Towerside Innovation District

Compensation

Full Description

Role: Board and Admin Support Term: Part time: 30 hours/week Compensation: $5,500-$6,500 per month Location: Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Hybrid Reporting to: Board President The Organization: Towerside Innovation District Towerside Innovation District (“Towerside”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equitable, place-based community and economic development. Towerside drives the vision for a vibrant 370-acre district known as the Towerside Innovation District, located in the heart of the Twin Cities, straddling both Minneapolis and Saint Paul and adjacent to the University of Minnesota campus. As the 1st and only designated Innovation district of these cities Towerside is charged with forging stakeholder collaborations of businesses, residents, non-profits, academia, government and major institutions to organize development, manage district systems and act as a living laboratory for future oriented research on the overarching challenges of inequality and climate change. With over $1 billion in recent investments and a track record of fostering diverse partnerships, Towerside has successfully implemented transformative district-wide projects including urban design frameworks, integrated stormwater management systems, and a dynamic connected public realm. The Opportunity: Board, Operations and Project Support Consultant Towerside Innovation District is seeking an experienced, real estate oriented non profit professional who could support the Board, Operations, Compliance and Project work, on a part time basis and is available to come on board fairly quickly. The role will also include some project management, community communications & engagement aspects. As a backbone organization for a collaboration of public and private partners, Towerside seeks to create a high-intensity, high-density mix of places and spaces where working, living, and innovation converge in an equitable, diverse, and sustainable community. The Innovation District serves as a demonstration site for 21st-century urban redevelopment issues including cutting-edge approaches to land use, real estate, infrastructure, and climate adaptation systems. Role Description: In this role, the work will include but not be limited to the following: • Assist the Board Chair/President and the Executive Committee in supporting the various Board Committees, recruitment, committees, meetings, etc. • Support the Executive Committee and the Leadership with establishing and maintaining relationships with diverse community stakeholders, government and private sector partners, setting and modeling the organization’s culture and values • Manage the Board affairs, general administrative and non profit compliance work, including diligent upkeep of the Google Drive and other records, tools & databases used by the organization. • Strategic Plan and Projects execution support • Support and manage ongoing project management and partner relationships • Organize and manage community meetings and communications as needed • Conduct Research for projects, partnerships and for grants and sponsorships • Assist with organizational and processes development • Event Planning and execution • Other duties as assigned and agreed upon Qualifications: General • 5-7 years of experience in administration and operations with a non profit organization as well as significant project management support in the areas of a urban design, planning and real estate development. • Experience with values-driven, nonprofit, or public-sector organizations • Solid experience in organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills • Strong ability to self start and self-manage to meet deadlines and execute tasks • Demonstrated commitment to Towerside’s vision and values, including a belief in centering people in development, improving our urban world, and working toward social, environmental, and racial justice • Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends as needed Leadership Support and Community Engagement • Experience with supporting a Board, Executive Committee and leadership positions, and scheduling and managing calendars with multiple stakeholders • Experience with the tools and practices of urban design and planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and/ real estate development is considered an asset • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders such as residents, community activists, artists, designers, developers, architects, planners, academics, and others engaged in the built environment • Experience designing and facilitating meetings and events of varying sizes recognizing that community engagement and the project approval process frequently takes place evenings and weekends. Project Support • Demonstrated Project Project management support skills and experience in developing and executing plans against timelines • Experience in defining a project in terms of vision, goals, milestones/critical path, roles/responsibilities, players, deciders, economics, timing and communication. • High level of comfort in working with internal and external stakeholders and partners • Detail-oriented, ability to juggle multiple logistic-oriented tasks, and ability to adapt in the face of uncertainty when plans go awry Operations and Administrative • Solid experience in managing day to operations and administration of a small organization • Office management • Good understanding and experience in key compliances, insurances etc for a non profit organization • Working knowledge of planning and implementing external communications for diverse audience engagement • Experience creating, posting, and sharing engaging social media and website content for an organization, assessing analytics, and working with Content Management Systems • Solid experience with Google Workspace, collaborative design software, and other creative tools • Experience in working/collaborating with service providers such as accountants, insurance agents etc. Other Information:Physical Demands This job requires simple grasping and fine manipulation, sitting at a desk and using a computer for extended periods of time, moderate use of telephone, standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Requires occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 25 pounds. Also required is: • Ability to assist with event set up for on-the-ground outreach activities, such as moving tables and lifting boxes • Ability to walk up and down stairs • Ability to sit in a chair for long periods of time Compensation: This is a part time position as a contractor, with the possibility of growing into a full time position. The contractor is expected to work about 30 hours per week with a fixed monthly compensation of $5,500 - $6,500 depending on experience. How to Apply Interested candidates should provide a 1. resume, 2. cover letter, and 3. three references, by Jan 15th 2026 and email the same to info@towersidemsp.org. Towerside will review all applications and invite you for an initial interview, and based on the assessment of the search committee you may be invited for the second and final round. Equal Opportunity Employer Towerside Innovation District is an equal-opportunity employer. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Having a board, staff, and membership with diverse identities and backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates a creative and vibrant environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive. To that end, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where all employees and associates are included, valued, and supported.