Executive Director

MOST Policy Initiative, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation aimed at bringing scientists and policymakers together to improve livelihoods for people and communities in Missouri. The Missouri Science & Technology Policy Fellows program is the core, inaugural program under the umbrella of the MOST Policy Initiative.
In 2016, MOST Policy Initiative was founded by three Ph.D. students at the University of Missouri – Hallie Thompson, Mike Hendricks, and Rachel Owen. In 2019, MOST hired one of the co-founders, Rachel Owen, to be the full-time Executive Director and later transitioned the organization from the University to a standalone 501(c)(3). Since its founding, MOST has served as a consistent resource for policymakers when developing and voting on legislation that will impact their constituents. MOST’s goal is to support evidence-based decision making for all Missourians by providing accessible scientific research for free and in a way that is easy to understand.
The organization is supported by private philanthropy and individual donations.
Opportunity:
The Executive Director at MOST holds a strategic, public-facing leadership position and also manages the organization’s team, overseeing internal, day-to-day research initiatives and comprehensive deliverables. This leader is responsible for directing operations with effective management of employees while establishing professional relationships with executive agencies, national and regional groups, content experts, and local legislative representatives. The Executive Director is tasked with ensuring the accuracy and soundness, and excellence of all science note request deliverables provided by the MOST team.
MOST strives to ensure outstanding academic services and products. The Executive Director demonstrates a continual commitment to accurate, high-quality content and stakeholder satisfaction through in-depth research results provided by the MOST team.
The Executive Director must demonstrate a dedication to integrity, teamwork, transparent communication, organizational culture, vision, and goals.
Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage research, collaborative reviews, and science notes created by staff.
• Identify, interview, and hire staff. Conduct onboarding/offboarding, performance, and disciplinary actions.
• Establish processes that promote optimal and inclusive culture and teamwork.
• Establish and curate strategic partnerships with community leaders, other state fellowship organizations, media, lawmakers, professional organizations, and scientific societies as appropriate.
• Develop fundraising plans and goals, including identifying individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.
• Develop grant proposals and submit applications for funding; manage grant reporting and program officer meetings.
• Attend and participate in all Board meetings, including Executive Committee, and strategic planning functions.
• Implement improved processes and management methods to increase ROI and workflow optimization while also reducing expenses and costs.
• Fulfill all internal and external financial reporting requirements.
• Follow and enforce organizational standards for deliverables, equity, and ethics.

• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities.
• Strong aptitude in reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrable competency in written communication.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operations metrics.
• Comprehensive understanding of business functions (i.e., Finance, Marketing, HR).
• Strong knowledge of grant writing requirements.
• Knowledge and ability to expertly use all MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of Missouri state government preferred.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, with the desire and drive to grow the organization.

• Minimum of an advanced degree (Master’s, JD, Ph.D., etc.).
• Minimum of two years of academic research experience or similar work experience.
• Minimum of two years management experience or similar work experience.
• Prior full accountability for operational and financial performance experience.
• Grant-writing experience.
• Experience working with and reporting to a board of directors.