Executive Director - Serve the World

Serve the World (STW) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by addressing student homelessness across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Through strong partnerships with local school districts and community organizations, STW provides long-term, holistic support to students and families experiencing housing instability. We’re seeking an Executive Director to lead strategy and operations, deepen district and community partnerships, and expand programs.

STW operates its core IMPACT program in partnership with the Center and Raytown School Districts, delivering strength-based case management and coordinated services that address barriers to stability, including housing, employment, transportation, and mental health. In collaboration with community partners, STW also ensures access to essential support and engages families through year-round programs and events.

The Executive Director will drive STW’s next phase of growth—expanding into new school districts, strengthening strategic partnerships, and building a strong and sustainable donor base to support and scale impact for families. This is an exciting opportunity to lead with purpose and create lasting, positive changes in the lives of students and their families.

Responsibilities:

• Lead fundraising strategy and execution, including grants, individual giving, corporate support, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead grant strategy, including identifying opportunities, supporting proposal development, and ensuring compliance and reporting requirements are met.
• Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with donors, funders, and community stakeholders to build a strong and sustainable revenue base.
• Serve as the primary external ambassador, building and sustaining partnerships with school districts, community organizations, faith partners, and funders.
• Lead financial strategy and stewardship, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to support sustainable growth.
• Ensure strong financial oversight, internal controls, and compliance in partnership with the Treasurer and Board.
• Oversee financial systems and reporting, ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent data for decision-making.
• Oversee grant management and restricted funding, ensuring alignment with budgets, reporting requirements, and program outcomes.
• Build and strengthen organizational systems, processes, and infrastructure to support scalability, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Assess and build organizational structure, including operations and program functions, to support growth and long-term sustainability.
• Provide leadership and direction for all long-term strategic and operational planning, programs, and fund development initiatives.
• Oversee program development, delivery, and evaluation across housing stabilization, mentorship, and essential needs support.
• Establish impact goals, track outcomes, and use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Build, lead, and develop a mission-aligned team, strengthening operational capacity while supporting and retaining existing staff.
• Partner with the Board of Directors on governance, strategy, and organizational performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 7–10 years of relevant, progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit of similar size/scope.
• Demonstrated fundraising and donor engagement experience with a track record of resource development. A strong network within the Kansas City funding community is preferred.
• Strong financial management and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and revenue strategy.
• Experience with grant development, grant management, and compliance is preferred.
• Experience building and managing strategic partnerships across sectors (education, nonprofit, corporate, or community-based organizations).
• Exceptional relationship and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders across education, nonprofit, government, faith, and business sectors.
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to manage and develop a high-performing team.
• Experience building or improving organizational systems, processes, or infrastructure to support growth and operational efficiency.
• Ability to use financial and program data to inform strategy, decision-making, and performance management.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to serve as a spokesperson and relationship builder.
• Familiarity with issues related to student and family homelessness and community-based solutions is preferred.
• Passion for the mission and proven ability to serve as a detail-oriented, motivated, and enthusiastic leader.

• Target base salary range is $85K-$95K, commensurate with candidate experience
• Health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work environment with hybrid options
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Phone stipend
• Wellness and employee support benefits, including access to grant-funded wellness resources as available
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunity, based on organizational performance, fundraising results, and available funding