Grace United Community Ministries | Kansas City, MO Executive Director
About Grace United Community Ministries
Grace United Community Ministries (GUCM) is an inter-denominational, faith-based ministry with a holistic approach, working hand-in-hand with the community to address the area’s largest challenges in the heart of Kansas City’s Historic Northeast. For over 20 years, Grace United has served as a trusted anchor in the community—offering holistic, wraparound programs that include food and clothing pantries, after-school tutoring, early childhood education and other resources for individuals and families in need.
Our mission is to break the cycles of poverty, violence, and substance abuse in Kansas City's urban core by building relationships and offering consistent, compassionate services that meet both immediate and long-term needs.
Position Summary
Grace United Community Ministries (GUCM) is seeking a mission-driven, visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This role is a unique opportunity to lead with both heart and strategy, advancing GUCM’s mission to break cycles of poverty, violence, and substance abuse in Kansas City’s urban core.
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive and primary spokesperson of the organization—championing GUCM’s programs, partnerships, and philanthropic goals. This leader will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, community leaders, and donors to expand GUCM’s impact through relationship-centered leadership, strong operational and financial oversight, and a robust philanthropic strategy.
Key Areas of Leadership
Purpose-Driven Strategy & Vision
Philanthropy & Resource Development
Community Engagement & Advocacy
Organizational & Operational Leadership
Qualifications & Competencies
Preferred Experience & Attributes
Technical Skills
This position may also collaborate closely with consultant(s) and trusted advisors in a cooperative effort to strengthen both internal and external strategies, with the goal of increasing long-term organizational purpose-driven advancement.
Ideal Candidate
• A relational leader who inspires trust and builds authentic partnerships.
• A strategic thinker who aligns vision with action and results.
• A community connector with strong local networks and influence.
• Experience with establish budgets and managing an operation to be financially sound
• A coach and mentor who brings out the best in staff associates.
• A philanthropic guide who crafts meaningful experiences and makes timely, aligned asks.
• A compassionate advocate who champions education, youth development, and family support in under-resourced communities.
Compensation
GUCM offers a competitive salary range commensurate with experience and qualifications along with a 401k plan.
Grace United Community Ministries (GUCM) is an inter-denominational, faith-based ministry with a holistic approach, working hand-in-hand with the community to address the area’s largest challenges in the heart of Kansas City’s Historic Northeast. For over 20 years, Grace United has served as a trusted anchor in the community—offering holistic, wraparound programs that include food and clothing pantries, after-school tutoring, early childhood education and other resources for individuals and families in need.
Our mission is to break the cycles of poverty, violence, and substance abuse in Kansas City's urban core by building relationships and offering consistent, compassionate services that meet both immediate and long-term needs.
Position Summary
Grace United Community Ministries (GUCM) is seeking a mission-driven, visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This role is a unique opportunity to lead with both heart and strategy, advancing GUCM’s mission to break cycles of poverty, violence, and substance abuse in Kansas City’s urban core.
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive and primary spokesperson of the organization—championing GUCM’s programs, partnerships, and philanthropic goals. This leader will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, community leaders, and donors to expand GUCM’s impact through relationship-centered leadership, strong operational and financial oversight, and a robust philanthropic strategy.
Key Areas of Leadership
Purpose-Driven Strategy & Vision
- Champion and articulate a compelling vision for GUCM that aligns with its mission and responds to community needs.
- In partnership with the Board, lead strategic planning to strengthen organizational sustainability, programming, and long-term growth.
- Identify and pursue innovative opportunities to enhance GUCM’s relevance, visibility, and service delivery.
Philanthropy & Resource Development
- Serve as the lead fundraiser for GUCM, stewarding relationships with individuals, foundations, churches, corporations, and public agencies.
- Oversee all fundraising activities, including grant writing, annual giving, events, and donor stewardship.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to support and expand program offerings.
- Build and maintain authentic, long-term relationships with donors and funding partners through consistent engagement and communication.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Act as a trusted ambassador of GUCM, deepening connections with neighborhood leaders, faith communities, schools, civic partners, and peer organizations.
- Represent GUCM at events, coalitions, and media opportunities to elevate the mission and impact of the organization.
- Develop marketing strategies and communication materials in partnership with staff and volunteers to build awareness and support.
Organizational & Operational Leadership
- Provide collaborative and values-based leadership to a small, dedicated staff team.
- Oversee budget development, financial planning, and compliance in partnership with an operations manager.
- Ensure smooth day-to-day operations while maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.
- Support the evaluation and continuous improvement of programs to ensure alignment with community needs and outcomes.
Qualifications & Competencies
Preferred Experience & Attributes
- Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, education, or a related field (or equivalent professional/lived experience).
- Demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and relationship development.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire diverse stakeholders.
- Familiarity with Kansas City’s philanthropic and community landscape preferred.
- Financial acumen with budgeting and reporting experience.
- Supervisory experience and collaborative leadership style.
- High integrity, cultural humility, and a heart for transformational community ministry.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with donor databases (Salesforce, Constant Contact, or similar preferred).
- Comfortable with social media and digital platforms for outreach and communication.
This position may also collaborate closely with consultant(s) and trusted advisors in a cooperative effort to strengthen both internal and external strategies, with the goal of increasing long-term organizational purpose-driven advancement.
Ideal Candidate
• A relational leader who inspires trust and builds authentic partnerships.
• A strategic thinker who aligns vision with action and results.
• A community connector with strong local networks and influence.
• Experience with establish budgets and managing an operation to be financially sound
• A coach and mentor who brings out the best in staff associates.
• A philanthropic guide who crafts meaningful experiences and makes timely, aligned asks.
• A compassionate advocate who champions education, youth development, and family support in under-resourced communities.
Compensation
GUCM offers a competitive salary range commensurate with experience and qualifications along with a 401k plan.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by July 15, 2025, to:
Max Sherman
Grace United Community Ministries
801 Benton Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64124
Email: maxsherman73@gmail.com
Learn more at: www.graceunitedkc.org
All materials must be professionally formatted and submitted digitally, including at least three professional references.
Job Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $75,000 - 99,999
