Executive Director

Organization Description
The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP) is fundraising and grant-making organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural and recreational assets owned and operated by the City of Overland Park, Kansas (City) – Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (DRCF), the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (OPABG), and art installations and programs throughout Overland Park. Through a grant-making process defined with the City, ARFOP funds capital projects and programming.

Position Overview
The ARFOP Executive Director is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for overseeing and directing operations, fundraising efforts, grant-making, strategic initiatives, and partnerships. This role requires a collaborative mind-set, an understanding of the arts, recreational programming, community placemaking, and municipal government, as well as a strong background in fundraising with a focus on special-event fundraising and major-gift acquisition. This position reports to the ARFOP Board of Directors and is not an employee of the City of Overland Park.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and relationships to secure financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities, preparing compelling grant proposals and managing grant reporting requirements.
• Lead and manage major capital campaigns to fund program initiatives and construction projects.

• Provide visionary leadership and innovative thinking to drive the foundation's growth and impact.
• Collaborate with the ARFOP Board of Directors and the City to set strategic priorities, develop long-term plans, and establish performance metrics.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance community engagement, awareness, and support for the foundation's initiatives.

• Serve as the foundation's spokesperson, fostering positive relationships with media, stakeholders, partners, and the general public.
• Collaborate with community organizations and arts/cultural institutions to strengthen the foundation's impact; these include, without limitation, the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, Visit Overland Park, Arts Council of Johnson County, City, and Arts KC.

• Provide daily oversight and support of ARFOP’s out-sourced bookkeeping service, manage banking and investment relationships, maintain complete financial records, support the audit and tax-filing processes, and negotiate contracts.
• Develop and manage ARFOP’s operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable financial practices.

• Recruit, mentor and lead a high-performing team of two staff members.
• Provide staff with guidance, support and professional development opportunities to ensure a cohesive and motivated team.

• Minimum of five (5) years as a senior-level nonprofit leader with an emphasis on major gifts and grant writing
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Strong understanding of arts, culture, recreational programming, and municipal government
• Experience with major fundraising efforts
• Exceptional leadership and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and execute organizational strategies
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a natural ability to collaborate, build consensus, and nurture relationships
• Experience in project/program management, event planning, and community engagement
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for fundraising, financial management, and communication – DonorPerfect Online (or comparable), Constant Contact, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, ShowClix (or comparable ticketing software), Square, Google Meet/Zoom/Teams

• Salary of $90,000 - $115,000 based on qualifications
• Mileage reimbursement
• Reimbursement of $40/month for personal cell phone usage
• Two weeks/days PTO, annually with flexibility
• Paid holidays – New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day