB is well-
positioned at this time for identifying market opportunities, refining its target audience(s), renewing its marketing approach, and
leveraging its resources to deepen impact. As someone who thrives on working with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, the
Executive Director will have an infectious energy and optimism for leading this transformational work.

As CTB’s chief storyteller, the Executive Director is the visionary ‘face of the organization’ in this high visibility role that intersects with
leaders in the government, civic, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial/for-profit sectors. The Executive Director will have a passion for
supporting North Dakota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, a deep appreciation for rural economic opportunities, and empathy for the
entrepreneurial experience.

This is a unique role requiring a blend of practical nonprofit management skills with the ability to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit both
externally and internally. The Executive Director will partner with the Board of Directors to envision CTB’s future, establish goals and key
performance indicators, align resources to support its success, and lead a talented team to advance the mission.
Management Responsibilities
The Executive Director reports to the CTB Board of Directors. Staff includes:

• Interim Chief of Staff (temporary)

• Office Manager
• Innovate ND Program Director
• NDWBC Program Directors (2)
• Program Managers (3)
• Marketing Manager
• Marketing Intern

Essential Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership and Management

• Champion and advance the vision of CTB, ensuring all programs and services are aligned with the mission and drive successful
client outcomes
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and manage a forward-thinking, responsive strategic plan
• Establish goals and metrics for measuring success, foster a culture of accountability, track and report outcomes, and use data to
drive decisions
3
 P R OF
N

IL
SITI O

E
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PO
Essential Responsibilities, cont.
• Stay informed of trends and issues impacting entrepreneurship with an emphasis in North Dakota
• Represent CTB to the public at professional events, meetings, conferences, etc. as a spokesperson, presenter, and thought
leader in the entrepreneurial sector; and proactively seek opportunities to raise awareness, enhance public relations, increase
visibility, and highlight the organization’s successes

Board and Partner Relations

• Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors
• Provide leadership and support the Board of Director’s governance responsibilities by preparing meeting agendas, providing
all necessary supporting materials, and fostering positive relationships with board members
• Provide accurate and timeline information to the Board of Directors on the status of current work, organizational activities
and outcomes
• Monitor legislative initiatives related to CTB and represent CTB in efforts that will impact the organization’s success
• Develop positive relationships with key stakeholders and liaise with state, federal and private foundation partners for grant
opportunities, contract compliance and financial reporting
• Collaborate with other ecosystem builders to facilitate a state-wide network of services

Financial Management
• Oversee the financial operations of the organization including the processing of any federal, state and private foundation
grants, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reports, and audit processes in conjunction with contract accounting
partner (Eide Bailly)
• Develop, manage, and present annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors
• Oversee and support earned revenue generation strategies

Operational and Program Planning

• Oversee the daily operations of the organization, guiding the execution of all program strategy, implementation, quality
assurance, and efficiency
• Direct and implement marketing strategies that strengthen, build, and promote CTB’s programs and work
• Implement policies established by the Board of Directors in the administration of the organization

4
 P R OF
N

IL
SITI O

E
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PO
Essential Responsibilities, cont.
• Attract, hire, train, develop, mentor and retain exceptional talent and build a cohesive
team culture of trust, transparency, accountability and engagement
• Ensure team and staff roles, responsibilities and skillsets are aligned and success
measures are objective and clear
• Identify and model a shared set of workplace values that support the development,
engagement and retention of high-performing talent
• Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and policies across the
organization

Required Qualifications

• Educational background and knowledge in business, finance, and/or general management or other related discipline; formal
education and/or demonstrated expertise in nonprofit leadership and management preferred
• Proven success in leading innovation, growth and transformative change in a similarly-sized mission driven organization
• Prior experience working with grants is required; experience administering state and/or federal grants and multi-year grants is a
bonus
• Proven ability to lead and partner with a highly engaged Board of Directors
• Strong business acumen with deep understanding of nonprofit programming and financial strategies
• Proven experience effectively running remote and/or geographically distributed teams
• Demonstrated ability to build a collaborative, inclusive work culture and foster relationships with/between diverse groups of
people
• Articulate and engaging presenter and public speaker with the ability to establish credibility and influence as a thought leader
• Effective writing skills for a variety of audiences and purposes including, but not limited to: public relations, internal
communications, board governance, compliance, grant reporting, general business documentation, etc.
• Must be highly self-directed, action-oriented, metric-driven, organized and accountable
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Quickbooks, and standard digital communication and collaboration tools such as Microsoft
Teams, Sharepoint, Outlook, etc.
• Accrual basis accounting experience preferred
• Availability and willingness to travel regionally as needed to represent CTB
• North Dakota residency (or relocation) is required

5
 P R OF
N

IL
SITI O

E
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PO
Desired Leadership Characteristics
• Strategic Thought Leader - Demonstrates subject matter expertise, establishes credibility, and builds trust with stakeholders,
staff and the public. Increases visibility for the organization, builds and maintains strong relationships internally and
externally, and effectively advocates for advancement of the mission.
• Results-Driven - Possesses the ability to clearly articulate goals, hold oneself and others accountable, make sound decisions,
and successfully drive results.
• Develops Talent - Identifies, coaches, and develops talented staff at all levels. Supports growth opportunities and provides the
training, resources, and time for individuals to succeed.
• Visionary – A future thinker who sees possibilities and inspires others towards common goals.
• Innovative - A creative, entrepreneurial thinker who can imagine the possibilities and see opportunities for innovation. High
learning aptitude, curiosity, and infectious energy for transformation and growth.
• Agility – demonstrates a leadership approach that is situationally adaptable; adeptly navigates challenges and manages change
with optimism and resiliency.
Compensation and Benefits
CTB offers a market-competitive compensation package based on qualifications and experience, and a comprehensive benefits
package. Compensation range will be shared upon request.

Application Instructions

For confidential consideration, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Jen Hanlon Ash, Partner

Ballinger | Leafblad
jen@ballingerleafblad.com

6
 WE INVITE YOU TO GET IN TOUCH.

Jen Hanlon Ash Lars Leafblad, MBA

Partner Co-Founder/Partner
jen@ballingerleafblad.com lars@ballingerleafblad.com

CIVIC SEARCH. REIMAGINED .

7
www.ballingerleafblad.com