Join the Mission
Build Rural America's Future
Seed Foundation hires operators who run programs, not just fill roles. Nonprofit compensation that competes with tech because we want the best people building the future of rural America.
Our Hiring Philosophy
Small Teams, Big Impact
5 staff Year 1 running 4 programs across 9 partner towns. Every person is critical. No middle management — you report directly to the founder.
$145K Minimum Base
Above market because we want the best. Nonprofit compensation funded by institutional investment and 7% perpetual GrowWise equity — not just grants.
No Resumes
Show us your work. Send a portfolio link, record a 60-90 second video, and book a time to talk. That's it. We hire people, not paper.
Black Hills Lifestyle
Custer, South Dakota. Gateway to Custer State Park. 5-minute commute. Mountains out your window. 300 days of sunshine.
Open Positions — Year 1
5 roles to run 4 programs across 9 partner towns. Every seat matters.
Executive Director
Run the Foundation day-to-day. Donor relations, grant strategy, program oversight across Seed Academy, Settle the West, THE CULT, and Auric Labs. Reports to founder.
Responsibilities
- Foundation-wide operations oversight
- Donor relations & grant strategy
- Program performance across 4 entities
- Board reporting & governance
Requirements
- Nonprofit executive leadership experience
- Grant writing & fundraising track record
- Multi-program management
- Strategic planning expertise
Program Director
Oversee all 4 Foundation programs. Curriculum for Academy, relocation metrics for STW, event planning for CULT, portfolio tracking for Labs.
Responsibilities
- Seed Academy curriculum oversight
- Settle the West relocation metrics
- THE CULT event planning & execution
- Auric Labs portfolio tracking
Requirements
- Program management experience
- Data-driven outcomes measurement
- Cross-functional coordination
- Education or community development background
Grants & Development Manager
Write grants, manage donor pipeline, corporate sponsorships, mandatory VC $10K program. Build the funding engine.
Responsibilities
- Grant writing & submission
- Donor pipeline management
- Corporate sponsorship development
- Mandatory VC $10K donation program
Requirements
- Grant writing experience ($1M+ secured)
- CRM & donor management systems
- Corporate partnership development
- Nonprofit fundraising certification preferred
Community Outreach Coordinator
Run relationships across 9 partner towns. School partnerships, local government coordination, event presence. The face of Seed Foundation in the field.
Responsibilities
- 9 partner city relationship management
- School partnership coordination
- Local government liaison
- Community event representation
Requirements
- Community organizing or outreach experience
- Public speaking & relationship building
- Rural community familiarity preferred
- Travel flexibility (9 partner towns)
Operations & Admin Coordinator
Office management, HR support, compliance, financial reporting, board meeting prep. Keep the mission running.
Responsibilities
- Office & facilities management
- HR support & compliance
- Financial reporting & bookkeeping
- Board meeting preparation
Requirements
- Office administration experience
- Financial reporting familiarity
- Nonprofit compliance knowledge preferred
- Detail-oriented executor
Your Dollar Goes Further Here
$145K in Custer, SD = $210K+ in Denver or Austin. Zero state income tax. 5-minute commute. Mountains out your window. Median home price under $350K. This is what real quality of life looks like.
Your Day 1 Kit
Everything you need from the moment you walk through the door.
MacBook Pro 16"
Fully loaded, yours from day one
Meta Glasses
Field roles get smart glasses for community documentation
Standing Desk + Ergonomic Chair
Herman Miller or equivalent
BHC Branded Welcome Kit
Apparel, gear, and swag
Campus Parking Pass
Reserved spot at Grow Campus
Seed Academy Access
Free courses for you and family
Benefits & Compensation
Institutional-grade benefits from day one. No waiting periods.
Healthcare
Medical, dental, vision — 100% employer-covered for you and dependents
Unlimited PTO
We track output, not hours. Take time when you need it.
401(k) with 4% Match
Vested immediately. No waiting period.
$3K/yr Learning Budget
Courses, conferences, certifications — invest in yourself on our dime.
$200/mo Wellness Stipend
Gym, gear, mental health, massage — your call
Remote Flex
In-office preferred, remote days available. Output over optics.
Apply to Seed Foundation
No resumes. No cover letters. Show us who you are.
501(c)(3) — Permanently Funded
Seed Foundation is permanently funded by a 7% equity donation from GrowWise, the cannabis technology platform. Combined with grants, corporate sponsorships, and a mandatory $10K donation from every visiting venture capital firm, our programs are designed to outlast any single funding cycle. Tax-exempt status means every dollar goes further.
Seed Foundation is one of 11 organizations in the Black Hills Consortium. Your work here directly funds education, relocation, and community development across 9 partner towns. When you build a program at Seed, you're building a piece of rural America's future.