Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:55:25 -0700WeeblyMon, 06 Jul 2026 18:18:17 GMThttps://www.cmrsmn.org/news/were-hiring-executive-directorCommunity Mediation & Restorative Services
Minnesota | Full-Time

CMRS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, inclusive, and respectful hiring practices. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, conducted in accordance with applicable law. A prior conviction or record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment. We review background check information thoughtfully and in connection with the duties of the role.

Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of CMRS, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, ensuring financial sustainability, and overseeing high-quality program delivery. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED leads a team of staff and volunteers, cultivates partnerships, and represents CMRS as a visible leader in mediation and restorative practices across Minnesota.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with CMRS’s mission and community needs
• Provide visionary leadership in restorative justice and community mediation
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities to expand impact and services

Organizational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including programs, administration, and human resources
• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team of staff and volunteers
• Foster an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative organizational culture

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual budget (~$1.4M)
• Ensure strong financial controls, reporting, and compliance
• Diversify revenue streams, including grants, contracts, donations, and earned income

Fundraising & Development

• Lead fundraising strategy and execution
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, government funders, donors, and partners
• Support grant writing, major gifts, and donor stewardship efforts

Community & External Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for CMRS
• Build and maintain partnerships with courts, schools, local governments, and community groups
• Advocate for restorative justice practices and mediation at local and state levels

Board Relations

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to support governance and strategic oversight
• Provide regular updates on organizational performance and impact
• Assist in board development and engagement

Qualifications
Required

• Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit, public sector, or related field
• Strong commitment to restorative justice, mediation, and community-centered approaches
• Experience managing budgets, staff, and organizational operations
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Experience in mediation, restorative practices, or conflict resolution
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s nonprofit, legal, or social service landscape
• Experience working with diverse communities and advancing equity and inclusion
• Advanced degree in public administration, nonprofit management, law, social work, or related field

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic and systems thinking
• Collaborative and relationship-driven leadership
• Cultural humility and commitment to equity
• Financial acumen and operational excellence
• Adaptability and innovation

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $110,000 – $140,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, PTO, etc.)
• Professional development opportunities

How to Apply
This position is currently closed. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Background Check
CMRS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, inclusive, and respectful hiring practices. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, conducted in accordance with applicable law. A prior conviction or record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment. We review background check information thoughtfully and in connection with the duties of the role.]]>Fri, 22 May 2026 22:00:42 GMThttps://www.cmrsmn.org/news/the-talking-piece-the-listening-pieceA student in a circle once noted that the talking piece was mis-named. “It should be called the ‘listening piece,’ because that is what you do with it. Listen.”
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This direction is most important for the keeper, especially if the keeper is an adult. We know so much, as adults. It is hard to keep all that fantastic wisdom, experience and knowledge to ourselves. But if we hope to hold circle with integrity, that is what we do—listen—unless we have the talking piece. Adults, like everyone else in circle should just listen.

A teacher was holding circle with a group of young people new to the circle process. At one point, a student told the young man who was holding the talking piece but not saying anything that he had to speak. He looked at the teacher, and said, “You said I don’t have to speak, right?” She replied to him, “You are right, you do not have to speak.”

This seems like an appropriate reply to a legitimate question. But she also could have just sat there, looking kindly, to re-enforce that she did not have the talking piece, and so it was not for her to talk or answer his question at that time. She could have indicated that he pass the talking piece, to send the piece around the circle in order. Someone else might have said when they had the talking piece, “You are right—it is on our guidelines—you may pass.” That would have confirmed—from a peer—that the person with the talking piece has the power to speak or not. It would also confirm to everyone else to wait their turn as well. The guidelines apply to everyone, including adults.

This approach to circle may seem somewhat rigid. But when you are starting out learning circle, building your community, keeping to that guideline (speak when you have the talking piece, listen when you do not have the talking piece) helps to assure the participants that the process has integrity. If the keeper talks out of order, that indicates again that one person has extra power and extra responsibility for the process. But in circle, all members are responsible for following the guidelines, not just one person.

Honoring the talking piece also encourages circle members to make their own decisions—what to say or not say is in their hands, literally. For some students, this may be a new experience, one that may take time to trust, to believe that it is ok to pass. All the more reason for the adult to wait, smile, show care in their face, maybe even snap fingers in agreement or delight, perhaps laugh.

Listening is an action. Silence tells its own story. Both should be honored as much as words. And everyone can wait to talk until they hold the talking piece. –Nancy Riestenberg
]]>Mon, 04 May 2026 23:42:56 GMThttps://www.cmrsmn.org/news/retirementannouncementDear CMRS Community,

On behalf of the CMRS Board of Directors, I want to express our deep gratitude to Beth Bailey for her extraordinary leadership, service, and commitment to Community Mediation & Restorative Services (CMRS).

Beth has served CMRS for more than 30 years, including 25 years as Executive Director. During that time, she has helped shape CMRS into the respected, community-rooted organization it is today. Her leadership has strengthened our mission, expanded our impact, and helped ensure that individuals, families, organizations, and communities have access to meaningful support in times of conflict, harm, and transition.

Over the years, countless stories have reflected Beth’s integrity, humility, wisdom, and care. She has built strong relationships across the community, supported staff and volunteers, stewarded the organization through seasons of growth and change, and kept CMRS grounded in its commitment to dignity, healing, and restorative practice.

We are especially grateful that Beth will remain with CMRS during this transition period as we begin the search for and onboard the next Executive Director. Her continued presence will provide important continuity and support as the organization prepares for its next chapter.

The Board is approaching this transition with thoughtfulness and care. We are currently engaging staff and community partners to gather input on the qualities, skills, and priorities they believe are most important for the next Executive Director. After that process is complete, the Board will finalize the details of the search and post the position nationally.

Our goal is to honor the strength of CMRS while preparing for the future. We are confident in the foundation Beth has helped build and in the community that continues to support this work.

Should you have any questions about the search process, you may reach out to out us on the website! 

Please join us in thanking Beth for her remarkable service, lasting impact, and continued support of CMRS during this important transition.

With deep appreciation,

Cecilia Stanton Adams
Board President
On behalf of the CMRS Board of Director]]>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:52:14 GMThttps://www.cmrsmn.org/news/kendrick-walton-cmrs-program-manager-newest-addition-to-the-cmrs-staff

Highlight: Kendrick Walton- CMRS Program Manager - Newest Addition to the CMRS Staff 
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The Mission of Community Mediation & Restorative Services' mission is to empower the community to resolve conflicts and repair harm in a respectful manner. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kendrick Walton to discuss his new role at our Community Mediation and Restorative Services. Kendrick started with us in October 2021 and then attended the African American Leadership Forum in June 2023. 

Kendrick shared insights about his career progression and his current role as the leader of youth services at CMRS. "The mission of CMRS is to raise public awareness of mediation services. One of the key areas of focus is our work in schools, which includes conflict resolution programs and the implementation of the circle process—an Indigenous practice aimed at community building and conflict resolution."

Kendrick has transitioned from being a restorative justice specialist to serving as the board chair at CMRS, and now he leads youth services full-time. Kednrick's goal with his new position is to help CMRS become more visible to the public, pointing out that many people are unaware of mediation services. Kendrick mentioned several upcoming initiatives, including a fundraiser on September 30th and new partnerships, which he views as positive steps toward increasing visibility and supporting the community. 
Osseo School District Staff Recognition
Kendrick shared his experience at the Osseo School District staff kickoff at Park Center, where he and the team received recognition from educators for the ongoing work of CMRS. Some of the services provided in the schools include leading student leader groups, providing conflict resolution through mediations, coaching staff, and facilitating affinity spaces for students with marginalized identities. Kendrick underscored the importance of building relationships over enforcing rules and highlighted a successful collaboration with a teacher at Brooklyn Middle School, where they plan to implement the circle process in the curriculum.
What is the circle process? It's an Indigenous practice that fosters community building and conflict resolution. The method involves a talking piece, a centerpiece, and a circle keeper who facilitates the conversation. Kendrick outlined how this approach can be adapted to various settings, including schools, corporations, and government departments, sharing that CMRS uses it in their weekly staff meetings. 

Restorative Justice in Education Focus
Kendrick discussed his return to CMRS, focusing on restorative justice and holistic approaches to discipline. Research has shown the effectiveness of restorative practices in reducing reoffending and improving student outcomes. Additionally, he mentioned his work on empowerment zones, a concept designed to address opportunity gaps for students with marginalized identities through site-based decision-making in schools and communities.
If you’d like to read some of the additional articles Kendrick has written, click here. 
If you want to learn more about the circle process, restorative justice or any of the other ways CMRS can help in your community, please reach out. 
Community is at the center of everything we do.
Community Mediation & Restorative Services, Inc. is a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides low to no-cost conflict resolution services in Hennepin County. Since 1983, CMRS has helped individuals and communities engage in respectful and productive conversations, resulting in better understanding and creative, concrete solutions.

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