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MN Daily: Board of Directors
Overview
The Minnesota Daily is a student-led media organization and a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Established in 1900, it serves the University of Minnesota community. The Board of Directors governs The Minnesota Daily.
The Board comprises current Daily leadership, alumni, university students and faculty, and outside professionals, meeting regularly throughout the year.
Mission of The Minnesota Daily
- Provide independent student journalism and coverage of news that serves the public interest and informs the University of Minnesota community.
- Offer a forum for free exchange of ideas and debate for the University community.
- Train University students to professional standards and teach best practices in journalism and the media industry.
- Operate a fiscally responsible organization to ensure viability as an independent student media company.
- Support equity, inclusivity, and representation in the workplace and respond to the needs of the campus community.
Role and Responsibilities
The Board of Directors directs the business and affairs of The Minnesota Daily. The Board exercises no prior censorship and has no editorial or day-to-day control of the paper.
Board authority and responsibilities include:
- Governance and Strategy: Establish organizational policies, priorities, and long-term goals. The Board also approves the strategic plan and ensures its achievement.
- Leadership Oversight: The Board hires the General Manager. It has approval authority for the hiring of the Business Operations Officer and Editor in Chief. The Board supervises and advises the General Manager. It also advises and assesses the performance of the student leadership, known as the Office of the Publisher.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Board members approve the annual operating budget. They monitor budget performance. The Board reviews all material contractual agreements and capital expenditures that exceed two percent of the approved budget.
- Student Support: A key function is to train University students. The Board advises student leaders, contributing to their professional development. The Evaluation Committee, which includes board members, evaluates the performance of the Editor in Chief and Business Operations Officer and helps develop their goals.
Board Composition
The Board consists of both student and non-student directors.
- Student Directors: Four directors are registered University of Minnesota students. This includes the Editor in Chief, the Business Operations Officer, and two students not employed by the Daily.
- Non-Student Directors: Eight directors are non-students with professional expertise in fields like journalism, finance, digital media, and fundraising. The Board may also include non-voting, ex-officio members, such as the General Manager.
Time Commitment
This is a volunteer position.
- Term Length: Non-Student Directors serve a five-year term. Student Directors serve two-year terms. The Editor in Chief and Business Operations Officer serve one-year terms as directors.
- Meetings: The Board holds regular monthly meetings during publishing periods. A bi-annual board retreat is also expected. Directors are expected to actively engage with students and staff.
- Meeting Schedule: Meetings are typically held in the evening at the University Office Plaza. Meeting times vary, generally starting between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and lasting two to four hours.
- Board Retreats: Two board retreats are held each year, one in the winter (January) and one in the summer (June). These are longer meetings, often running from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Star Tribune offices.
- Key Meetings: Certain meetings are dedicated to important decisions, such as the selection of the Editor in Chief and other student leaders, and the approval of the fiscal year budget.
Open Positions
Board of Director: Philanthropy and/or fundraising
Department: Board of Directors
Reports To: Chair of the MN Daily Board of Directors
Paid: No
Overview:
We are searching for an individual with professional experience in philanthropy and/or fundraising, a deep appreciation for independent journalism, and a commitment to serving the UMN community. This is a volunteer position with a five-year commitment.
About The Minnesota Daily:
The Minnesota Daily (The Daily) is an independent, student-written and student-managed newspaper serving the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities Campus community, incorporated as a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Our mission is to provide independent student journalism, offer a forum for the free exchange of ideas, train University students to professional standards, operate ethically and fiscally responsibly, and support equity, inclusivity, and representation within the workplace and campus community.
Since launching its online publication in 1995, The Daily has now transitioned to exclusively online content, including a 5-day-a-week email newsletter, and continues to develop new digital products.
The organization also operates Suite 450, a student-run creative agency offering various services such as market research, event planning, graphic design, and social media consultation.
The Role of a Board Member:
The Board of Directors governs The Daily, setting organizational policies, priorities, and long-term goals. It also supervises and advises the Office of the Publisher, approves the annual operating budget, monitors budget performance, and approves the strategic plan.
Importantly, the Board exercises no prior censorship and has no editorial or day-to-day control of the paper. The Board comprises current Daily leadership, alumni, university students and faculty, and outside professionals, meeting monthly throughout the year.
This specific opening is for a Non-Student Director, which involves a five-year term.
Why Your Philanthropic Expertise is Crucial:
The Daily is actively working to diversify its revenue streams, with a particular focus on development and philanthropy. While a significant portion of our approximate $1 million annual budget comes from student and faculty fees, only a small amount ($2,500 in 2024-25) currently comes from donations.
We aim to substantially increase philanthropic support by creating a sustainable revenue stream through annual, major, and planned giving, and by establishing an endowment to fund The Daily in perpetuity.
As a Board member with philanthropic expertise, you would be instrumental in:
- Providing guidance around strategy and tactics to the Executive Director and Daily staff related to fundraising and growing our sustaining supporters.
- Assisting with organizing and promoting giving campaigns.
- Developing relationships with large donors.
- Providing guidance and assisting with grant applications.
- Your involvement will be key to building a culture, both internally and externally, that views The Minnesota Daily as a nonprofit organization worthy of significant philanthropic investment.
Qualifications and Expectations:
- Successful candidates for a Non-Student Director position on the Board of Directors will:
- Possess professional expertise in development, giving, or grant writing.
- Demonstrate a firm belief in the freedom of the press and student independence.
- Show an understanding of business management, journalism, media, or the mass communication industry.
- Reflect the diversity of the University community.
- Be an avid reader of The Minnesota Daily.
- Commit to monthly board meetings and a bi-annual board retreat, actively engaging with students and staff.
- Participate in annual budget approval and the selection of the Editor-in-Chief and the Marketing & Engagement Officer.
- Contribute to fundraising efforts, board member recruitment, and Minnesota Daily event participation.
- Twin Cities/ local Directors are preferred however, we will consider a remote Director for the right experience to move us towards our goals.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in potentially serving on this Board of Directors please send your resume to the Chair of the Board of Directors, Eli Mattison, at Chair@mndailymedia.org.
We kindly ask interested candidates to send their information no later than Friday, October 3, 2025.
The Minnesota Daily is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
Contact Information
Minnesota Daily | 2221 University Ave. SE | Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55414 | (612) 435 - 1563 | hr@mndailymedia.org