Shared Leadership at Headwaters Foundation for Justice
Over the past year, the Headwaters staff and board closely examined our leadership and decision-making models. Together, we chose to follow the lead of the organizations we support by embracing shared leadership. The intentional decision to move to a Co-Executive Director model is part of Headwaters’ broader organizational development efforts to transform power, distribute leadership responsibilities across the organization and prevent executive burnout.
In fall 2024 and with a strong staff, board, and programs, Headwaters announced our first Co-Executive Director, Bilal Alkatout, and announced our search for his partner Co-Executive Director.
As we embark on this next chapter of leadership, you can expect to find updated communications, insight, and updates on this page. We're excited to share our next steps and our learnings from our journey to shared leadership with you
Shared Leadership and Co-Executive Director Announcement
Find links to our announcements sharing our plans to move to a shared leadership model and the appointment of Bilal Alkatout as our first Co-Executive Director below:
For media inquiries, please contact Ewan Scotto, Director of Communications at ewan@headwatersfoundation.org
Co-Executive Director Search
The first round deadline for this position has now closed. We are not accepting additional applications at this time. Thank you to everyone who has applied!
The Co-Executive Director will advance the organization’s efforts to organize donors and philanthropy and shift more money to Minnesota movements for justice, and to do so in ways that align with and embody our shared vision for collective liberation. This position will work in parallel with the current Co-Executive Director, Bilal Alkatout, and reports to the HFJ board of directors.
Timeline and Next Steps
The first round deadline for this position has now closed. After the first round of screening by staff and board, we expect to conduct first round interviews in mid-March. Headwaters anticipates announcing its partner Co-Executive Director in May 2025. A search committee, composed of board and staff, has secured Mighty Consulting to support our search. Mighty Consulting is a trusted local leader in nonprofit executive placements, with over 20 years of experience.
Updates regarding the search process will be posted at this site.
Relevant Blog Posts
Embracing Change: Reflections from Co-Executive Director Bilal Alkatout
At Headwaters, we’ve spent the last two years building an organization that embraces change as a constant. This mindset keeps us grounded, moving forward with purpose, and growing our impact with consistency.
Co-Chairs in Conversation: The Benefits of Headwaters’ Shift to Co-Leadership
At Headwaters Foundation for Justice, we believe in the power of shared leadership to strengthen our work and deepen our impact. Our board’s decision to implement a Co-Chair model in…
Co-Executive Director Applications Open Today
Dear community, We are excited to share that Headwaters is now accepting applications for our second Co-Executive Director position. This fall, we announced that Headwaters is embracing a shared leadership…
Embracing Shared Leadership: A Conversation between Veronica Rucker and Sierra Judy
Headwaters Foundation for Justice is embracing a new chapter in its leadership and organizational growth. As we explore the values driving our work and vision, we’re excited to share our…
Announcing Bilal Alkatout as Headwaters’ First Co-Executive Director
Dear community, We are excited to share the next chapter of leadership at Headwaters Foundation for Justice. Over the past year, our staff and board closely examined our leadership and…