Impact Officer- Entrepreneurship
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
The Impact Officer (IO) manages a diverse grant portfolio which has a shared goal of fostering financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity for under-resourced communities in the Kansas City region. The Impact Officer will work collaboratively with other Foundation staff, manage grantmaking and outreach initiatives, and will be expected to build and maintain community relationships relevant to our work. The Impact Officer will be part of a growing team that thrives in an entrepreneurial team culture, characterized by innovation, proactivity and a commitment to high impact, each of which is integral to successfully implementing the Foundation’s relaunched grantmaking strategy.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
Candidates for this position must be motivated by the opportunity to advance the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy in a manner that is consistent with its grantmaking philosophy, grounded in proximity to the community, doing hard things, focusing on impact, and creating hope. They must thrive in a fast-paced environment, be comfortable with ambiguity, be team-oriented, and curious, possess strong judgment, and thrive in collaborative environments.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Grantmaking Responsibilities
- Serve as a representative of the Foundation, advancing EMKF’s strategic priorities and grantmaking philosophy, goals, and opportunities.
- In collaboration with members of the Impact and Strategy team, source and evaluate potential grantees and proposals based on strategic fit and organizational capacity.Lead one or more major initiatives that address postsecondary entrepreneurship or workforce strategies based on research and partner engagement.
- Provide clear, concise, and insightful written analysis and recommendations for funding.
- Establish goals, metrics, and payment and reporting schedules for grants in collaboration with prospective grantees.
- Work collaboratively with internal support teams, e.g., grants administration, research, learning and evaluation, legal, or strategic communications, in all stages of a grant request from intake to commitment letter.
- Manage and oversee assigned grant portfolio, staying attuned to challenges in the field, grantees' needs, learnings, and opportunities for further impact through:
- Regular conversations, meetings, and/or site visits,
- Formal reporting on metrics, spending and learnings, and
- Ongoing calibration meetings with Impact and Strategy team members and other EMKF associates.
- Prepare requested data and updates for board reports.
- Upon grant closure, provide clear and insightful written analysis of strategic and operational learnings to inform future grant-making.
General Position Responsibilities
- Stay abreast of topic areas associated with your grantmaking portfolio, including trends, barriers, and areas for exploration. May be asked to provide leadership on a specific subject, while developing expertise on a broad range of issues.
- Build key partnerships, acting as a catalyst, colleague, and advocate who is dedicated to educating groups on Kauffman Foundation initiatives and engagement.
- Perform or assist with research or landscape analysis to determine potential funding opportunities that are in alignment with the strategic goals of the department.
- Identify and support work regarding emerging trends and improvement initiatives.
- Represent the Foundation at local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and events.
- Advance the vision and mission of the Foundation.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, business, liberal arts, or a related area of study preferred or equivalent years of experience. Work Experience: At least three years’ work experience in a field aligned to the Foundation’s strategic priorities. Grantmaking experience preferred.
Travel: This position may require occasional business travel.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Has a passion for advancing equitable and transformative solutions for communities served by the Foundation.
- Recognized as an expert in the field of postsecondary, entrepreneurship, or workforce development internally and externally, with a reputation for thought leadership and contributions to the professional community.
- Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
- Demonstrated success building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, leveraging existing relationships to facilitate grantmaking that reflects and connects to our strategic direction.
- Posesses an adequate understanding of organizational and leadership dynamics to identify grantee capacity for success and potential risks.
- Has strong judgment, humility, and can build trust and navigate difficult conversations thoughtfully.
- Is committed to ongoing reflection, learning, and growing.
- Analyzes and understands financial information, e.g., budgets, forecasts, cash flow statements, and income statements.
- Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
- 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, by prioritizing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in culture and strategic work.
- Possesses computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, Slack and social media.
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 Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Job Type: Full Time
