Summary
Description
Job Summary:
Title: Activate Rural Associate Director
Hours: Full-time (36 hours per week)
Annual Compensation: $62,989; increases to $66,756 in January 2026
Application Due Date: Open until filled. High priority to applications received before September 12, 2025
Ideal Start Date: November 3, 2025
How to Apply: Applications will only be accepted via email. Please carefully review the instructions to ensure your application is complete and considered.
About Department of Public Transformation:
Department of Public Transformation (DoPT), founded in 2017 and incorporated in 2018, is a nonprofit organization developing creative strategies for increased community connection, civic engagement, and equitable participation in rural places. We believe in the power of rural creativity in activating solutions to address community challenges and opportunities. DoPT is a multi-centered organization working on projects nationally across the United States, regionally in the Upper Midwest, statewide throughout Minnesota, and in/with Southwest Minnesota. Learn more at publictransformation.org.
Activate Rural, a program of DoPT, supports third places, creative space use, and building activation projects—art galleries and cultural centers, creative coffee shops and taprooms, theaters, artist studios, performance and event venues, multi-use creative places, and more—that inspire, motivate, and open up possibilities for rural communities with a population of 20,000 or less across the United States and the Native Nations that share that geography. The program offers support, peer learning, and resources through a curated Learning Lab cohort, workshop series, and 1:1 coaching sessions to artists, creative entrepreneurs, organizations, and small business owners.
Position Description:
The Associate Director is a proactive and organized self-starter responsible for providing strategic and programmatic support to the Program Director in implementing the Activate Rural program. This role combines program design and delivery, community development, partner and funder engagement, creative facilitation, event logistics, and project management. This position reports to the Activate Rural Program Director.
The ideal candidate will be collaborative, resourceful, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently. They will be an effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a relational approach; a deep listener and quick learner with a problem-solving mindset. This is a remote position with occasional travel required for meetings and events in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Candidates can be based in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Montana.
Hours and Compensation:
This is a regular, full-time, exempt, salaried employment position—36 hours per week. The current annual salary for this position is $62,989, paid biweekly. The annual salary for this position will increase to $66,756 in January 2026. Current benefits include flexible and compassionate scheduling, a creative and artist-led staff team, a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA), and paid time off, including sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
Responsibilities Include:
PROGRAM DESIGN AND DELIVERY
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Collaborate with the Program Director to design and implement programmatic deliverables, including workshops, resource hub, and technical assistance
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Facilitate and present Activate Rural content and resources at virtual and in-person workshops, conference sessions, and site visits
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Develop and update guides, templates, tools, and other resource materials in response to the needs of organizations and teams we support
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Provide technical assistance and support to artists, creative entrepreneurs, small business owners, organizational volunteers, and community leaders
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Serve as a thought partner to the Program Director by contributing ideas, co-developing strategies, and offering feedback to shape the program and respond to participant needs
EVENT PLANNING AND COORDINATION
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Lead the coordination of event logistics for virtual and in-person workshops, summits, retreats, and site visits, including venue booking, catering arrangements, equipment and material prep, promotion, and on-site support
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Ensure timely execution of program deliverables through organized project timelines and task tracking
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Coordinate communications before, during, and after events with partners, participants, and speakers, including registration, evaluation forms, and follow-up communications
EVALUATION AND DOCUMENTATION
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Manage and organize program media, resources, and online filing systems
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Contribute to the development of Activate Rural reports and publications by writing, editing, and organizing content
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Assist with budget tracking and grant reporting, including significant data collection and organizing
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Assist with the ongoing compilation of program documentation, evaluation data, stories, successes, and challenges
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
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Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and due dates
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Coordinate invoices, reimbursements, and contracts
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Attend regular check-in meetings with supervisor
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Attend bi-weekly staff meetings
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Other duties, as agreed upon
Qualifications:
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Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
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Planning, promoting, and hosting public events
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Creating community development curriculum and training
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Tracking and reporting program impact
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Participating in or having an understanding of building renovation projects
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Providing technical assistance to nonprofits, small businesses, start-up groups, or entrepreneurs
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Positive, forward-looking, and curious approach
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High level of attention to detail, organization, and follow-through
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Ability to work well in a team and also autonomously with minimal supervision
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job
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Passionate about rural communities and creativity
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Commitment to geographic equity and social, environmental, and racial justice
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A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
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A sense of humor!
Preferred Qualifications:
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3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following:
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Community development and/or creative placemaking
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Nonprofit program and/or administration
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Real estate development
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Start-up, entrepreneurship, or small business development
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Familiarity with Google Suite, Zoom Video Conferencing, and Canva
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Familiarity with the arts and culture field and/or the nonprofit sector
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Lived experience in a rural community
Hiring Timeline:
Open until filled. High priority to applications received before September 12, 2025; early submissions are encouraged. Interviews will begin near the end of September. We will notify all applicants of the outcome of their application. The ideal start date is November 3, 2025; in conversation with the selected candidate.
How to Apply:
Applications must be emailed to jobs@publictransformation.org. Applications will not be accepted through other formats or job portals. Please send the following items to jobs@publictransformation.org with the email subject line “Associate Director”:
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Your resume with relevant experience listed
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A cover letter that shares 1) why you’re excited about this role, 2) how your experience aligns with the responsibilities, and 3) what draws you to our organization. (We’d love to hear your personal perspective and learn more about what makes you a great fit!)
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Contact information for three (3) references (who may be contacted at the finalist stage)
Please email us at jobs@publictransformation.org with questions about this position!
A PDF of the job description is also listed on our website at www.publictransformation.org/work-with-us
