Executive Director – Real World Learning (RWL)
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the Executive Director will serve as the lead administrator, providing leadership to the Real World Learning (RWL) program in collaboration with local school districts and employers to implement real-world learning experiences for students, in alignment with the Foundation’s vision and strategic priorities. Through immersive professional experiences, like projects and internships known as Market Value Assets (MVA), students get a head start in achieving their college and career goals. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Provide leadership and strategic direction for the RWL Kansas City Regional Collaborative and internal RWL working team, in alignment with the Foundation’s vision and strategic priorities.
- Develop and maintain a strategic, multi-year vision focused on assessing program outcomes and supporting the mission of the Kansas City RWL Collaborative while ensuring high-quality experiences for students and employers.
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of a detailed annual program plan, timeline, budget, and data tracking systems to support the advancement of the RWL program.
- Attract, develop, coach, and retain high-performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance.
- Establish core program values and develop a highly collaborative team environment that promotes the growth of all associates and stakeholders while maintaining a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Manage an annual program budget of approximately $4M to ensure maximum effectiveness of outcomes achieved, as aligned with program parameters and Foundation guidelines.
- Maintain open communication and transparency with manager, disclosing conditions, operations, and needs of the programs.
- Work closely with the Research, Learning, and Evaluation (RLE) team to develop, track, and report metrics that identify program-related progress and impact.
- Establish feedback and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective information flow and positive client experience for all stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Impact & Strategy team, local school district leadership, business community, public sector, and community leaders to ensure RWL has a strong foundation of supporters to provide high-quality learning opportunities for students.
- Work closely with the Strategic Communications team to credibly represent Real World Learning by communicating externally and internally on program-related topics and supporting public relations activities that build and maintain relationships with other organizations and the public.
- Engage community stakeholders to gather feedback through convenings, quarterly outreach, and reports to inform and advocate for continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with the Technology team and other administrative support functions to identify and align the level of support needed in alignment with Foundation priorities to effectively meet strategic objectives.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Master’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and/or years of experience that demonstrates possession of core competencies in a related field.
Work Experience: At least five years of supervisory and program leadership preferred. At least seven years of professional experience in the public or private sector, working with students, volunteers, or contractors focusing on designing, developing, growing, and executing education-based programmatic work. At least five years of progressive recent work experience in school administration, education, or workforce development.
Travel: This position requires routine business travel within the Kansas City Region, with occasional other business travel.
QUALIFICATIONS
Incumbents in this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-direction, detail-oriented, and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Incumbents must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change. - Has passion and desire to see every student achieve their unique potential for the betterment of themselves and their community.
- Has experience simultaneously managing various programs with proven expertise in leading successful educational programs for students.
- Has demonstrated success in building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, leveraging existing relationships and networks to help the program advance the Foundation’s vision and strategic priorities.
- Can establish and maintain working relationships with government agencies, community leaders, and the public.
- Has strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to ensure teamwork and goals are in alignment and support of the Foundation’s mission and vision.
- Is experienced with building and managing highly collaborative teams, using strong coaching and supervisory skills help teams work effectively and with continuous improvement in mind.
- Is comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, with the ability to adapt nimbly, problem solve, and lead others through complex situations.
- Leverages technology and data to inform decisions, improve operations, and facilitate consistent outcomes at scale.
- Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
- Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
- Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Can function well in a high-paced and at times, stressful environment.
- Can maintain confidentiality and easily handles confidential material appropriately.
- Possesses a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
- Is committed to the Foundation’s credo, standards, and values in alignment with our racial equity, diversity, and inclusion statement.
- Possesses computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, and Slack.
All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Kauffman Foundation firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 12pm CT on May 12, 2025.
Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Job Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $100,000 and over
