Bonsai Leadership Group is proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County in its search for a visionary, mission-driven Executive Director.  Download the full position announcement here.

ABOUT Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Based in Alexandria, Minnesota, it is part of a global nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seek to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. 

Habitat engages a broad network of supporters and community members to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership. Habitat is the largest affordable homeownership builder in Douglas County and is an innovative leader among small affiliates across Habitat for Humanity’s global network.  

Since 1997, Habitat has partnered with 200 families and the community to build or improve 93 homes and complete over 100 Aging in Place projects, empowering homeowners with the strength, stability, and independence needed for a brighter future. 

Through affordable mortgage payments and sweat equity, Habitat homeowners invest in their communities while achieving financial independence and a sense of pride. In addition to building locally, Habitat has supported the construction of nearly 120 international homes.   

The Habitat ReStore supports its mission by offering affordable home improvement items, with all profits directed toward housing initiatives in Douglas County. Every volunteer, from construction helpers to ReStore team members, plays a crucial role in its impact.

Learn more about Habitat at http://www.hfhdouglascounty.org.  

ABOUT Douglas County, MN

Douglas County offers a dynamic mix of natural beauty, small-town warmth, and growing economic opportunity. Located in west-central Minnesota, the area includes the thriving city of Alexandria and is known for its more than 250 lakes, vibrant local culture, and strong community spirit. Residents value collaboration, volunteerism, and mission-driven work—qualities that mirror Habitat’s ethos. With an increasingly urgent need for affordable housing, the affiliate is positioned as a regional leader in creating solutions that ensure families have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County seeks a strategic, servant-minded Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to shape affordable housing in a thriving community while leading a respected affiliate within a global network. 

The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in organizational leadership, a deep commitment to solving affordable and sustainable housing challenges, and a collaborative approach to community engagement. They will have a proven track record of managing nonprofit programs, empowering high-performing teams, inspiring organizational growth, and building trust across a diverse representation of stakeholders. Habitat is seeking a servant leader who listens with intention, communicates transparently, and leads with resilience, curiosity, and integrity. This individual is energized by both strategic vision and hands-on execution, and brings a steady, calming presence.  

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead a team of nine and provide fiscal oversight for a $2.6M budget. Additional responsibilities include:  

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Culture 

• Champion and operationalize the strategic vision to “double the impact,” ensuring alignment across programs, operations, and fundraising. 

• Foster a values-driven culture rooted in collaboration, trust, accountability, and continuous learning. 

• Model servant leadership through promoting a culture of humility, courage, and resilience. 

• Protect and amplify Habitat’s strong local relationships, national reputation, and organizational legacy. 

Fundraising & Community Engagement 

• Lead and grow a diversified fundraising program, including a comprehensive campaign. 

• Build and deepen relationships with individual donors, community leaders, faith partners, and other key stakeholders. 

• Serve as a passionate ambassador for Habitat’s mission, both locally and within the broader Habitat for Humanity network. 

Operational & Financial Oversight 

• Ensure financial health and operational efficiency, including preparing annual operational plans and overseeing financing tools (e.g., third-party mortgages, USDA 502 loans). 

• Monitor infrastructure needs, especially staffing and systems, to ensure a sustainable pace and foundation for growth. 

• Proactively address regulatory shifts and housing affordability challenges in partnership with staff and the Board.  

Team Leadership & Development 

• Inspire, coach, develop, and support a dedicated team; foster a healthy, engaged workplace culture. 

• Empower staff and cultivate leadership at all levels while providing the clarity, vision, and support they need to succeed. 

• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that drives results and prioritizes staff well-being and professional growth.  

Board Engagement & Governance 

• Build a strong, collaborative, and productive relationship with the Board of Directors. 

• Provide strategic input, clarity of direction, and timely information to guide decision-making. 

• Strengthen board engagement and identify and recruit a pipeline of future board leaders. 
  

Desired SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

While candidates can come from a range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate for the Executive Director role exhibits many of the following attributes and experiences described below, but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• 7+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, housing, community development, or mission-aligned sectors. 

• Exceptional relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, staff, and community leaders. 

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and capital campaign leadership. Grant writing experience is a plus. 

• Strong financial management and operational acumen, particularly in navigating mortgage or housing finance structures. 

• Experience leading organizational change, building teams, and scaling programs. 

• Strategic mindset paired with decisive action and a calm, adaptive leadership style. 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic, positive, and inclusive approach in interactions and negotiations across all levels of stakeholders, including underrepresented communities. 

• Demonstrates servant leadership with a collaborative, engaging, and motivational communication style aligned with Habitat for Humanity’s values. 

• Familiarity with the Douglas County community is highly desired. 

LOCATION 

This is a hybrid position based in Alexandria, MN.  

Travel

This role will require approximately 10% travel outside of Douglas County, MN, for conferences or other meetings about 3-4 times a year.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is ​​$95,000 - $105,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the hired candidate.  

In addition, Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:   

• Three weeks paid time off, plus holidays and volunteer time 

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance  

• Retirement plan with employer matching contribution   

• Sick, bereavement, and family leave  

• Flexible work scheduling/Hybrid Scheduling  

• Professional Development Opportunities  

• Paid leave for mission travel with Habitat for Humanity International 

SHARE YOUR INTEREST

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest by joining the talent pool here. Candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis.All expressions of interest, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. 

If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.   We kindly ask that you refrain from using this email to inquire about the status of an application or to submit applications, as we are unable to respond to such requests.

All expressions of interest, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Habitat embraces people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.