Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations
Direct Supervisor: Coldwater Foundation Executive Director
Location: Grand Marais, MN

About Coldwater Foundation
Coldwater is a faith and leadership development ministry operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization in the state of Minnesota. We are a small, close-knit team who value unity, relationship,
and intentionality. Each summer, 15–20 seasonal staff join us to lead wilderness courses focused on
deepening commitment to the Christian faith and cultivating the capacity to provide mature leadership.
At the heart of our work is a discipleship focus: walking alongside young adults as they grow into Christ-
centered leaders.

Mink Lake Wilderness Camp
Coldwater owns Mink Lake Wilderness Camp, a basecamp with a 75-year history of outdoor leadership.
Located in the Superior National Forest, only 15 miles from both Grand Marais and the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness, Mink Lake is an off-grid property where seasonal staff live in intentional
Christian community. Coldwater also maintains a small work space in Grand Marais for full-time and
seasonal staff.

Purpose of Position
As Coldwater enters a new season of growth, we are seeking a Director of Operations to provide
leadership in planning, administration, and organizational management. This role is vital to ensuring that
the day-to-day operations of Coldwater remain aligned with our mission, freeing our program staff to
focus on ministry and discipleship.
The Director of Operations will oversee the organizational backbone of Coldwater — finances, facilities,
staff systems, and operational support — while also contributing to the spiritual and community life of
our team.

Candidate Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in Business Administration, Nonprofit
  Leadership, Organizational Leadership, or related field
• Minimum of 2 years professional experience managing a budget
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement systems effectively
• Skilled in supervising staff and volunteers with care, clarity, and efficiency
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Proficient in fundraising and donor care
• Commitment to the Christian faith and lifestyle, with eagerness to support Coldwater’s mission
  and vision

Work Hours
Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with seasonal flexibility.

Job Responsibilities

1. Administrative & Organizational Leadership

• Work under Executive Director to ensure operations are aligned with mission and vision.
• Oversee organizational systems, annual planning, and reporting.
• Provide regular business and ministry reports for the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with bookkeeper and accountant to ensure financial integrity and compliance.
• Oversee maintenance of Mink Lake Wilderness Camp facility through coordinating volunteer
  teams and staff.
• Lead fundraising strategy, including donor care, annual banquet, general fund development, and staff support raising for seasonal staff.

2. Safety & Risk Management

• Implement and enforce risk management and safety protocols (facilities, health, child protection,
  emergency preparedness).
• Ensure compliance with insurance and regulatory requirements.

3. Human Resources & Staff Development

• Supervise Office Manager
• Provide structure for staff meetings and internal communication.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise seasonal support staff and volunteers.
• Support staff by fostering a culture of unity, accountability, and discipleship.

4. Program & Guest Support

• Ensure operational support for programs and guest groups, including food service, lodging,
  transportation, and scheduling.
• Partner with program leadership to align logistics with ministry goals.

5. Ministry Alignment

• Actively support Coldwater’s discipleship focus through prayer, mentoring, and spiritual
  leadership within the staff community.
• Ensure that excellence in systems, and Coldwater hospitality and daily operations integrate with
  ministry values.
• Manage personal support raising for this position and maintain active communication.

Compensation
Starting salary for this position is $50,000-$75,000 based on experience. The Director of Operations,
along with all full-time staff, is responsible to raise support for their position.

Application
To apply, please email Cover Letter and Resume to kevin@coldwaterfoundation.org. Feel free to reach
out to Kevin Sutton, Executive Director, for more information at above email or phone number: (218)
370-8864.

Deadline for Application is February 1, 2026